Testimonials

“It has been encouraging to work with Anna and Louis. They represent for me an ideal in publishing – namely, a readiness to birth ideas and to take risks in doing so. I found them professional, fair, honourable and generous.”
– Shimon Cowen, author of The Rediscovery of the Human: Psychological writings of Viktor E. Frankl on the human in the image of the divine

“Louis de Vries and Anna Blay of the nimble, Melbourne-based publisher Hybrid couldn’t have been more helpful in editing, producing, and releasing my recent memoir Fifty Years Sober: An Alcoholic’s Journey. It was a delight to work with them both.
Louis & Anna have also published the last four of my fictions, which feature the adventures of Dr Professor Grafton Everest. These Grafton Everest novels are So Far, So Good (co-authored with Antony Funnell of ABC Radio National fame) and Going Out Backwards, The Dizzying Heights, and The Lowest Depths (all co-authored with Ian McFadyen of Comedy Company fame).
The truth is that the interventions of Louis in particular, substantially improved all four fictions. It is a pleasure working with Louis & Anna. Indeed, the whole process of working with Hybrid Publishers I would grade as 10 out of 10.”
– Ross Fitzgerald AM is Emeritus Professor of History and Politics at Griffith University. Professor Fitzgerald has authored or co-authored 43 books.

“Professionalism is not the job you do, it’s how you do the job and that sums up Hybrid Publishing. I am not a Hemingway, Dan Brown or Anthony Horowitz, and because of a damaged past, with a personality that doesn’t easily lend itself to cooperation, but it was with the uttermost pleasure, two pairs of steady, compassionate, wise and masterly hands published two of my books. And hopefully a third being written, a fiction about the rise of Australia’s first Indigenous Prime Minister.  Louis de Vries massaged contractual matters with clearness and respect, and Anna Rosner Blay as editor took my fears and doubts and moulded them through her extraordinary patience, expertise, literary smarts, and astonishing attention to detail, into readable works. My admiration of them knows no bounds. If you’re a first time author, or more accomplished, Hybrid Publishing is the wagon to hook your star. Got a manuscript? Hybrid is your first choice for a publishing home, with Louis and Anna waiting to warmly welcome another writer in from the publishing cold. If you want to be the best, use the best: Hybrid Publishers.”
– Neil H. Atkinson, author of  The Last Wild West: A saga of Northern Territory cattle stations, racial violence, wild horses and the supernatural; Along Came a Spider: Child abuse survivors’ stories of their journey from trauma to triumph

“In Chinese tradition, struggling artists dream of meeting their ‘Bo Le’, a legendary figure who could recognise the merit in artists and allow them to shine. Louis and Anna are truly my Bo Le. I’m grateful for their unstinting support to my writing.
Anna’s meticulous pursuit of the most obscure references is a marvel. She is an exemplary editor.”
–Vivian Bi, author of Bright Swallow and Dragon’s Gate

“Anna and Louis Blay have been the best of publishers. Louis has negotiated contractual matters with transparency and respect, and Anna as editor has given expertise and extraordinary attention to detail, taking my manuscripts to the next level of professionalism. Together, they believed in and have promoted my books. I recommend them with the highest degree of appreciation.It was a wonderful surprise to see a load of books delivered. Not any book but one that I had written and that you have made into a reality.
It is beautifully presented in every aspect: the writing, the cover and the placement of the photos all come together with a thematic unity. I expect that much of this is because of the skill, insight, patient hard work, and professionalism of Anna. Wherever, the credit may lie, and I am sure it is shared, I do want to thank you both very, very much for enabling a long held dream to become an extraordinary thing – a book.”
– Kerry Dillon, author of The Chronicle of a Young Lawyer: A legal journey in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea

“I have recently had the pleasure of seeing my eleventh poetry collection come to fruition under the steady hand of Hybrid Publishers. My experience with the press was one of friendly and flawless professionalism, and Louis and Anna made me feel as though I was the only writer on their books. Ideas regarding layout and design were exchanged and resolved with deliberation and care, and contact – either by email or phone – was always germane and warm. I am thoroughly delighted with warlines, and can recommend Hybrid Publishers as the accomplished, attentive and diverse press that it is.”
– Jordie Albiston; author of Warlines

“There are two singular rewarding experiences about being published by Hybrid Publishers. First, Hybrid responds quickly and personally to the submission of a manuscript. Second, Hybrid’s principal editor, Anna Blay, mediates and guides the writer, with all the resources and experiences of an award-winning author. Anna provides editing of the highest quality so that the story/novel achieves fresh momentum and meaning. Anna Blay understands the writer’s craft. She knows what is necessary to turn something ordinary into a manuscript which readers will appreciate and enjoy and which, given Anna’s editing, could become part of the central canon of 21^st century Australian writing.”
– Roger Rees; author of No Turning Back

