You don’t need a traditional publishing house to become a published author. If you’re looking to share your stories or expertise, or already have an established audience, Book Print On Demand (POD) services offer a practical and budget-friendly route to self-publish your work quickly and efficiently.
This guide explores the world of on-demand book printing, highlighting 10 leading services. We’ll delve into production times, publishing options, and additional services to help you select the ideal partner for your book publishing journey.
Why Embrace Print On Demand Book Publishing?
The appeal of print on demand book services is clear for both first-time authors and seasoned writers: it simplifies the publishing process. Armed with your manuscript and some basic graphic design software skills, you can create professional-quality paperbacks or even elegant hardcover editions. These books can then be sold on online marketplaces or directly from your own website.
The core benefit of book print on demand lies in eliminating the financial risk associated with traditional self-publishing. Instead of investing in a large print run and hoping to sell all copies, books are only printed as orders are placed. This means no upfront inventory costs and direct shipping to your customers.
If you’ve already cultivated an audience, print on demand books become a powerful tool to monetize your reach. Sell directly to your social media followers or leverage your email list to promote your books.
Top 10 Print On Demand Services: A Detailed Comparison
Let’s examine ten of the best print on demand publishing services available, to help you find the perfect fit for your book, magazine, or even pamphlets. Insights are provided by content writer Braveen Kumar.
Lulu Direct
Five books of varying sizes, including a ring-bound book, hardcovers, and paperback showcasing Lulu Direct's print on demand book service.
- Production Time: 3–5 business days
- Minimum Order: None
- Formats Available: Hardcovers, Paperbacks, Comic Books, Magazines, Ebooks
Lulu Direct specializes in print on demand self-publishing, allowing you to print and sell books directly from your own online store while retaining full revenue.
They boast a comprehensive range of book formats, from hardcover and paperback to comic books and magazines. Printing options include black and white or full color, with diverse paper types. Binding choices are equally extensive, featuring perfect bound, coil, saddle stitch, hardcover case wrap, and hardcover linen with dust jacket.
Braveen Kumar selected Lulu Direct for his poetry self-publishing venture, citing their attractive profit margins. His poetry book, priced at $20, had a print cost of just $3 and a shipping cost of $9.
Lulu Direct also empowered Braveen to sell his book via his Shopify store, aligning with his brand-building and broader product sales strategy. By integrating his store with Instagram, he could seamlessly tag his book in social media posts, enabling direct purchases for browsing customers.
BookBaby
A vibrant collection of five colorful book covers in a row, representing BookBaby's print on demand book cover options and design possibilities.
- Production Time: 3–5 business days for orders under 500 books
- Minimum Order: 25 books
- Formats Available: Perfect Bound, Paperback, Hardback, Ebooks, Audiobooks
BookBaby delivers both black-and-white and full-color printing for paperback and hardcover print on demand books. They also extend their services to digital publications and audiobook production, utilizing AI voices with a selection of 60 narrators across 96 languages and dialects.
BookBaby facilitates publishing your print on demand book across major platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, alongside wholesale distribution channels. They further offer professional editing services, including line editing, proofreading, and synopsis writing, for authors seeking to refine their manuscripts.
IngramSpark
An open book displaying brilliant color printing with a captivating image of a busy road, illustrating IngramSpark's high-quality print on demand book production.
- Production Time: Custom quote required
- Minimum Order: None
- Formats Available: Paperback, Hardcover (with dust jacket), Ebooks
IngramSpark provides a robust suite of options for self-publishing a book through print on demand. Authors gain granular control over book specifications, including size, paper type, finish (matte or glossy), paper color and weight, and cover materials. They even offer premium textured hardcover cloth.
IngramSpark distinguishes itself with its expansive distribution network. Connecting to over 40,000 independent bookstores, chain retailers, and libraries, IngramSpark significantly enhances your book’s visibility to readers.
While IngramSpark is praised for its print quality, some users note that its pricing can be higher compared to alternative print on demand book services.
