We are a boutique publishing house that blends the creative freedom of independent publishing with the professional excellence of a traditional press. You retain ownership of your work and your creative voice, while we bring the editorial, design, and production expertise needed to ensure your book meets true publishing standards—on the page and in the marketplace.
We don’t mass-produce books.
We steward them.
Creative Ownership + Editorial Standards
Author ownership never means “anything goes.” It means we honor your unique voice while holding firm to the standard of excellence that defines our house and publishing standard.
Every book we publish receives professional line editing and proofreading as a loving standard—because your message deserves to be received with clarity and impact.
We also uphold publishing standards around story structure, design integrity, and reader experience. This ensures that every book released under our imprints reflects both the author’s heart and the quality of our collective brand.
Fit & Readiness
We’re open to diverse voices, genres, and experiences. What matters most is that each story carries purpose, care, and a message that contributes meaningfully to readers and to the world.
Every manuscript we consider must demonstrate a foundational level of writing craft and clarity. We do not offer developmental editing; however, we do partner with authors who are willing to refine their manuscripts to meet publishing standards.
If a project has heart and potential but needs further shaping, we may recommend author coaching or a manuscript assessment before moving forward. Our goal is never to dismiss a voice, but to ensure every book we release reflects both the author’s vision and professional excellence.
The guiding question we ask with every submission is simple:
Is this project aligned with our publishing standards—and is this author ready (or willing) to become ready to meet them?
How Acceptance Works
We approach every submission with intentionality and care.
- Submission Review: Every manuscript begins with an editorial review to determine readiness and fit for publication.
- Acceptance & Invitation: If your story aligns, you’ll receive a personalized invitation to join the DPPH publishing family.
- Full Editorial Assessment: Once accepted, our team provides a professional assessment to ensure your manuscript is refined and ready for line editing, design, and publication.
- Publishing Partnership: From editing to launch, we walk alongside you through every stage of the journey with transparency and connection.
What We Provide
- Publishing Support & Project Management
- Professional Editorial Team – Line Editing & Proofreading (always included)
- Custom Design – Cover & Interior Layout
- ISBN & Bowker Registration (under DPPH imprints)
- Library of Congress Registration
- Paperback & eBook Publishing
- Global Distribution to 45,000+ retailers, bookstores, and libraries
- Metadata Optimization for discoverability
- Print Proof Review & Quality Assurance
- Core Launch Visibility – social media feature, pre-order links, inclusion in our bookstore/library pitching and outreach
Your investment is more than publishing—it’s partnership for the lifetime of your book.
Royalties & Rights
- You retain full rights to your book.
- Royalties: Authors receive 70% of net royalties, while DPPH retains 30% to sustain operations, outreach, and ongoing author support.
- Imprint & ISBN: All titles are released under DPPH’s official imprints and ISBNs to maintain professional standards and supply-chain integrity.
Our Standards & IBPA Alignment
We operate in alignment with the Independent Book Publishers Association’s Hybrid Publisher Criteria as part of our commitment to professional integrity and transparency—ensuring every title we release upholds excellence in editorial quality, design, distribution, and communication.
A Note for Children’s Books
- DPP Kids (non-picture books): Early readers and chapter books follow our standard publishing model.
- DPP Kids (picture books): Fully illustrated projects are reviewed carefully to ensure artwork meets industry standards for trim, bleed, and layout. We prefer working with our trusted illustrators but will coordinate directly with outside illustrators when authors bring their own. Adjustments may be required to prepare illustrations for print.
Quick FAQs
Are you a hybrid publisher?
We’re a boutique publishing house that aligns with the IBPA’s Hybrid Publisher Criteria. This means we offer the professional standards of a traditional press while allowing authors to maintain ownership and creative freedom.
Will you keep my voice during editing?
Yes. Our editors refine your work for clarity, rhythm, and reader engagement—without altering your message or tone.
What if my manuscript isn’t ready yet?
If your story carries potential but needs refinement, we’ll recommend author coaching or a manuscript assessment to help you prepare for publishing.
Do you publish every submission?
No. We’re intentional and selective, publishing only books that meet professional standards and reflect DPPH’s commitment to quality and purpose.
Hybrid, the DPPH Way
Hybrid publishing, done with integrity, is not a shortcut—it’s a collaboration.
It’s where creative ownership meets professional partnership.
It’s where excellence and empathy coexist.
And it’s where your story is not just published, but honored.