Choosing the Best Print-on-Demand Book Publishing Service

With the proliferation of print-on-demand (POD) services, it can be challenging to navigate the market and find the most suitable service for your book. Many local print shops now engage in this practice, using the term as a marketing tool rather than an accurate reflection of their offerings. To help authors and publishers make an informed decision, we will outline the key factors and recommend the top services in the industry.

Key Considerations for a Legitimate Print-on-Demand Service

To ensure you are working with a credible POD service, look for these four crucial elements:

1. Acceptance of Electronic Book Submissions

Legitimate POD services should accept book submissions in electronic format, typically print-ready PDFs or MS Word documents. These formats ensure that your manuscript is ready for printing and meet industry standards.

2. Minimal Setup Costs or No Fees

A legitimate service should either offer free account setup or charge a minimal account setup fee. Avoid services that require purchase of a certain number of books as a prerequisite for setting up an account.

3. No Mandatory Book Purchases

They should handle your manuscript submission to the book's availability for purchase across various platforms without any mandatory book purchases. While many services offer Amazon as an option for book sales, check that your service also provides alternative outlets for higher royalty rates.

4. End-to-End Service

A reliable POD service should offer a seamless process from manuscript submission to book availability, including integration with online platforms like Amazon, and distribution of hardcover or paperback books.

Top Print-on-Demand Services and Recommendations

To help you decide which service is the best fit, we will review some of the top providers and their various offerings. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, making informed decisions based on your unique needs crucial.

1. Createspace (An Amazon Company)

Createspace, being an Amazon subsidiary, is an excellent choice for many authors. Here are some reasons why it is a top recommendation:

No Setup Fee: Createspace offers free setup, making it a budget-friendly option for new authors. No Hard Cover Option: While it doesn't offer a hardcover option, it is still a great choice for ebook-only publications or those seeking a no-frills service. Amazon Integration: Createspace integrates seamlessly with Amazon, but it's important to check if the service offers sales reporting. Kindle Direct Publishing: Amazon also provides Kindle Direct Publishing for ebooks, but it is not as feature-rich as Createspace. Lower Royalties: Createspace often offers slightly lower royalties compared to Ingram Spark, which can be a consideration for some authors.

2. Ingram Spark (Ingram Company)

Ingram Spark, on the other hand, is ideal for mid-sized publishers with more funding available, as it offers more extensive services and distribution:

Setup Fee: Ingram Spark comes with a setup fee of around $50 and an annual fee of $12. These fees may be too high for independent publishers, but the service offers better distribution and more printing options. Hard Cover Books: Ingram Spark also provides hardcover books, which can be a significant advantage for authors looking for premium printing options.

3. Lightning Source (Ingram Company)

For major publishers, Lightning Source by Ingram is a top choice, despite its steeper setup fees:

Setup Fees: Lightning Source has higher setup fees but is more suitable for mid-size or larger publishing companies. Better Distribution Network: The network and marketing capabilities of Lightning Source are superior to those of ground-level POD services.

4. Alternative Services

Other services like Lulu, Blurb, AuthorHouse, Xlibris, iUniverse, Bookbaby, and Smashwords offer some services but may not provide the full range of services compared to Createspace and Ingram Spark. Additionally, some bulk book purchasing prices can be higher, ranging from 200% in extreme cases.

Conclusion

When choosing a print-on-demand book publishing service, consider your financial situation, needs, and goals. If you are a mid-sized publisher with funding, Lightning Source is an excellent choice due to its superior distribution network and more printing options. For smaller presses or independent publishers, Ingram Spark is a solid option if you can manage the setup and annual fees, or Createspace if you prefer a more budget-friendly and straightforward service without hardcover options. Ultimately, make sure the service you choose aligns with your goals and budget for the best publishing experience.