Becoming a published author is now within everyone’s reach, no matter your writing background or publishing experience. Print On Demand Books offer a streamlined and budget-friendly avenue to self-publish your work. Whether you’re looking to connect with an existing audience or make your debut into the literary world, print on demand (POD) provides a practical solution to bring your book to life.
This guide explores the top 10 print-on-demand book services available today. We’ll delve into production timelines, diverse publishing options, and additional features to help you pinpoint the perfect partner for your self-publishing journey.
Why Choose Print-on-Demand Book Publishing?
Print on demand book publishing is an ideal solution for both first-time authors and seasoned writers, thanks to its user-friendly nature. With your manuscript in hand and some basic design skills, you can craft professional-quality paperbacks or elegant hardcover editions. These books can then be sold directly through online marketplaces or your own website, putting you in control of your publishing venture.
The primary advantage of print on demand lies in eliminating the need for substantial upfront inventory investments, a common hurdle in traditional self-publishing. Instead of ordering large quantities of books and hoping they sell, print-on-demand ensures books are only printed when an order is placed, shipping directly to your customer. This just-in-time approach significantly reduces financial risk and storage concerns.
If you’ve already cultivated an audience, print on demand becomes a powerful tool to monetize your reach. You can effortlessly sell books to your social media followers or directly to your email list, maximizing your sales potential with minimal overhead.
Top 10 Print-on-Demand Book Services Compared
Let’s explore ten of the leading print-on-demand publishing services. This comparison will highlight key features, production times, and format options to guide you in selecting the best service for your book, magazine, or booklet. Insights from content writer Braveen Kumar further enrich this guide, offering a real-world perspective on print-on-demand experiences.
Lulu Direct
Explore the diverse print-on-demand book formats available with Lulu Direct, including professional-quality hardcover books, classic paperback editions, and practical spiral-bound options for self-publishers.
- Production time: 3–5 business days
- Minimum order: None
- Available formats: Hardcovers, paperbacks, comic books, magazines, ebooks
Lulu Direct is a dedicated print-on-demand self-publishing platform, empowering authors to print and sell books directly through their own online stores while retaining full revenue control.
This service boasts a wide array of book formats, encompassing both hardcover and paperback options, black-and-white and color printing, and a diverse selection of paper types to suit various projects. Binding choices are extensive, including perfect binding, coil binding, saddle stitch, hardcover case wrap, and hardcover linen with dust jacket, offering a truly customized book creation experience.
Content writer Braveen Kumar chose Lulu Direct for self-publishing his poetry collection, attracted by the platform’s high profit margins. He notes that his book, priced at $20, had a print cost of only $3 and a shipping fee of $9, maximizing his earnings per sale.
Leveraging Lulu Direct also enabled Braveen to seamlessly integrate book sales into his Shopify store. This integration supported his broader objective of building a strong brand and offering diverse products. By connecting his store to Instagram, Braveen could effortlessly tag his book in social media posts, enabling customers to purchase directly while browsing their feeds.
BookBaby
Discover a spectrum of vibrant and professionally designed book covers from BookBaby, showcasing the potential for eye-catching visual appeal in your print-on-demand publications.
- Production time: 3–5 business days for orders under 500 books
- Minimum order: 25 books
- Available formats: Perfect bound, paperback, hardback, ebooks, audiobooks
BookBaby provides comprehensive print-on-demand services, offering both black-and-white and full-color printing for paperback and hardcover books. They also cater to the growing audiobook market, utilizing AI voices with a selection of 60 narrators and 96 languages and dialects to choose from, making audiobook creation accessible to more authors.
BookBaby facilitates wider distribution, enabling you to publish your print-on-demand book on major platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as through various wholesale distributors, expanding your book’s reach to a broader audience. Beyond printing and distribution, BookBaby offers professional editing services, including line editing, proofreading, and synopsis writing, assisting authors in refining their manuscripts to the highest quality.
IngramSpark
Explore the high-quality color printing capabilities of IngramSpark, demonstrated through an open book showcasing vivid imagery and sharp text reproduction, ideal for visually rich print-on-demand books.
- Production time: Custom quote required
- Minimum order: None
- Available formats: Paperback, hardcover (with dust jacket), ebooks
IngramSpark stands out for its extensive customization options in self-publishing. Authors can specify detailed book specifications, including book size, paper type, paper finish (matte or glossy), paper color, paper weight, and cover material. They even offer premium options like textured hardcover cloth, allowing for highly personalized book designs.
