Print on demand (POD) allows for printing as many or as few books as needed, making it a low-risk option for aspiring authors. However, drawbacks include the lack of advance checks and support from publicists and editors. POD is relatively inexpensive and offers creative control, but authors must handle their own publicity. Research different companies and talk to other authors before choosing a POD publisher.
Print on demand. You may have heard this phrase, especially if you are a writer or in the publishing industry. What is it and how does it benefit the author? Read on for more information on print on demand publishing.
Print on demand, or POD, is exactly what it sounds like. Be able to print as many or as few books as needed at any given time. In fact, POD publishers can print one book at a time if they’re so inclined. This is proving to be the answer to many aspiring authors’ prayers. Since there are no major risks, as is the case with traditional publishers having to order large print runs, almost anyone can be a published author.
There are drawbacks with POD publishing. When an author is signed on to write a book with a traditional publisher, that author will, in most cases, receive an advance check to help pay expenses until the book is published and starts making money. Additionally, publicists and editors are provided. With POD, the author does most of the work herself. You may also find it difficult to get your book reviewed, since many reputable newspapers and magazines refuse to recognize print-on-demand services as legitimate publishers. In fact, they are more or less considered vanity presses.
For some, the benefits of POD publishing far outweigh the risks. The first, of course, is that it’s relatively inexpensive. Books are printed quickly and cheaply. This savings is passed on to the author who receives a higher royalty rate than if they were using a traditional publisher.
Hiring a print on demand publisher means you won’t have to hire an agent to move your manuscript from one publisher to another. No hitches means the book is on the market faster, which means a better chance of making money. The author also retains creative control over most aspects of his book. This means that she won’t be surprised by overzealous editing or an unattractive cover.
Naturally, this means that it is up to the author to collect his own publicity. Book signings, speaking engagements, and reviews all become the work of an already busy writer. While this means that the author won’t have to make public appearances that she doesn’t want to, it also means that she will have to promote her book on her own without the big Rolodex from a well-regarded, well-connected publicist.
If you’ve always dreamed of getting published and are unable to go the traditional route, you may want to consider a POD publisher. To find out if it’s right for you, do the research. Talk to other authors who have used print on demand. Research different companies to find out which one best fits your needs, and avoid any POD publisher that has received negative feedback or publicity.
In the past, if an author was rejected by a publishing house, they didn’t get published. Now it can be, with print on demand.
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