Blurb
A bright yellow book cover positioned in front of an open book revealing a poem, showcasing Blurb's print on demand book service for creative projects.
- Production Time: 4–5 business days for printing and binding
- Minimum Order: None
- Formats Available: Trade Books, Magazines, Notebooks, Photo Books, Ebooks
Blurb is a dedicated print on demand book service provider. They offer a diverse selection of paper types and proprietary design software to assist in formatting your book to meet industry standards.
For authors aiming for mass market distribution, Blurb’s integrated bookstore and extensive network of retailers can be advantageous. Retailers can directly order and stock your books through Blurb’s platform.
Blurb seamlessly integrates with Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and InDesign, streamlining the design and submission process. While a direct Shopify app isn’t available, you can easily direct customers from your Shopify store to Blurb to complete their book print on demand orders.
Acutrack
A cartoon-style book cover for a book titled Herizon, featuring a hot air balloon decorated with flowers, representing Acutrack's print on demand book service for unique and illustrated books.
- Production Time: Most orders ship within one business day (books are pre-produced and warehoused)
- Minimum Order: 50 books
- Formats Available: Paperback, Hardcover, Spiral Bound, Journals, Coloring Books
Acutrack is a comprehensive book printing and fulfillment service. They pre-print and warehouse your books for immediate order fulfillment. Acutrack supports a wide array of book types and sizes, catering to everything from large coffee-table books to children’s books.
With a dedicated Shopify app and integrations with over 100 ecommerce platforms, Acutrack provides real-time shipping and order tracking. Online reviews consistently praise their responsive customer support and exceptionally fast fulfillment times for print on demand books.
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Five eye-catching book covers in dark colors, with the top book titled An Innocent Client, showcasing Kindle Direct Publishing's print on demand book service for authors targeting Amazon's marketplace.
- Production Time: 1–3 business days
- Minimum Order: None
- Formats Available: Paperback, Hardcover, Ebook, Ebook Series
If Amazon is your primary sales channel, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a direct route to print on demand book services. KDP offers both digital and print publishing with seamless access to Amazon’s vast Kindle store.
Listing your books is free; Amazon charges a commission on each sale. While KDP doesn’t support magazines, periodicals, or spiral-bound notebooks, it’s ideal for converting existing books into Amazon-ready ebooks or paperbacks to maximize visibility and sales through their platform.
Barnes & Noble Press
A collage of eight book covers in diverse colors and styles, with the central book open, representing Barnes & Noble Press's print on demand book options for authors seeking distribution through Barnes & Noble.
- Production Time: 5–10 business days, depending on book type
- Minimum Order: None
- Formats Available: Paperback, Hardcover (with dust jacket)
Barnes & Noble Press enables authors to create, publish, and monitor sales of their print on demand books. Your book becomes readily available to readers on BN.com and through NOOK devices, tapping into Barnes & Noble’s established customer base.
The platform effectively supports various publishing needs, from single print on demand book copies to larger paperback runs, offering flexibility for authors at different stages of their publishing journey.
Contrado
A pair of hands gently holding an open book displaying an image of buildings and flowers, illustrating Contrado's print on demand book service for personalized and visually rich books.
- Production Time: 1–3 business days
- Minimum Order: None
- Formats Available: Scrapbooks, Portfolios, Notebooks, Guest Books, Photo Albums
Contrado’s Shopify app extends beyond traditional books, offering over 470 print on demand products, including a range of paper and stationery items.
While traditional hardcover print on demand books aren’t their focus, you can design and create custom notebooks, address books, and photo books. Contrado also supports artists by enabling the sale of artwork-based products.
Orders ship both domestically and internationally within three to five business days, with shipping rates varying by destination. Students can also benefit from special discounts, making it an accessible option for educational print on demand book projects.
Gelato
An open book showcasing a family laughing and smiling at an outdoor party, representing Gelato's print on demand book service for creating personalized photo books and memory albums.
