Print-on-Demand
Print-on-demand (POD) platforms allow self-publishing authors to produce books without upfront inventory costs, making publishing accessible to anyone. Choosing the right POD service requires understanding key factors such as pricing, royalties, distribution reach, accepted formats, and ease of use. This article explores the major POD options: Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, BookVault, Lulu, and Chinese printing services. It also includes a cost breakdown for a 100,000-word book in 6x9 paperback format.
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Founders and History
Amazon KDP is a subsidiary of Amazon, originally launched as CreateSpace before being merged into KDP Print in 2018. It remains one of the most widely used self-publishing platforms due to Amazon’s dominance in the book market.
Services Offered
Amazon KDP provides both eBook and print-on-demand services with direct distribution to Amazon marketplaces worldwide. It supports paperback and hardcover books.
Book Sizes
Amazon KDP offers a variety of trim sizes, including standard formats like 5x8, 6x9, and 8.5x11 inches.
Pricing and Royalties
Royalties range from 40% (expanded distribution) to 60% (Amazon sales) of the list price after printing costs.
Restrictions
Amazon enforces content guidelines, restricting certain categories like low-content books unless using their ISBN system.
Payment Schedule
Royalties are paid approximately 60 days after the end of the sales month.
Accepted File Formats
PDF for print; EPUB for eBooks.
Cost to Publish
There is no upfront cost; KDP deducts printing costs from book sales.
Market Reach
Global distribution through Amazon, but limited access to brick-and-mortar stores.
Marketing Opportunities
Amazon Ads, Kindle Countdown Deals, and promotional pricing are available.
Ease of Use
Highly user-friendly, but lacks certain advanced options compared to competitors.
ScribeCount Integration
Yes.
Cost of Sample Book
For a 100,000-word book in 6x9 format, the estimated print cost is around $4.85 per copy (black & white interior, cream paper).
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IngramSpark
Founders and History
Owned by Ingram Content Group, IngramSpark was founded to serve independent publishers by providing extensive global distribution.
Services Offered
Paperback, hardcover, and eBook distribution to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.
Book Sizes
Over 50 trim sizes, including standard and custom options.
Pricing and Royalties
Royalties depend on wholesale pricing; authors set a discount (typically 55%), and IngramSpark takes a portion.
Restrictions
Requires its own ISBN; strict formatting standards.
Payment Schedule
Pays royalties monthly, about 90 days post-sale.
Accepted File Formats
PDF (print), EPUB (eBooks).
Cost to Publish
Setup fees apply, but periodic promotions may waive them. Printing costs vary based on specifications.
Market Reach
Expansive distribution, including major bookstores and libraries.
Marketing Opportunities
Ingram Catalog inclusion; bookstore-friendly pricing strategies.
Ease of Use
More complex than KDP, with a steeper learning curve.
ScribeCount Integration
Yes.
Cost of Sample Book
Estimated printing cost: $6.15 per copy.
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BookVault
Founders and History
BookVault is a UK-based POD service specializing in high-quality printing with direct integration into author platforms.
Services Offered
Paperbacks and hardcovers with advanced customization options.
Book Sizes
Wide range, including European and U.S. standards.
Pricing and Royalties
Lower print costs than KDP/IngramSpark; authors control pricing.
Restrictions
Limited direct retail distribution; better suited for direct sales.
Payment Schedule
Depends on the retail platform used.
Accepted File Formats
PDF (print), EPUB (eBooks).
Cost to Publish
No setup fees; authors pay only for printed copies.
Market Reach
Mainly UK/EU, with growing international reach.
Marketing Opportunities
Integration with Shopify for direct sales.
Ease of Use
User-friendly but requires manual store setup.
ScribeCount Integration
No.
Cost of Sample Book
Estimated printing cost: $5.75 per copy.
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Lulu
Founders and History
Founded in 2002 by Bob Young, Lulu offers extensive self-publishing services.
Services Offered
Print-on-demand, eBooks, calendars, and custom printing.
Book Sizes
Wide selection, including standard and unique trim sizes.
Pricing and Royalties
Authors set pricing; print costs vary by specifications.
Restrictions
Some limitations on global distribution.
Payment Schedule
Quarterly payouts.
Accepted File Formats
PDF (print), EPUB (eBooks).
Cost to Publish
No upfront fees; printing costs apply per book.
Market Reach
Direct Lulu store and expanded distribution through retailers.
Marketing Opportunities
Lulu store promotions, author websites.
Ease of Use
User-friendly interface.
ScribeCount Integration
No.
Cost of Sample Book
Estimated printing cost: $7.50 per copy.
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Chinese Printing Services
Founders and History
Various companies operate in China, offering large-scale offset printing at competitive prices.
Services Offered
Offset printing, POD, hardcover and paperback options.
Book Sizes
Custom sizes available.
Pricing and Royalties
Lower costs but high minimum order quantities.
Restrictions
Shipping time and import regulations apply.
Payment Schedule
Bulk payment required before printing.
Accepted File Formats
PDF, InDesign files.
Cost to Publish
Significant savings for bulk orders but higher upfront investment.
Market Reach
Best for bulk distribution and direct sales.
Marketing Opportunities
Custom branding options.
Ease of Use
Requires negotiation and logistics handling.
ScribeCount Integration
No.
Cost of Sample Book
Estimated printing cost (bulk order of 1,000 copies): $2.50 per copy.
More Information
Chinese Printing Services Example
Conclusion
Choosing the right POD platform depends on an author’s needs. Amazon KDP is ideal for direct Amazon sales, IngramSpark for wide distribution, BookVault for independent authors managing direct sales, Lulu for flexibility, and Chinese services for bulk printing. Understanding costs, royalties, and reach helps self-publishers maximize profits and visibility.
