What is Print-On-Demand Distribution?

By BookBaby author Steven Spatz

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes


Excerpted from our 5 Steps to Publishing guide. Download your free PDF copy today.
Print on demand is a game-changer for self-published authors who seek the widest book distribution possible. In fact, I submit that the self-publishing revolution has been powered by two distinct technological advances:
1. eBooks. The digital format first popularized by Amazon’s Kindle is being used by an ever-growing percentage of the reading population.
2. Print On Demand. Print on demand, or POD for short, is exactly what it sounds like: books are printed and shipped directly to readers or retailers on demand (i.e., when an order is placed).

Table of Contents: • Print on demand changed the publishing landscape • Get your print books put into POD distribution • What are the advantages of print on demand? • How to pick your print-on-demand program • BookShop’s advantages • There are even more benefits of selling direct to reader • Get 5 Steps To Self-Publishing today

Digital technology allows self-published authors to sell printed books via online bookstores worldwide without upfront printing costs or inventory burdens. As technology has advanced, it has eliminated the need for large, offset print runs, allowing millions of indie authors to produce their work in print at a fraction of the cost.
Print on demand changed the publishing landscape
While the eBook was a true innovation and lowered the barrier to entry into the publishing marketplace, print on demand is the real game-changer for self-published authors. Readers prefer printed books, and print on demand has put millions of independent books in the hands of readers.
For the first time since Gutenberg invented the movable-type printing press, indie authors can turn their work into a premium book without spending an exorbitant amount of time or money.
Get your print books put into POD distribution
It’s basically a two-step process to get your manuscript into the hands of readers via POD distribution.
1. Your book files need to be prepared in a print-ready format. This is usually a formatted PDF, not a Word document or eBook. To make sure your book files are prepared to your specifications, it’s always best to have copies printed — we recommend printing at least 25 copies so that the printing machines can be optimized and fine-tuned for producing your books on demand in the future. Plus, you’re going to need these physical copies for use at signings, local bookstores, and all your other sales and promotion endeavors.
2. You’ll need to reach the market via a capable print-on-demand distributor. BookBaby offers the most extensive POD distribution program in the industry.
What are the advantages of print on demand?
The benefits of print on demand are numerous — and critical to the literary careers of self-published authors around the world.
1. No costly inventory needed. Before POD, huge offset printing presses had to print hundreds (or thousands) of copies in order to make printing cost-effective. That put a heavy financial burden on indie writers who didn’t have the support of a traditional publishing company to cover the costs.
2. Leave the shipping to the pros. Indie authors who choose POD don’t have to cope with issues of storage and fulfillment to the online retailers’ warehouses. Retailers have limited space, both for display and storage, so they don’t accept excess inventory unless a title is a best-seller.
3. Direct shipment to the readers. Your books can be shipped directly to the buyer, eliminating additional costs associated with the traditional publishing model. Print on demand allows authors to manage their marketing and sales themselves and sell their books online for just a fraction of the financial investment required a few decades ago.
With its ability to cut costs, eliminate storage issues, and provide easy online availability, print-on-demand technology has opened up the publishing world to a whole new population of passionate writers ready to share their stories!
How to pick your print-on-demand program
Not all print-on-demand programs are equal. When choosing a POD distributor, do your homework and get answers to these questions:

Do they offer a wide range of retail stores in their distribution network?
Do they offer sales for your book’s trim size?
Do they offer print-on-demand for hardcover books?
What are the royalties for print-on-demand book sales?

That last point is an important issue for all self-published authors. In most print-on-demand programs, royalties for print-on-demand books purchased through sites like Amazon are relatively low, usually between 5–12 percent of the selling price. Many self-published authors justify the lower payouts by focusing on the convenience of having printed books available to their readers with minimal up-front investment.
BookBaby offers a more lucrative option with its print-on-demand program. In addition to offering print-on-demand distribution through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and dozens more stores, BookBaby authors can direct readers to buy books on their own Bookshop pages and earn much higher royalties.
BookShop’s advantages
1. You get paid more — a lot more. BookBaby’s Bookshop pays authors a 50 percent royalty on all printed books — including a huge assortment of trim sizes and both softcover and hardcover books — much more than the 8–15 percent earned on Amazon.
Plus, BookBaby authors earn 85 percent in royalties on eBooks sold through their custom Bookshop page. That compares with rates of 30–70 percent selling through Amazon. And if you’re making audiobooks , you’ll earn 75 percent royalties on those sales.
2. You get paid fast. Amazon and other retailers hold onto your royalties for 90 to 120 days. When you sell at BookShop, BookBaby credits your account typically 7 to 10 days after your reader buys your eBook or POD title.
3. Your printed book never goes out of stock. The biggest challenge with most POD programs is that Amazon, B&N, and other retailers must have your book on hand in their gigantic warehouse system in order to show the book “in stock” on their websites. That’s never a problem with Bookshop. Your printed title is available 24/7/365 because your readers are buying DIRECT from the printer!
There are even more benefits of selling direct to reader

Selling direct enables the author a way to learn more about their customers and create a rich and meaningful relationship. You can share your story to help readers know you better and encourage them to be ready to support your writing efforts.
Controlling your own sales channel allows authors to build a strong database that can be enhanced through strategic email messaging.
Going direct makes for a more intimate relationship with customers, many of whom are now actively looking to buy directly from artists, wanting to support creativity on a personal level rather than through a global conglomerate. In many ways, it’s akin to similar movements like farm-to-table, with artisans and craftspeople establishing a localized, hand-to-hand economy.

Get 5 Steps To Self-Publishing today
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Related Posts The Ultimate Guide to Book Sizes Choosing Your Book’s Trim Size Print On Demand Made The Self-Publishing Revolution Possible Paperback vs. Hardcover Books: Which Is Right For You? Audiobooks For Independent Authors Are Here! This BookBaby blog article What is Print-On-Demand Distribution? appeared first on and was stolen from BookBaby Blog .