Printing

Print-on-Demand (POD)

This direction provides authors and publishers a more flexible route to keep books in print in worldwide markets without covering the costs of long-term storage, shipping, and distribution. Therefore, books are only printed digitally—usually from a PDF—after an online purchase, and the selected vendor takes care of any packaging and shipping. However, this ease of use comes with a cost as vendors will receive a percent of each book sale. 

Quality needs should also be taken into consideration when selecting this method of printing. POD is better suited for printing more simple hardcover or paperback books with standard page counts, while offset can usually handle more color, effects, paper, and binding options.

Key Takeaways:

• Books are printed digitally once an online order is placed.

• Vendors handle printing and distribution.

• A percentage of each sale is taken by the vendor.

• Limited options may be available for special effects, binding, paper, and color.

• It is usually the cheaper option for small print runs.

Offset Printing

Usually used by major publishers for large print runs (thousands of copies), this commercial printing process consists of transferring ink from metal plates onto sheets of paper that are rolled and fed through a press, which are then cut to size and stitch bound. Since unique plates need to be created for each book, offset printing is generally more expensive and time-consuming. However, a number of factors may affect the overall cost, such as page count, trim size, cover effects, binding type, and paper type. And as the print run increases, the cost per copy decreases, so it’s more cost-effective to consider offset printing a large number of books if there’s high demand.

Offset printing is recommended for authors considering a print run of 1,000 copies or more. It’s important to keep in mind the storage aspect of printing so many books at once and to be realistic about how quickly they’ll sell. Personally handling or outsourcing distribution should also be considered. Bookstores prefer stocking books that are readily available for larger orders as opposed to books that would need to be printed one at a time. 

Key Takeaways:

• Books are printed in bulk using a printing press.

• It is usually a more cost-effective option for larger print runs.

• More options are typically available for special effects, binding, paper, and color.

• You can complete large orders from bookstores quickly.

• The author or publisher pays more up-front.

• Distribution and storage may need to be outsourced.

Vendors

Here are a list of digital and offset printers to help you get started in your research:

• Color House Graphics

• Barnes & Noble Press

• 48 Hour Books

• Jostens

• Smashwords (e-books)

• Kindle Direct Publishing

• IngramSpark

• Self-Publishing School

• Draft2Digital

• BookBaby

• Lulu

• Blurb

Proofing

After you’ve selected a printer and placed your order, books will soon be ready for proofing. During this process, you and your designer will review final specs, color, and format of the book and conduct test runs and double-check that all pages are accounted for. You both can order sample copies (both pay for them individually) to check for cropping, color, or any small art errors that are visible when printed. This is not an opportunity to make any last-minute text changes. This stage is primarily for formatting adjustments. Minor text edits can be made only if they’re critical, but usually come at an extra cost.

Here’s the typical break-down: 

1. Review and approve the book jacket and interior pages using a PDF reader.

2. Go over the uploading process and proof request (with designer).

3. Request and receive a proof for review.

4. Art and interior page format changes are possible at this stage, but they are discouraged as they can delay the production process and incur additional charges.

5. *Optional: Print another proof.

6. Sign the agreement that proofs have been checked and are ready to upload for publication release date. 

7. Sign project release form.

Time to celebrate while we wait for your book to be released!