Do you fantasize about bringing your writing to life? It might seem like a huge, complicated undertaking, but you might be surprised how viable it is. Many authors have found success with self-publishing using print-on-demand services.
When you use this strategy, you're able to avoid two of the biggest hassles of publishing: finding a publisher and dealing with managing tons of inventory that may not ever be sold.
Print-on-demand is a growing industry. According to analysts, print-on-demand services are expected to increase from $12.96 billion this year to approximately $87.33 billion by 2033.
So how can you tap into the self-publishing process and create your own print-on-demand books? In this article, we'll cover the basics you need to start your journey.
Why choose print-on-demand book publishing?
One of the biggest challenges self published authors face is dealing with their own inventory. You may not have anywhere to store hundreds or even thousands of copies of your book. Shipping is another consideration. Do you have the time and resources to ship books out once they're ordered, without eating too far into your profit margins?
Some authors even face nightmarish scenarios, like encountering damage, poor print quality, or misprints that render your books unsellable after you've gone through all the time, energy, and costs of printing.
When you self-publish through print-on-demand, you're able to print copies as needed, completely circumventing the storage of large inventories.
The self-publishing process also allows you to avoid needing to work with a publisher. It's up to you when and how to create your books, and how you go about marketing and selling them.
Print-on-demand services for self-publishing books
There are plenty of print-on-demand services out there, so how do you choose? Here are some of the top services used by authors around the world. Take some notes, compare and contrast, and see which ones may be best suited for your needs and preferences.
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
Amazon's print-on-demand book service lets you publish and distribute paperbacks and digital books to customers worldwide. You can list your books on Amazon's Kindle store for free, though you'll pay a commission on each sale.
With Amazon's KDP service, you also get the option to order proof copies. These let you minimize the risk of improper printing—you can check for errors before the production run. You'll pay the print cost, plus shipping.
You'll need to use another print-on-demand service to print magazines or spiral-bound notebooks. But if digital and paperback books are what you require, Amazon's print service should work fine while offering visibility on its marketplaces.
2. BookBaby
BookBaby is a leading print-on-demand service that offers both black-and-white and full-color printing for paperback and hardcover books. New authors can get started on the BookBaby network for $149, while more established authors can access major distribution networks like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and thousands of other global stores.
BookBaby also offers digital publication options, including audiobooks and ebooks. It provides 60 different AI voices in 96 languages and dialects for audiobook production. Additionally, the platform supports a range of editing services to help polish your manuscript.
Once you place your order, your book can be listed for sale within just a few days on popular book marketplaces. BookBaby handles the printing and shipping whenever a customer orders your book, even if it's just one copy.
3. IngramSpark
IngramSpark is a self-publishing company that touts print quality similar to traditionally published books via a large publisher. You can use this self-publishing service to create print books, ebooks, or packages with both.
IngramSpark offers global distribution to thousands of libraries and retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and Kobo. Inside the platform, you'll be able to track and manage your sales and get reporting all in one place.
The company's website even offers a free calculator to help predict your profit per book sold. This calculator looks at details like:
- Trim size
- Binding type
- Laminate type
- Color
- Page count
- List price
IngramSpark's best feature is its huge network that connects you to over 40,000 independent bookshops, chain stores, and libraries. This helps authors get their books onto physical shelves instead of just selling online. The only extra cost is a small 1% market access fee on each sale to get into their distribution system.
4. Acutrack
Acutrack is a book printing and fulfillment service that handles everything from printing to storing your books, so they're ready to ship as soon as someone places an order. It prints all sorts of books—hardcover, paperback, and even coloring books. You can also create custom-sized books (like a coffee-table book) for publishing.
Acutrack works smoothly with Shopify and over 100 other ecommerce platforms. It provides real-time updates on shipping and tracking for every order. People appreciate its quick customer support and fast order fulfillment.
5. Blurb
Blurb specializes in printing art and books for creatives. You can choose from a variety of paper types, as well as leverage Blurb's design tools to lay out your product. Blurb syncs with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Lightroom to make it convenient for you to transfer your designs.
