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Why choose print on-demand book publishing?

Authors face one of the greatest challenges: managing their inventory. There may not be enough space to store thousands or hundreds of copies of your book. Shipping is another factor to consider: Do you have the resources and time to ship your books once they are ordered?

There are many things that can happen to authors, including misprints, damage or poor quality printing. These could make your book unsellable.

Self-publishing through Print-on-Demand span style=”font weight: 400 ;”>, allows you to print as many copies as you need, completely bypassing large inventories.

Self-publishing allows you to skip the need to deal with a publisher. You decide when, how and what to publish your books. It is also up to you how to market and sell them.

Self-publishing books with print-on-demand services

There are many print-on-demand options available. So how can you make the right choice? These are the top services that authors use around the globe. Compare and contrast these services to find the one that best suits your needs.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

Amazon’s print on-demand book service allows you to publish and distribute digital books and paperbacks worldwide. Although your book can be listed on Amazon’s Kindle Store for free, you will need to pay a commission for each sale.

Amazon’s KDP service allows you to order proof copies. You can also check for errors before printing to reduce the chance of mistakes. Shipping and print costs will be added to your invoice.

To print spiral-bound notebooks or magazines, you will need another POD service. If digital or paperback books are what your needs are, Amazon’s print services should be able to produce them. It also offers visibility on its marketplaces.

2. BookBaby

BookBaby is a top-rated company in print-on demand books. You can start selling on BookBaby for just $149 if you are a new author. You can also tap into strong networks such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Baker & Taylor. There are thousands of libraries and catalogs around the world that you can access if you are a successful independent author. The plan starts at $399

This is how it works: Your book can be purchased online through these popular book marketplaces. BookBaby prints on demand and ships the book to customers when they place an order.

BookBaby offers many other services such as ebooks, audiobooks and editing services. Your book will usually be available within a few days after you have placed your order.

3. IngramSpark

IngramSpark, a self-publishing service, boasts a print quality comparable to traditional books published by a major publisher. This self-publishing service allows you to create ebooks, print books, or bundles with both. Prices start at $49 for a printed book, $25 for ebooks, and $49 for both.

Similar to BookBaby’s IngramSpark, IngramSpark provides global distribution to thousands upon thousands of libraries and retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple. The platform will allow you to manage and track your sales, as well as receive reporting from one central location.

A calculator is available on the company website to help you predict your profit per book. The calculator considers details such as:

Trim size
Binding type
Laminate type
Color
Page count
List Price

4. Acutrack

Acutrack is known for being one of the fastest on-demand printing services. This is a different model from printing one book at the time. Acutrack will instead print your books and keep them in its own warehouse. Acutrack will then fulfill your orders as soon as you receive them.

One caveat: This service is best for self-published authors. You might consider switching to a print-on-demand classic model that prints as many books as you need, if you are just starting out.

Acutrack can integrate with many platforms including Shopify and Amazon. To create seamless integration between your storefronts and the software, you can use the Acutrack API.

Orders are shipped within 72 hours because books are pre-printed.

5. Blurb

Blurb is a specialist in printing books and art for creatives. Blurb offers a wide range of paper options and allows you to use the Blurb design tools to layout your product. Blurb works with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Lightroom, making it easy to transfer your designs.

Blurb allows you to publish and sell digital copies through Amazon Kindle and Apple Books. Blurb watermarks are included in the books. You can remove this watermark by paying a custom logo fee span>

A small square softcover book starts at $14.99

6. Contrado

Contrado does not offer traditional published books in full-size, but the company deserves an honorable mention. If you are looking for smaller books such as scrapbooks, notebooks and portfolios, Contrado may be the right choice.

Contrado could be the right choice for you if your goal is to design books that customers will buy or personalize. Print on Demand is also available for hundreds of other products. These include clothing, custom fabrics, wallpapers, and accessories such as purses and coasters.

Most products can be printed within one to two business day and shipped within three to five days. International orders are also eligible for this speed. Contrado’s team works quickly!

7. Lulu xPress

Lulu’s book publishing services also include simple book printing. There are many formats and options available for self-publishers. These include color and black-and white, paperback, hardcover and a variety other paper types. Printing books costs $2-3 and shipping is $6-9.

Lulu xPress is compatible with Shopify. This makes it ideal for anyone who wants to build a brand that sells different productsspan styling=”font-weight 400 ;”>. It also offers distribution tools that will help you promote your titles.

It takes between three and five business days for a batch to be produced. Delivery can take up to 28 days.

8. Printify

Printify, another POD service, offers a wide range of products including notebooks and custom journals.

It can be connected to Shopify to allow you to sell books directly from your customers. To increase the book’s reach, you might also consider tagging photos of their pages in Instagram shoppable post to further expand its reach.

Printify typically takes between two and seven business days for book orders to be shipped.

9. Gelato

Gelato, a print-on demand company, has a network of more than 100 printers across over 30 countries. It doesn’t offer traditional printing but you can order photo books, calendars, and softcover or hardcover photo books.

Most orders are shipped within 72 hours. It also offers other print-on demand products like apparel, mugs, and t-shirts if you are looking to grow your brand.

Start your own print-on demand book business

Many authors spend years searching for the right resources to publish their books. You don’t have to be one of these authors.

Digital printing services are available to help you get your work to market faster and with less hassles. Print-on-demand and self-publishing give you the freedom to move as fast as you want.

Do your research, have a plan and a plan before you start the printing process.

FAQ Print on-demand books

What is the cost of printing books on demand?

Prices for printed books vary depending on which provider they are from, and also the quantity and quality of the books. While digital print-on demand books can be listed for as low as $0 you will need to pay additional fees for each sale.

Amazon prints books on demand

Amazon offers paperback printing and digital Kindle books.

Which is the best place to print books on-demand?

Shopify is the best place to print on-demand books. You can choose from a variety of print-on-demand options to help you sell and serve customers.

Shopify allows you to start selling online right away

Get a free trial

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Author: Adeel Qayum

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