Olympia Publishers Review – What Do Authors Need to Know?

Many aspiring authors find themselves facing the daunting task of getting their manuscript published, and with numerous companies offering different services, the decision can feel overwhelming.

For those considering Olympia Publishers, it’s important to understand both what they offer and whether their model fits your publishing goals.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Olympia Publishers, breaking down their services and weighing the pros and cons to help you make an informed choice.

What is Olympia Publishers?

Olympia Publishers is an independent publishing house with a global presence, having offices in London, Los Angeles, and Mumbai.

The company operates primarily under a hybrid publishing model, which means they offer a combination of traditional publishing and services requiring financial contributions from authors.

For those selected under their traditional model, Olympia covers all production and marketing costs, while the hybrid model requires authors to contribute to production costs but with promises of marketing support.

Founded with the aim of giving a platform to new and established authors across a range of genres, Olympia Publishers has built a reputation for accepting manuscripts in fiction and non-fiction alike.

Their genres range from children’s books to thrillers, memoirs, and biographies, allowing them to appeal to a wide variety of authors looking for a publisher that accepts unsolicited submissions.

What does Olympia Publishers offer?

Olympia Publishers provides a variety of services aimed at getting your manuscript from draft to published work.

However, as we dive deeper, some aspects of these services might raise questions for authors seeking the best fit for their publishing journey.

• Submission and Editorial Review: Olympia promises a comprehensive review process, but it can take up to six weeks before you hear back. While the company offers feedback on all submissions, the lengthy wait and lack of clarity on what qualifies a manuscript for their traditional contract might leave some authors uncertain about their chances.
• Cover Design: Their process includes working with authors on cover ideas before finalizing designs with their in-house team. However, for authors hoping for more creative control or faster timelines, this can feel restrictive, especially if you’re contributing financially under the hybrid model.
• Proofreading and Revisions: Olympia emphasizes the importance of thorough proofreading and revisions before publication. While they promise to handle the details, the back-and-forth review process can be time-consuming, stretching over months—a factor that may cause frustration for authors looking to release their work more quickly.
• Marketing Support: Marketing is where many hybrid publishers fall short. Olympia does offer publicist support, press releases, and digital promotional materials, but much of the success still depends on the author’s own involvement. For an author paying out of pocket, this level of self-reliance may feel underwhelming given the investment.

These services may sound appealing on the surface, but it’s important to consider if they align with your expectations.

The hybrid model, in particular, can leave authors wondering if their financial contribution is truly providing value beyond what they could achieve through self-publishing platforms.

Pros and Cons of Olympia Publishers

While Olympia Publishers offers various services designed to help authors bring their books to market, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

Here’s a closer look at what they do well and where they may fall short.

Pros:

1. Global Reach: Olympia has offices in multiple locations, which gives your book the potential for exposure in different markets. However, just because they operate globally doesn’t mean all authors will benefit from this reach.
2. Hybrid Publishing Option: They offer a hybrid publishing model that can provide access to traditional publishing services. That said, many authors are asked to contribute financially, which makes this benefit less appealing if you’re expecting full financial backing.
3. Accepts Unsolicited Submissions: Olympia does not require you to have an agent to submit your manuscript. However, being open to unsolicited manuscripts also means competition is high, and acceptance is far from guaranteed.

Cons:

1. Financial Contribution Required: Many authors are asked to pay a significant portion of the production costs, which raises concerns about whether this investment truly offers value.
2. Lengthy Review Process: The review process can take up to six weeks, potentially leaving authors waiting with little clarity on their manuscript’s future.
3. Limited Creative Control: While they offer cover design services, the level of control over the final design can be less than some authors expect, especially for those contributing financially.
4. Heavy Reliance on Authors for Marketing: Even though Olympia provides marketing materials, the onus is on the author to drive the success of their book—a less-than-ideal situation for those looking for full-service support.
5. Mixed Author Feedback: Online reviews of Olympia Publishers are mixed, with some authors questioning the effectiveness of their services and the value of the hybrid model.

Alternatives to Olympia Publishers

Choosing the right publishing service can significantly impact the success of your book.

If Olympia Publishers doesn’t seem like the perfect fit, there are several traditional publishing services to consider. Each of these comes with its own strengths and potential drawbacks.

1. Penguin Random House 
   
   As one of the largest traditional publishing houses, Penguin Random House offers unparalleled distribution, marketing, and editorial expertise. However, they only accept submissions through literary agents, which can be a hurdle for many aspiring authors.
   
2. HarperCollins 
   
   HarperCollins provides authors with access to a well-established global network and a highly professional editorial process. That said, their selective submission process means it’s challenging for new authors to break through without the backing of a literary agent.
   
3. Hachette Book Group 
   
   Known for its high-quality production and expansive reach, Hachette works primarily with established authors and agents. While their reputation is stellar, new authors may find it difficult to secure a contract without a significant track record.
   
4. SelfPublishing.com 
   
   For authors who want more control and transparency over the publishing process, selfpublishing.com provides a full range of services without the financial burden of a hybrid contract. You get to maintain your creative control, all while benefiting from professional editing, design, and marketing support. Additionally, with a more transparent pricing structure, selfpublishing.com allows authors to know exactly what they’re paying for, and there’s no need to worry about being locked into costly agreements with uncertain outcomes.

Why Authors Should Consider SelfPublishing.com Instead of Olympia Publishers

While Olympia Publishers offers a range of services for authors, selfpublishing.com might be the better option for those seeking a more transparent, flexible, and cost-effective path to publication.

Here are five key reasons why selfpublishing.com stands out as an excellent alternative:

1. Full Creative Control: Unlike hybrid publishers, selfpublishing.com allows authors to maintain complete control over every aspect of their book, from cover design to marketing decisions. This ensures that your vision remains intact throughout the process.
   
2. No Hidden Costs: With selfpublishing.com, you get a clear breakdown of costs upfront, so there are no surprises or additional fees after the process begins. In contrast, hybrid models often require unexpected financial contributions that can strain your budget.
   
3. Faster Turnaround Times: Selfpublishing.com offers quicker production timelines, allowing you to see your book in print much sooner. This is particularly appealing for authors who want to avoid long editorial and publication delays common with traditional and hybrid publishers.
   
4. Professional Support: Despite being a self-publishing platform, selfpublishing.com provides access to top-tier editing, design, and marketing services, rivaling those of traditional publishers but without the hefty price tag or contractual obligations.
   
5. Better Royalties: Selfpublishing.com offers higher royalty percentages, allowing authors to earn more from their book sales. Unlike many hybrid publishers, where the publisher retains a significant portion of royalties, selfpublishing.com ensures you retain the majority of your earnings.

Olympia Publishers Review – Final Thoughts

When choosing a publisher, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Olympia Publishers provides a hybrid publishing option with a range of services, but the financial commitment, long timelines, and limited creative control may leave some authors searching for better alternatives. For those who prioritize transparency, flexibility, and maintaining control over their work, selfpublishing.com offers a compelling solution.

With its focus on clear pricing, professional support, and better royalties, selfpublishing.com stands out as a more author-friendly option for getting your book into the world.