Independent Book Publishers Association Hybrid Publisher Criteria:
The 11 standards refer to the IBPA Hybrid Publisher Criteria, established by the Independent Book Publishers Association.
These requirements ensure that a company calling itself a "hybrid publisher" functions as a true, professional publishing house rather than just a standalone self-publishing service provider. To meet IBPA standards, a hybrid publisher must fulfill all 11 criteria:
Define a mission and vision for its publishing program.
Vet submissions instead of accepting every author who pays.
Commit to truth and transparency in all business practices.
Provide a negotiable, easy-to-understand contract for each book published.
Publish under its own imprint(s) and ISBNs.
Publish to industry standards by following professional book publishing rules.
Ensure editorial, design, and production quality
Pursue and manage a range of publishing rights (such as subsidiary, audio, or foreign rights).
Provide distribution services through established wholesale and retail networks.
Demonstrating respectable sales for their specific genre or niche market.
Pay authors a higher-than-standard royalty on sales proceeds to reflect the author's initial financial investment.