11 questions to ask before you pay a publisher a cent

A printable due-diligence checklist for any paid publishing offer — the questions that separate a legitimate hybrid from a vanity press dressed up as one.

Updated 2026-06-09 · Glass Elevator · Every claim below links to its source.

Whether a publisher is a legitimate hybrid or a vanity press dressed up as one, the same eleven questions will tell you. Send them by email (so you have the answers in writing) before you get on a sales call — and treat evasion, pressure, or “it depends” as answers in themselves.

  1. What exactly does the fee cover — itemized, in writing?A real hybrid gives you a clear breakdown. 'It depends' or 'let's get you on a call' is a stall.
  2. Do I keep my copyright, and how do I get my rights back?You should retain copyright, with clear, low-cost reversion terms. Watch for rights that are hard or expensive to recover.
  3. Is there real trade distribution to bookstores and libraries?'Available to order on Amazon' is not distribution. Ask which distributor (e.g. Simon & Schuster, Ingram) and whether stores can stock it.
  4. What royalty do I earn — on net or retail — and what's that per copy?Make them show the actual dollars per book at a real price. Vague percentages hide tiny payouts.
  5. How selective are you? What's your acceptance rate?A legitimate hybrid rejects manuscripts. 'We accept most submissions we believe in' usually means everyone who pays.
  6. Who edits and designs the books — can I see five recent titles?Look at real books. Template covers and unedited text are the tell.
  7. What's the all-in cost, including every upsell you'll offer later?Predatory operators quote a low entry price, then push marketing, film pitches, and book-fair packages that rarely sell copies.
  8. What's your ALLi rating, and are you listed on Writer Beware?A reputable company won't flinch at the question. Check it yourself, too.
  9. Can I speak with three of your authors from the last year?Then actually call them — ask about royalties paid, sales, and whether they'd do it again.
  10. Can I have the full contract to review with a lawyer, with no deadline pressure?Any refusal, or 'this price is only good today,' is a reason to walk away.
  11. What happens if I'm unhappy — what are the exit and termination terms?Know how you get out, get your files, and reclaim rights before you ever get in.
Rule of thumb: a reputable publisher answers all eleven plainly and in writing, with no rush. The moment you feel pressured to decide today, slow down — that pressure is the most reliable warning sign there is.

Already have a company in mind? Look it up in our sourced directory for its IBPA checklist and watchdog status, and read how to spot a publishing scam for the documented cases behind these questions.

Keep reading

  • What is hybrid publishing? — Hybrid publishing sits between traditional and self-publishing — you pay toward production, but a real hybrid vets, distributes, and pays higher royalties. Here's how it actually works, with examples.
  • Hybrid vs. vanity press — Both ask you to pay. The difference is what you get — and whether the company is selective. Here are the tells, with named examples on both sides.
  • The IBPA 11 criteria — The publishing industry's own 11-point definition of a legitimate hybrid publisher — what each criterion means, and why most 'hybrids' fail it.