- Production Time: 3-4 days
- Minimum Order: None
- Formats Available: Photo Books, Notebooks
Gelato leverages a vast network of over 50 manufacturers across 70+ global locations for efficient print on demand book production and distribution. They offer fast, flat-rate shipping with cost savings for multiple items within a single order.
While traditional book printing isn’t offered, Gelato excels in photo books, notebooks, and calendars. They also diversify into other print on demand merchandise like shirts, apparel, mugs, and branded merchandise, allowing authors to build a broader product line for their readers.
Printify
A purple ring-bound notebook titled Mood next to an open page and pencil, showcasing Printify's print on demand book service specializing in custom notebooks and journals.
- Production Time: 2–7 business days
- Minimum Order: None
- Formats Available: Notebooks, Custom Journals
Printify’s Shopify app specializes in print on demand notebooks and journals. Their extensive product catalog and established fulfillment network are well-suited for growing brands. Printify integrates seamlessly with your Shopify store, providing real-time sales and order data for efficient print on demand book business management.
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The Advantages of Print on Demand Books
Simple to Launch
Print on demand services utilize a just-in-time manufacturing approach. Most providers only print books when an order is placed. This eliminates the financial risk and upfront costs associated with purchasing a large inventory of books before gauging sales.
Automated Fulfillment Processes
Print on demand services handle the entire order fulfillment cycle—from receiving orders and packaging books to managing delivery logistics. This automation saves you valuable time and resources, particularly crucial when you’re starting your self-publishing journey.
Expanded Retail Access
Services such as Blurb and IngramSpark have established relationships with wholesalers and booksellers. This facilitates easier entry into retail channels, expanding your reach to readers through traditional bookstores.
Economical Pricing for Authors
Print on demand is particularly advantageous for smaller print runs, whether for local community initiatives or niche audiences. Most services offer competitive pricing structures and quality control options, including ordering proofs, copyediting, and proofreading services to ensure a polished final product.
Adaptable and Flexible
Print on demand allows for quick design updates based on reader feedback. From cover revisions to page layout adjustments, you can refine your book efficiently. Start with a smaller initial print run and scale production as your readership expands and demand increases.
Selecting the Right Print on Demand Service: Key Considerations
If you’re navigating the choices among print on demand book publishers, here’s a concise guide to aid your decision-making process.
1. Evaluate Their Operational Processes
Timely delivery is crucial for reader satisfaction. Prioritize services with efficient printing and delivery capabilities. Examine their packaging and shipping timelines, and assess their partnerships with shipping carriers. If you’re targeting a global audience, verify their ability to handle international orders at reasonable costs.
Consider these additional aspects of their self-publishing process:
- What binding and cover options are available to customize your book’s presentation?
- Do they offer physical proofs or samples to review book quality before committing to larger runs?
- Carefully review exclusivity clauses – are you free to distribute your book through multiple channels simultaneously?
2. Analyze Cost Structures
Print on demand services employ diverse payment models. Some may offer free upfront setup but take a percentage of your sales revenue, while others might charge initial fees but allow you to retain a larger share of profits per book. Align your choice with your budget and long-term financial goals.
3. Assess Scalability and Growth Potential
Every author aspires to see their book succeed. Choose a print on demand service capable of scaling production to meet increasing sales volumes. Look for services providing real-time sales data to effectively monitor sales trends and manage inventory if needed.
Also, consider future product diversification. If you envision expanding into ebooks or audiobooks, selecting a service offering these formats can streamline your publishing ecosystem.
4. Investigate Reputation and Industry Connections
For authors aiming for bookstore placement, selecting a service with established retailer networks is beneficial. Research user reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge service quality and overall customer satisfaction. Understanding other authors’ experiences can provide valuable insights for your decision.
Print On Demand vs. Traditional Publishing: Key Differences
Bypassing Traditional Gatekeepers
Print on demand eliminates the need for traditional publishing house approval. While this grants creative autonomy, it also means your work bypasses professional editorial review inherent in traditional publishing.
