Print-on-Demand Publishing Explained

When it comes time to publish your manuscript you have many options for how to actually take your manuscript from paper and turn it into a hardcopy book. At CrossBooks, we believe the printing method that most benefits you, the author, is Print-on-Demand.

Before outlining the benefits of Print-on-Demand (POD) publishing for authors, we must define what POD is and how it works.

What is Print-on-Demand?

Typically, when an author signs a contract with a traditional publishing house a set number of books is published. At times, this is a risky move for the publishing house and the author because they do not know how the book will sell. If the book does not sell well, the author or the publishing house are left holding the extra books.

This is not the case with POD. POD is an innovative method of book printing using digital technology, which makes producing books easy and cost-effective. Books are printed as they are ordered, either one at a time or in large volume orders. POD provides printing that prints items for a fixed cost per copy, regardless of the size of the order. By only printing a book as it is ordered, even if only one copy is ordered, everyone saves money and extra books.

Benefits of Print-on-Demand

There are definite benefits to publishing books with POD over traditional, offset printing for large printing projects. Some of these benefits include:

  • There is no need for authors to order and keep large inventories of their books in stock
  • Reduces storage, shipping and handling and inventory costs for the author
  • Earth-friendly because books are only printed when ordered
  • Increased choices for readers
  • Books can be available for an extended period of time instead of going out of print
  • If a book is already out of print it can be reprinted using POD

If you’re ready to publish your book in an affordable, professional and cost-saving way, consider starting your book publishing journey with CrossBooks. When you publish with CrossBooks you will receive expert advice each step of the way and be able to utilize the benefits of POD to share your story. Sign up for a free publishing consultation today. 

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