You can publish and sell digital copies of your books through the Blurb bookstore, as well as through Apple Books and Amazon Kindle. The books feature a branded Blurb watermark, which you can remove by paying a custom logo fee.
6. Contrado
Contrado is a print-on-demand site that lets you make custom designs on more than 470 products, including stationery and paper goods.
While it doesn't handle traditional hardcover books, you can upload your own designs for things like notebooks, address books, and photo books. You can even sell your artwork through Contrado.
Contrado ships worldwide, with most orders showing up in three to five days. Shipping costs vary based on the destination of the parcel.
7. Lulu
Lulu is all about print-on-demand self-publishing. You can print and sell your books right from your own store, and you get to keep all the earnings.
There are plenty of options for your book—hardcover, paperback, black-and-white, color, and different types of paper. You can also choose from various bindings, like coil, saddle stitch, and hardcover with a dust jacket.
Content writer Braveen Kumar used Lulu Direct to print his poetry book. He loved that he could sell it directly through his Shopify store, which fit perfectly with his goal of building a brand and expanding his product line. By linking his store to Instagram, he made it easy for customers to find and buy his book while scrolling through social media.
8. Printify
Printify is a print-on-demand service with a large catalog of products, including custom journals and notebooks.
You can connect it with Shopify to sell books directly to your customers. Also, consider tagging photos of your book's pages in Instagram shoppable posts to expand their reach further.
Printify usually takes two to seven business days to ship book orders.
9. Gelato
Gelato works with more than 50 manufacturers in more than 70 locations worldwide. The company offers fast, flat-rate shipping, with cheaper rates if you add more items to the same order.
While it doesn't print traditional books, you can get softcover and hardcover photo books, notebooks, and even calendars made. Gelato also handles print-on-demand for shirts, mugs, and other items, so you can create and sell branded merchandise for your readers.
10. Bookvault
Bookvault is a UK-based print-on-demand publisher that integrates directly with Shopify stores. Authors in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia can use this service for paperback and hardcover production.
The service includes access to The Great British Bookshop, where authors can earn up to 90% royalties on sales. UK authors get additional customization options through BookvaultBespoke, including special features like gold foiling and ribbon bookmarks.
Bookvault offers multiple binding choices including perfect bound, saddle stitch, case bound, wire bound, and spiral bound options. Production typically takes five to seven business days.
Benefits of print-on-demand publishing
The great thing about print-on-demand companies is that they only print a book when someone orders it. This just-in-time method means you don't have to buy a bunch of books upfront without knowing how many will sell.
Once your book is printed, these companies also take care of order fulfillment. They handle everything from receiving the order, packaging the book, and shipping it out. For small businesses or new authors, this can save a lot of time and money.
If you're dreaming of writing a bestseller, some print-on-demand services—like IngramSpark and Blurb—have connections with wholesalers and retailers. This makes it simple for stores to order more copies of your book to keep in stock.
If you want to print just a few books—maybe for yourself, your local group, or a special event—print on demand is an excellent choice. You'll find decent prices, and some services even offer options like copyediting, proofreading, and cover design.
Here are some other perks of using a print-on-demand service:
- Flexibility. You can tweak designs easily. Change up the cover or page layout based on what your readers like.
- Efficiency. Start small with just a few copies. As your readers grow, you can print more.
- Growth. If your audience is loyal, think beyond books. You could branch out into merch or related items with print on demand.
- Quality control. Many providers offer proof ordering, editing assistance, and revision services to ensure your final product meets professional standards.
- Global reach. Expand your audience through international shipping options and global distribution networks.
Print on demand vs. traditional publishing
Editors optional
With print on demand, you're in charge—no publishing house dictating your choices. You get to write what you want and ensure every word stays in your book. But without a team of editors, you might miss some polish.
To make sure your book is its best, consider hiring a freelance editor before printing. Some print-on-demand services, like BookBaby, also offer editing options if you prefer that route.
Set your own prices
Self-publishing lets you take control of your pricing. Unlike traditional publishing, you get to decide how much your book costs. Most print-on-demand services might take a small cut, but they usually let you pick the retail price and figure out your profit.