“I wish I’d discovered Hybrid Publishers sooner … Louis de Vries and Anna Blay love being midwives to good books. Anna was always responsive, courteous and helpful, and I always felt I was in good hands.”
– Diana Blackwood, author of Chaconne

“Hybrid Publishers brought out my second poetry book, The Sly Night Creatures of Desire, last year, and I couldn’t have asked for a nicer experience. When the book arrived in my hands, I felt as if I had collaborated with some very lovely people to produce a beautiful work of art. I am a relative novice at the business of being a published writer, and had been exposed to so many stories of imperious editing, lengthy delays, and inferior artwork and print quality, that I was rather dreading the process. But right from the beginning, Anna and Louis were positive, honest, and helpful, and I was thrilled with the artwork and production quality. Hybrid Publishers can be rightly proud of making a generous contribution to the challengingly small world of Australian poetry.
– Debi Hamilton, author of The Sly Night Creatures of Desire

“My first book, Trickle-down Censorship, was picked up by Hybrid last year, and I’m so glad it was. Anna and Louis are first and foremost book lovers — and not just of how a book reads, but how it looks and feels, too. Anna is an author herself and understands the sort of delicate, precious creatures we writers are. Her editorial guidance was collaborative and she didn’t suggest I change terribly much which is really more editorial freedom a first-time author could have possibly hoped for. Anna and Louis were simply a pleasure to work with from start to finish.”
– JFK Miller, author of Trickle-down Censorship

“My work with Hybrid Publishers has been a joy in many ways. I have worked with a number of book publishers in the past twenty-five years. Very few, if any have been as efficient and courteous as the Hybrid staff. The editing was careful, concise and thoughtful. The editor and the director were also a delight to work with and I hope that I can repeat my time with them again in the future. Hybrid’s books form an interesting and valuable small contribution to the Australian book market, that is dominated by overseas publishers.”
– Paul Kraus, author of Poetic Medicine: Touching our innermost being

“The sheer professionalism of Hybrid Publishers is the best argument I know against self publishing if you are a would-be author. From our first meeting it was made clear what Louis and Anna would do for me and what they expected of me. After experienced advice on content, sharp editing and painstaking proof reading, the finished product which was Bitten By An Elephant, made me feel proud.”
– Gordon Lewis, author of Bitten by an Elephant

“In publishing three highly successful titles with Hybrid Publishers, I have found Louis and the small but focused team dedicated to the task of putting out the best possible books, responsive to my feedback, and proactive in seeking solutions to issues. Publishing requires more than literary skills and judgment – good organisation, competence, attention to detail, and personal attention are critical – and all in abundance from this team. I would highly recommend them.”
– Matthew Michalewicz, author of the Hybrid Publishers titles Winning Credibility, Life in Half a Second and Puzzle-based Learning

“Having recently published a book with Hybrid Publishers, it is a pleasure to be able to commend this company to other prospective authors. I have published a considerable number of books, but never have I enjoyed a more congenial, expert, encouraging and peer-styled arrangement than the one I have experienced on this occasion. This small but vibrant publishing house understands the realities of the contemporary marketplace but does not cut corners on quality. Decisions concerning editing, design, publicity and other matters are made in a flexible and consultative way and designed to ensure that a given book will be the best it can be. I would gladly publish with Hybrid Publishers again if the occasion were to arise.”
– Richard Freadman, author of Stepladder to Hindsight

“My experience as an author with this company was (and continues to be) positive and satisfying. Hybrid Publishers take pride in the care and detailed attention they devote to the quality of the books they commit to. Their warmth, openness and integrity, personal and professional, make them a pleasure to work with.”
– Alex Skovron, author of The Poet and Autographs

“Working with Hybrid Publishers I could not have found better business partners, they were sensitive and patient in their handling of the publication process, especially when I needed to get approval from tribal elders regarding the publication of sensitive stories and imagery. When a renowned production company wanted to buy the film rights, their ethical integrity really came to the fore. Many other publishers, smelling possibility of fame and profits, would have sold the film rights from under me, as was their legal and commercial right.  But Anna and Louis were different, with them ethical integrity and cultural sensitively came first.  I cannot recommend them highly enough.”
– Andrew Stojanovski, author of Dog Ear Cafe

