Custom Publishing Solutions

Tailored publishing services for organizations, businesses, and unique projects with specialized needs.

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What is Hybrid Publishing?

Hybrid publishing combines the best elements of traditional publishing and self-publishing. At PortableVoices, our hybrid model gives authors creative control while providing professional support throughout the publishing process.

Unlike traditional publishers, we don’t require you to give up your rights or creative control. Unlike self-publishing, you’re not alone in the complex world of book production and distribution.

Our hybrid publishing solutions are tailored for African authors looking for a more balanced approach to publishing their work.

How Hybrid Publishing Works

The Hybrid Publishing Process

A step-by-step guide to publishing your book with our hybrid model 

Manuscript Submission & Evaluation

Submit your manuscript for our team to review. We'll provide feedback and determine if it's a good fit for our hybrid publishing program.

Publishing Agreement

If accepted, we'll provide a clear publishing agreement outlining costs, royalty structures, rights, and responsibilities.

Editorial Development

Your manuscript undergoes professional editing, from developmental editing to copyediting and proofreading.

Design & Production

Professional cover design, interior layout, and formatting for both print and digital formats.

Distribution

Your book will be distributed to major retailers, online platforms, and our local African distribution channels.

Investment & Returns

Understanding the financial aspects of hybrid publishing

Author Investment

As a hybrid publisher, costs are shared. Authors contribute to production costs, but at significantly lower rates than vanity presses. We offer transparent packages starting from KSH 50,000, depending on manuscript length and complexity.

Higher Royalty Rates

In return for your investment, you'll receive higher royalty rates than traditional publishing – typically 40-60% of net proceeds from book sales.

Flexible Payment Options

We offer payment plans to make publishing more accessible. Payments can be made through M-PESA, bank transfer, or other local payment methods.

Transparency Guarantee

We provide clear contracts with no hidden fees. You'll always know exactly what you're paying for and what you can expect in return.

Professional Support

The team and services backing your publishing journey

Editorial Team

Professional editors specializing in various genres will help polish your manuscript.

Design Team

Experienced designers will create compelling covers and professional interior layouts.

Marketing Support

Guidance on book promotion, social media strategy, and launch planning.

Distribution Network

Access to both digital platforms and physical bookstores across Africa.

Self-Publishing Services

Corporate Publishing

For businesses and organizations 

  • Annual reports and corporate publications
  • Training manuals and educational materials
  • Branded content and thought leadership
  • Corporate histories and legacy books
  • Print Distribution
  • Marketing Materials
  • Author Website

Academic Publishing

For educational institutions 

  • Textbooks and curriculum development
  • Research publications and journals
  • Educational audio content
  • Interactive learning materials
  • Author Website

Cultural & Heritage Projects

For preserving cultural content

  • Oral history preservation
  • Cultural documentation projects
  • Language preservation materials
  • Community storytelling initiatives
  • Print Distribution
  • Marketing Materials
  • Author Website

Specialized Publications

For unique publishing needs

  • Coffee table books and art books
  • Recipe books and specialized guides
  • Multi-language publications
  • Limited edition and collector publications
  • Author Website

Need a customized solution? Contact us for a tailored self-publishing package.

Request Custom Quote

Our Custom Publishing Process

Consultation

We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your project goals, target audience, timeline, and specific requirements.

Project Planning

Get the same level of editing, design, and production as traditional publishing.

Content Development

Our team works with you to develop, edit, and refine the content, ensuring it meets your objectives and quality standards.

Design & Production

Your project moves into design and production, with regular reviews and approvals at key milestones.

Distribution & Implementation

We handle the printing, production, and distribution logistics, ensuring your project reaches its intended audience effectively.

African Focus

Work with a publisher who understands African stories, markets, and readers.

Recent Audiobook Productions

WANT TO PRODUCE AN AUDIOBOOK?

Contact us today to discuss how we can help.

Convert your book

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PortableVoices Custom Publishing is a professional service tailored for businesses, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and individuals looking to publish high-quality books or content-based projects with strategic goals in mind. Whether you’re creating a corporate thought-leadership book, an academic manual, or preserving oral histories — we help you bring it to life, in print, audio, or digital format.

We specialize in four key areas:

  • Corporate Publishing – Books, reports, leadership narratives, and branded content for businesses.

  • Academic Publishing – Educational manuals, research texts, learning guides, and open-access resources.

  • Cultural & Heritage Projects – Preservation of oral traditions, folklore, community histories, and heritage documentation.

  • Specialized Publications – Custom formats for unique missions including memoirs, training materials, and multi-format storytelling. 

Custom publishing is a project-based, service-driven solution designed for organizations or individuals with specialized needs. Unlike self-publishing (which is author-led) or hybrid publishing (which supports an individual author’s vision), custom publishing focuses on collaborative content production, guided by your strategic purpose or institutional goals.

We produce content in:

  • Print (hardcover, softcover, workbooks, and reports)

  • Digital (eBooks, PDFs, interactive PDFs)

  • Audio (narrated versions, oral archives, educational podcasts)

  • Multimedia (short-form documentaries, voiceover-animated content for educational or cultural institutions)

We serve a broad range of clients, including:

  • Corporations looking to publish leadership books or branded insights

  • Universities and schools publishing academic manuals and curriculum content

  • NGOs, cultural institutions, and museums preserving heritage through stories or historical records

  • Government bodies needing policy handbooks or civic education materials

You’re involved at every key stage — from content development and editorial review to final approval. We assign a dedicated project manager and creative team to work with your internal team or designated contact to ensure alignment with your brand, objectives, and audience.

Each project is unique, so pricing depends on scope, length, format(s), and level of service. We typically offer:

  • Project-based pricing (starting from KES 150,000 for smaller packages)

  • Retainer-based collaboration for long-term publishing programs
    We provide a detailed quote after understanding your needs during a free consultation.

Timelines vary depending on project size and complexity. On average:

  • A short publication (manual, report, or digital guide): 4–8 weeks

  • A book with print and audiobook versions: 12–16 weeks

  • A cultural documentation project (oral + visual): 3–6 months
    We provide a customized schedule once your project is scoped.

Yes. We offer ghostwriting, content strategy, editorial development, and research support for clients who may only have raw ideas, recorded interviews, or archived data. Our team of writers, editors, and producers works with you to shape and polish the content professionally.

Simple. Fill out our Book Submission Form, and we’ll schedule a free consultation to evaluate your manuscript or book idea. Once approved, we’ll send a custom publishing plan and contract. From there, we work with you step-by-step to bring your book to life.