If you're selling your book in your own online store, you'll need to choose a price for your customers. But if you're aiming to get your book into stores, you'll have to offer a wholesale discount. Most publishers give retailers a 40% to 60% discount so they can make their usual profit on each sale.
Flexible sales channels
With print on demand, you decide where and how to sell your book, without a publisher calling the shots. You can sell directly to your readers through your own online store or team up with retailers. Some print-on-demand services even have their own distribution networks, getting your book in front of more people.
How to choose the best print-on-demand service
If you can't pick a print-on-demand book publisher, compare them by looking at these factors:
User reviews
See what others are saying. Honest feedback from other authors can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Production times
How fast can they get your book printed and shipped? Quicker turnaround means happier readers.
Order fulfillment
How long does it take to pack and ship? Do they work with carriers to keep shipping costs down? And can they handle international orders?
Binding and covers
What kinds of binding and cover options do they offer? If you're eyeing retail bookstores, make sure they can create books to those specs.
Sales data
Look for a service that gives you real-time data on how your book's doing. It's handy to see what's working and what's not.
Production costs and fees
Some services might charge upfront, while others take a cut of each sale. Weigh your options based on what lets you keep more of your profits.
Distribution rights
Make sure you can sell your book wherever you want, and not just through the service you choose.
Retailer networks
A good network of wholesalers and booksellers means your book might land in more places.
Proof quality
Getting a high-quality proof at a reasonable price helps ensure your final book looks exactly how you want it to.
Ebooks and audiobooks
See if they offer digital versions. Ebooks and audiobooks can help you reach more people and boost sales.
Integrations
Does the service work with tools like Shopify or InDesign? It can make your life a lot easier if everything connects smoothly.
Marketing strategies for print-on-demand books
When you self-publish, promotion becomes just as crucial as your book's content. Without traditional publisher support, reaching readers falls entirely on your shoulders.
Create high-quality content
The best way to succeed is to create great books people actually want to read. When your content is high-quality, it builds its own momentum. Happy readers will naturally recommend your books to their friends and family, and when they're done, they'll be eager to check out the rest of your catalog.
Build your author platform
Develop a simple website featuring information about yourself and your works. Include an About section, blog updates, and clear purchase links. Consider using ecommerce website builders like Shopify that don't require coding knowledge.
Create an email list to maintain contact with readers. Include signup forms in your books and offer exclusive content or early access to new releases. Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach your audience directly.
Use social media for promotion
The first step is picking the right platforms. If you write young adult fiction, you'll probably want to spend more time on TikTok than on LinkedIn. Once you're there, share authentic content. Show people the real you behind the books. This could be anything from a picture of your messy desk to a quick story about your writing journey.
Most importantly, be social! Don't just broadcast, engage. Reply to comments, ask your followers for their opinions, and join conversations with other authors. That kind of back-and-forth builds real relationships, which are what lead to sales.
Starting your own print-on-demand book business
Some authors spend years locating the resources to get their traditionally published books out to the world. But you don't need to be one of them.
You have the power to use digital printing services to get your work out there quicker and with fewer headaches. Self-publishing and print-on-demand give you back your autonomy in the process, meaning you can move forward as quickly as you like.
Just make sure to do your research and have a solid plan when it comes to choosing the right self-publishing services and getting started with the printing process.
Print-on-demand books FAQ
How much does it cost to print books on demand?
Printed book prices vary depending on the provider, as well as quantity and quality. You can list digital print-on-demand books for as little as $0, though you'll need to pay associated fees each time you make a sale.
Does Amazon print books on demand?
Yes, Amazon offers paperback printing services along with digital Kindle books.
What is the best print-on-demand online store for books?
Shopify is the best online store for print-on-demand books. You can connect your online store to a number of print-on-demand companies available in the Shopify App Store.
Can I sell my book on multiple platforms?
Yes, you can distribute your print-on-demand book across various platforms to maximize your reach. However, review each platform's terms carefully, as some may include exclusivity requirements.
Is print on demand still profitable?
Print on demand allows you to begin with minimal costs and expand as demand increases. Your success depends on factors such as pricing strategy, marketing effectiveness, and product quality.