Thoughts on Manhattan Book Group? A Review of the Hybrid Publisher

Writers and Authors
4 min readMar 12, 2024

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Manhattan Book Group is a hybrid book publishing company based in New York City, founded in 2018 by J.J. Hebert, a USA Today bestselling author. The company has gained recognition for its innovative approach to publishing, combining aspects of traditional and self-publishing models.

One of the standout features of Manhattan Book Group’s Author Program is the guarantee of Amazon bestseller status and media coverage for accepted manuscripts. This promise has garnered both attention and controversy within the publishing industry and online forums. While some have questioned the validity of such guarantees, the company’s selectivity and marketing strategies allow them to deliver on these claims.

The Author Program includes professional book design and editing services, ensuring that accepted manuscripts receive the highest quality production. This attention to detail is crucial in today’s competitive publishing landscape, where well-designed and polished books stand out from the crowd.

J.J. Hebert, the founder and CEO of Manhattan Book Group, has leveraged his own success as a bestselling author to develop the Author Program. His expertise and understanding of the publishing industry have been instrumental in shaping the company’s unique approach.

Book Design and Professional Editing

One of the key components of the Author Program is the emphasis on professional book design and editing. Manhattan Book Group recognizes the importance of presenting a polished and visually appealing product to readers. Their team of experienced designers and editors work closely with authors to ensure that each book meets the highest standards of quality.

The book design process involves creating a captivating cover that accurately represents the content and genre of the book. Additionally, the interior layout and typography are carefully crafted to enhance readability and overall aesthetic appeal.

Professional editing is another crucial aspect of the Author Program. Manhattan Book Group’s editors work diligently to refine and polish the manuscript, ensuring that the writing is clear, concise, and free of errors. This attention to detail not only enhances the reading experience but also adds credibility to the author’s work.

Amazon Bestseller Status and Media Coverage

The guarantee of Amazon bestseller status and media coverage has been a point of contention for some online forums and critics. However, Manhattan Book Group’s selective approach and robust marketing strategies allow them to deliver on these promises.

By carefully vetting and accepting only a limited number of manuscripts, the company can allocate significant resources to promoting and marketing each book. This includes aggressive online advertising campaigns and strategic placement on major news outlets such as NBC, CBS, and Fox.

The promise of Amazon bestseller status is achieved through targeted marketing efforts and leveraging the company’s expertise in navigating the platform’s algorithms. By driving a surge of sales within a specific timeframe, Manhattan Book Group can propel accepted books to the top of Amazon’s bestseller lists. This is achieved through legit email marketing, PPC, and social media campaigns.

Positive Manhattan Book Group Reviews

Manhattan Book Group has received a variety of reviews and coverage that highlight its unique approach to hybrid publishing and the success it has brought to its authors. The company has been featured in prominent publications and media outlets, including USA Today, LA Weekly, and Los Angeles Magazine, among others.

USA Today has recognized Manhattan Book Group as a transformative force in the book publishing industry, led by J.J. Hebert. The publication has called Manhattan Book Group the “top independent book publisher in New York City,” acknowledging its innovative hybrid publishing model that offers authors creative control, higher royalty rates, and professional publishing services.

Authors who have worked with Manhattan Book Group have shared their positive experiences, noting the company’s dedication to their book’s success. Reviews on Trustindex.io reflect authors’ satisfaction with the services provided by Manhattan Book Group, including the quality of book design, editing, and the supportive nature of the team. Authors have praised the company for its no-nonsense attitude and for being a valuable partner in the publishing process.

Controversy and Criticism

While the guarantees offered by Manhattan Book Group have garnered plenty of positive attention, including the likes of USA Today, the company has also faced criticism from some online forums and skeptics. Those same skeptics on Reddit, for instance, claim that hybrid publishing doesn’t exist and that one should never pay for publishing. Of course, those assertions are false. Hybrid publishing is a viable and respectable publishing option in 2024. Many new and established authors choose hybrid publishing over self-publishing or traditional publishing for various reasons. And hybrid publishers do, in fact, charge for their professional services. Paying for professional publishing assistance doesn’t make a publication any less legitimate or notable.

It’s important to also note that Manhattan Book Group’s selectivity and commitment to quality publishing practices set them apart from predatory or unethical book publishing companies. Their focus on delivering tangible results and maintaining transparency with authors has earned them praise from industry professionals and satisfied clients.

Conclusion

Manhattan Book Group’s innovative approach to hybrid publishing has disrupted the traditional publishing landscape. By combining the best aspects of traditional and self-publishing models, and offering guarantees of Amazon bestseller status and media coverage, the company has carved out a unique niche in the industry.

With a strong emphasis on professional book design, editing, and marketing, Manhattan Book Group provides authors with a comprehensive publishing solution. While the company’s guarantees have sparked controversy, their track record and commitment to quality publishing practices have earned them recognition as a reputable and viable option for authors seeking to navigate the ever-evolving publishing landscape.

As the publishing industry continues to evolve, companies like Manhattan Book Group are paving the way for new and innovative approaches that empower authors and deliver high-quality books to readers worldwide.

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Writers and Authors
Writers and Authors

Written by Writers and Authors

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