What are Print-on-Demand Books? Cost and Process in 2024

• Jan 23, 2024
• 5 min read

• Tags: Self-Publishing, Traditional Publishing

Welcome to the world of print-on-demand, a game-changer in the realm of book publishing! Gone are the days of large print runs and stockpiling unsold copies in warehouses. With book print-on-demand, books are printed as they are ordered, making it an incredibly efficient and eco-friendly option. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a small publishing house, or just a book enthusiast, understanding how print-on-demand works can open up a world of possibilities. 

If you are someone who wants to know how to print a book on demand, you are at the right place. So, let’s dive in and explore what print-on-demand books really mean for the future.

What is print-on-demand?

Print-on-demand (POD) is a digital printing technology that allows for books to be printed in small quantities or even one at a time. This method contrasts with traditional bulk printing, where large numbers of books are printed in advance. 

Print-on-demand allows publishers and authors to print books on order, reducing storage needs and the risk of excess inventory. This method is ideal for self-published authors, small presses, and niche publications, providing an economical and efficient solution to fulfill reader demand without the costs associated with large print runs.

We hope that what is a print-on-demand book is now clear from the definition of print-on-demand. Now we will look into how does print on demand works.

How does print-on-demand work?

What is print-on-demand book publishing? It is a streamlined, tech-driven process that prints books only as they are ordered, avoiding large stockpiles. The process includes:

• Digital File Creation: Book formatting is done into digital files, including text, graphics, and cover.
• Listing on Platforms: These files are uploaded to print-on-demand platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, where they’re listed for sale.
• Customer Order: Orders are received by the print-on-demand service.
• Printing: Publishing companies print books on demand using digital technology, suitable for single copies or small batches.
• Binding and Quality Check: Print-on-demand hardcover books and paperbacks are bound and subjected to thorough quality checks.
• Shipping and Fulfillment: Completed books are shipped to customers or retailers.
• Royalties and Reporting: Authors or publishers get sales reports and royalties, calculated as a percentage of the sale price minus printing and handling costs.

Pros and cons of print-on-demand

If you are looking to print books on demand, it is important to know the disadvantages and benefits of the print-on-demand book publishing process.

Pros

• Reduced Financial Risk: Print-on-demand eliminates the need for large upfront investments in printing, reducing the financial risks associated with unsold inventory.
• No Storage Required: Since books are printed as they are ordered, there’s no need for large storage spaces or dealing with excess stock.
• Environmentally Friendly: To print a book on demand is more sustainable, as it reduces paper waste and energy consumption associated with overprinting.
• Accessibility for Authors: It provides an accessible platform for self-published authors and small publishers who might not have the resources for large print runs.
• Flexibility: Print-on-demand allows for easy updates and revisions of the book without wasting existing printed stock.
• Global Distribution: Many print-on-demand book services offer worldwide distribution, making it easier to reach a global audience.

Cons

• Higher Per-Unit Cost: Printing individual books or small batches is generally more expensive per unit than bulk printing.
• Limited Customization and Quality: There might be limitations in terms of print quality, paper types, and binding options like when one wants a print-on-demand hardcover book, compared to traditional printing.
• Longer Delivery Times: As books are printed upon order, the delivery time can be longer than with books that are readily available in stock.
• Reduced Profit Margins: The higher print-on-demand cost per book can lead to smaller profit margins for authors and publishers.
• Dependence on Service Providers: Quality and speed depend heavily on the print-on-demand service provider, which can vary significantly.
• Limited Retail Presence: Books printed on demand might not always be available in physical bookstores, which typically prefer stocking books from traditional bulk print runs.

How much does a print-on-demand book cost?

The cost of print-on-demand books can vary widely based on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of what can influence the price:

• Size and page count
• Interior type and color
• Paper quality
• Cover type and design
• Binding type
• Volume of orders
• Print-on-demand service provider

On average, the base cost for printing a standard book-sized 6″x 9″ paperback book through a print-on-demand books service can range from $2 to $5 for a black and white interior with about 150 to 200 pages. Adding color interiors or opting for hardcover binding can push the price higher, potentially over $10 per copy.

Print-on-demand vs. traditional printing

Moving away from old ways of publishing and into the world of print-on-demand is exciting. It’s not just about getting creative; it’s also about a smarter, more reader-friendly way to share what you know and the stories you want to tell. With book print-on-demand services, independent authors can easily publish their works without the need for large print runs or substantial upfront costs. In the ever-changing landscape of books and publishing, the power of print is just a click away!

As experts in self-publishing services who provide print-on-demand, we hope our article will make your printing and publishing journey easier!

If you want to know more about publishing, keep on reading our articles.

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Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.