To maintain quality, consider hiring freelance editors or utilizing editing services offered by providers like BookBaby.
Pricing Control
Self-publishing empowers you to set your own book prices. While print on demand services may deduct a commission, you retain control over the retail price and your resulting profit margin.
Selling through your own online store gives you direct pricing control. However, selling to retailers necessitates offering wholesale discounts (typically 40% to 60%) to allow bookstores to apply their standard markup.
Distribution Channel Flexibility
Print on demand provides distribution freedom. Instead of a publisher dictating sales channels, you can sell directly to readers via your online store or collaborate with retailers and wholesalers. Many print on demand services offer built-in distribution networks to expand your book’s reach.
Effective Marketing Strategies for Print on Demand Books
Marketing is as vital as content quality in self-publishing. Without traditional publisher support, author-driven marketing is essential. Here are key strategies to promote your print on demand books.
Building Your Author Platform
Your author platform serves as your marketing foundation—the central hub where readers discover you and your books. Building an effective platform doesn’t require advanced technical expertise. Key elements include:
- Website: A simple, user-friendly website showcasing your books and author bio. Include an About page, a blog for updates and behind-the-scenes content, and direct purchase options or retailer links for your books.
- Email List: Encourage website visitors to join your email list by offering valuable incentives like a free book chapter or relevant resources related to your book’s subject matter.
- Author Branding: Define your unique author identity – your writing style, genre expertise, or personal story. Maintain consistent branding across all platform elements for audience recognition.
Leveraging Social Media for Promotion
Social media enables direct author-reader engagement and broadens reach to potential buyers. Select platforms based on your target audience—Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc. TikTok has emerged as a successful platform for authors, particularly for reaching younger demographics.
Optimize your social media presence with these tactics:
- Authenticity and Consistency: Share beyond book promotions. Post about your personality, writing process, and book inspirations. Regular posting builds audience engagement and anticipation.
- Audience Engagement: Respond to comments, pose questions, and participate in genre-related conversations. Increased interaction fosters reader connection and book support.
- Promotional Campaigns: Run targeted ads or host giveaways to expand your reach. Even modest budgets for Facebook or Instagram ads can effectively connect with interested readers.
Share Your Words Globally with Print on Demand
Traditional publishing isn’t the only path to readers. Print on demand books offer a cost-effective method to share your writing and build a profitable author business. Integrating print on demand services like Lulu Direct with a Shopify store provides tools and apps to streamline book sales and audience growth.
Connect print on demand services to your Shopify store to automate printing and shipping as orders arrive. Manage your entire book business from a centralized dashboard and offer diverse formats – paperback, hardcover, or digital editions.
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Print-on-Demand Books: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum order quantity for print on demand books?
Minimum order quantities vary by service provider. Some require minimums for production efficiency, while others allow single-book printing. Review each service’s policies before selecting a provider.
Can I sell my print on demand book on multiple platforms?
Yes, you can distribute your print on demand book across multiple platforms to maximize reader reach. Review each platform’s terms, as some may have exclusivity requirements.
What is the best print on demand site for books?
Shopify is an excellent platform for selling print on demand books. Integrate compatible print on demand apps with your Shopify store to seamlessly print and sell your books online.
Does Amazon offer print on demand for books?
Yes, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) provides print on demand services for both physical and digital books through the Amazon ecosystem.
What are the typical costs for print on demand book services?
Most print on demand services have minimal upfront costs. Fulfillment and self-publishing process costs are typically deducted from your sales revenue. Costs vary depending on the provider and your book’s retail price.
Is print on demand still a profitable model for books?
Print on demand allows authors to start with low initial investment and scale as demand grows. Profitability is influenced by pricing strategies, marketing efforts, and the quality of your book product.
Can I sell print on demand books internationally?
Most print on demand services offer global shipping and distribution options. You can sell directly to international readers through your online store or utilize services that connect to global wholesaler networks for broader distribution.
