So you’ve written a book.
You’ve gotten an editor, a killer proofreader who knows Chicago, a cover you love, and an easy-to-read interior.
And now you’re thinking about printing.
As an independent author, you have two basic options for printing your book, offset and print-on-demand (POD).
As we’ve talked about before, offset printing is large-run printing. POD is when individual books are printed once ordered.
So how do you know which one is for you? Well, here are some facts about both.
Offset:
- More customizable cover (matte or gloss finish, spot gloss, embossed and debossed, foil) and interior layout
- Many options for format: paperback and hard cover (with dust jacket, printed hardcover, linen, textured paper, etc)
- The more you order, the cheaper they are (usually cheaper per unit than POD at 500 copies)
- Easy to get into traditional distribution channels (Ingram, Baker & Taylor), and thus bookstores
- Easy to hand-sell, as you can keep any number of books on hand.
- You need to have storage
- You pay shipping from the printer
- Printing is not exact—runs can be up to 10% above or below the requested quantity
- Takes at least a month to finish
- Large upfront investment
Print-on-demand:
- Layout is often templated, and cover add-ons are limited
- Most often paperback, limited hardback options
- High per-unit cost
- Can’t always get into Ingram and Baker & Taylor. Createspace books won’t get into bookstores. LightningSource and Ingram Spark can.
- Hand-selling needs to be planned ahead of time, as you must purchase and be shipped your own books
- No storage needed
- You pay shipping as you order
- Printing quantity
- Can go on sale immediately
- Little or no upfront investment
Writers, what printing option have you chosen? Why?
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My printer does offset but he also does short runs, printing from a pdf and at a pinch he can get books done in a week. In effect, he tells me, he does print on demand, I believe the POD specialist companies print from a pdf too.
So just curious, since I’ve printed POD through Lightning Source and CreateSpace — but what is the reasoning in regards to CreateSpace and that you won’t be able sell to bookstores via this route even though they list this as a distribution channel when you move through their process? But you have better chance with bookstores through Lightning Source? Thanks!
Hi Barb,
Great question! The problem with Createspace is that it’s owned by Amazon, which is doing its darndest to put independent bookstores out of business (not maliciously, but just because they want to rule the market and change the way people buy books). Createspace books have a special barcode on the back, which identify them as such, and not stocking these books is a way for indie stores to “stick it to the man” and protest.
Ah yes, this makes perfect sense. I see now. Thank you for the explanation on this.
I’ve used CreateSpace and have found it to be not only cost-effective (no $ up front), but quick in its delivery. Since it’s part of Amazon (and if Amazon is your primary bookseller), why wouldn’t you want to make things easy for yourself and take advantage of it (one less vendor to deal with!).
It is disappointing that booksellers won’t carry it, but as an indie author, after weighing the pros and cons, it’s a no brainer. POD with Createspace.
Definitely agree on all fronts Adam. One of the best points we picked up from last year’s PubSmart conference came from Hugh Howey who said that indie bookstores would be doing themselves and their communities a favor by carrying CreateSpace books. They’re not hurting Amazon by not carrying CS books. They’re actually helping Amazon by forcing buyers to see Amazon as the only source for those titles. It’s all very interesting…