“In the event, with her characteristic tact and her meticulous attention to detail, Anna improved My Father’s Compass … It remains my favourite book. It sold out, was widely reviewed and went into reprint. I had fun. I knew my publisher, I knew my editor, we found we worked together well and easily. At Hybrid I was a person who wrote books. My books were not ‘product’ but works of personal creation. I was respected.”
– Howard Goldenberg, author of My Father’s Compass, Raft, and Carrots and Jaffas

“My decision to work with Hybrid Publishers in the publication of my book came down to one word: trust. When you hand over your ‘baby’ into someone else’s care, you want to know that it will be nurtured and protected as though it were their own – and that was how it was with Hybrid Publishers. I always felt that my book was in caring hands and that they worked with me to achieve the best possible product for us both … Hybrid was always encouraging of my efforts and at times gave helpful suggestions and leads. All negotiations between us were open, straightforward and very professional.”
– Jane Mundy, author of In My Father’s House

“For many years the Australian Jewish Historical Society Vic Inc has published an important journal for its members, who are inboth Australia and overseas. A number of publishers were used in the early years, but all were found to be wanting. Then we discovered Hybrid Publishers, and all our problems were resolved! The service is highly professional and the response to our needs is rapid. Hybrid Publishers are always able to suggest solutions to numerous issues involved in the production of a professional publication. They do so willingly, on time, effectively and at an inclusive cost that is fair, reasonable and affordable – particularly important as we are a small not-for-profit society.”
– Howard Freeman, President AJHS Vic Inc

“I was impressed by Louis’ obvious love for the written word. I still recall him saying that their job was to help me produce the best book that it could possibly be. I sincerely believe that that is exactly what happened. The team at Hybrid were exceptional with helping me transform an unprofessional manuscript into a tight, finished work. This was done over a number of months. I found working with Anna and Diane to be a collaborative and enjoyable process.”
– Steven Marcuson, author of The Bunting Quest

“It was a wonderful experience to partner with Hybrid Publishers who were professional, friendly and helpful throughout the process. I would highly recommend them!”
– Dvir Abramovich, author of Flashpoints.

“Hybrid Publishers are unfailingly honest and professional and I have long admired the skills they bring to the art and craft of book publishing. Their eye for book design has always brought out the best in my books. This includes their excellent cover design, their always-secure binding options, their use of acid-free paper to ensure maximum longevity for the published product and their insistence on using the best local printers. So their books look good, feel good and last. Hybrid actually puts time and effort into marketing. Not only do they look for and find space in appropriate print media, but they have also drawn to my attention avenues for public readings of my work as well as noting prizes and awards for which my books may be eligible. Additionally, they employ a professional distributor, who delivers books to the bookshops most likely to sell my books. They made sure I was aware of deadlines associated with potential earnings from PLR and ELR. Hybrid is my idea of the ideal book publisher: big enough to be at the cutting edge of the latest publishing technologies, but small enough to still be interested in the books they produce and how they, and their authors, contribute to the conversation that is contemporary Australian culture.”
–Timoshenko Aslanides, author of Letterature, Stop Words, Temperament and Versatility

“My experience with Hybrid Publishers on my memoir was entirely positive.  They did an excellent job of producing the book and seemed to be efficient at getting it into the bookstores.”
– Sue Miliken, author of Selective Memory

“Hybrid publishers have given this first-time author a very positive experience in both the preparation of my manuscript for publication and the production of my book. Anna used her meticulous editing skills to identify inconsistencies and weaknesses in my manuscript, resulting in a much improved narrative. She consulted me constantly about the layout, use of text on the covers and the author bio. I also appreciated the opportunity to have input into the cover design and appearance. Anna and Louis consulted me at every stage of the design process and when my book finally arrived, I was delighted with the result. It looks rich and inviting, and the book itself has been properly bound and sewn, so it is beautiful to see and handle. Through their distributor, Dennis Jones, my book is available for purchase online worldwide. It has also been published in large print format, an initiative from Hybrid Publishers. I would commend them to any author seeking a publisher who is committed to publishing fine books with passion, skill and integrity.”
– Vivien Achia, author of Marrying Italian

“I have published two books with Hybrid Publishers and in both instances they were a joy to work with. They are very professional in every aspect of the publishing process and also create books that look beautiful and feel good. They produce effective cover designs and are very flexible in meeting author’s requests. I would be very happy to publish with them again and can recommend them highly to any prospective author.”
– Suzanne D. Rutland, co-editor of Jews of the Outback and co-author of Let My People Go, and author of Lone Voice: The Wars of Isi Leibler