IngramSpark’s most compelling feature is its robust distribution network. Connecting with over 40,000 independent bookstores, chain stores, and libraries, IngramSpark significantly enhances your book’s visibility and accessibility to readers through established retail channels.
While IngramSpark is generally praised for its print quality, some users note that its pricing can be higher compared to other print-on-demand services. It’s recommended to carefully compare costs based on your specific book specifications and distribution needs.
Blurb
A vibrant yellow book cover from Blurb, set against an open book displaying poetry, highlighting Blurb's capacity for producing visually striking and literary-focused print-on-demand books.
- Production time: 4–5 business days for printing and binding
- Minimum order: None
- Available formats: Trade books, magazines, notebooks, photo books, ebooks
Blurb is specifically designed as a dedicated print-on-demand service. They offer a diverse selection of paper types, catering to various book styles and budgets. Blurb also provides proprietary design software to assist authors in formatting their books to meet industry standards expected by booksellers, ensuring professional presentation.
For authors aiming for broad market reach, Blurb’s integrated bookstore and extensive network of thousands of retailers offer significant advantages. Retailers can directly order and stock your books through Blurb, simplifying the distribution process and increasing market penetration.
Blurb integrates seamlessly with Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and InDesign, streamlining the design submission process for users familiar with these industry-standard creative tools. While a direct Shopify app isn’t available, you can easily direct customers from your Shopify store to Blurb to complete their book orders, maintaining a cohesive sales experience.
Acutrack
A cartoon-style book cover titled "Herizon" from Acutrack, featuring a whimsical hot air balloon with flowers, showcasing Acutrack's versatility in printing diverse book genres and styles on demand.
- Production time: Most orders ship within one business day (books are pre-produced and warehoused)
- Minimum order: 50 books
- Available formats: Paperback, hardcover, spiral bound, journals, coloring books
Acutrack operates as a comprehensive book printing and fulfillment service. Unlike purely on-demand models, Acutrack pre-prints and warehouses your books, enabling immediate fulfillment upon order placement. They accommodate a wide range of book types and sizes, from large coffee-table books to children’s books and specialized formats like coloring books and journals.
With a dedicated Shopify app and integrations with over 100 ecommerce platforms, Acutrack offers streamlined sales and order management. The platform provides real-time shipping and tracking information, keeping both authors and customers informed. Online reviews consistently highlight Acutrack’s responsive customer support and exceptionally fast fulfillment times, making it a strong choice for authors prioritizing speed and reliability.
Kindle Direct Publishing
A collection of captivating book covers in dark tones from Kindle Direct Publishing, including "An Innocent Client," illustrating the potential for authors to create visually compelling books through Amazon's print-on-demand services.
- Production time: 1–3 business days
- Minimum order: None
- Available formats: Paperback, hardcover, ebook, ebook series
For authors primarily targeting Amazon’s vast marketplace, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers a direct and efficient print-on-demand solution. KDP provides both digital and print publishing services, granting immediate access to Amazon’s Kindle Store, the world’s largest online bookstore.
Listing your books on KDP is free, with Amazon taking a commission on each sale. While KDP doesn’t support magazines, periodicals, or spiral-bound notebooks, it’s an excellent platform to convert existing books into Amazon-compatible ebooks or paperbacks, significantly increasing visibility and sales potential within the Amazon ecosystem.
Barnes & Noble Press
A collage of diverse book covers from Barnes & Noble Press, showcasing various colors and styles with an open book in the center, demonstrating the platform's ability to handle a wide range of print-on-demand book projects.
- Production time: 5–10 business days, depending on book type
- Minimum order: None
- Available formats: Paperback, hardcover (with dust jacket)
Barnes & Noble Press allows authors to create, publish, and monitor sales performance across various formats. Publishing through Barnes & Noble Press makes your book available to readers on BN.com, a major online bookselling platform, and for NOOK devices, Barnes & Noble’s e-reader line.
The platform is versatile, suitable for a range of publishing needs, from single book projects to larger print-on-demand paperback runs. Barnes & Noble’s established brand recognition and market presence can provide authors with credibility and access to a dedicated readership.
Contrado
Hands holding an open book from Contrado, displaying an image of buildings and flowers, illustrating Contrado's focus on visually oriented print-on-demand products, including books and albums.
- Production time: 1–3 business days
- Minimum order: None
- Available formats: Scrapbooks, portfolios, notebooks, guest books, photo albums
Contrado’s Shopify app offers an extensive catalog of over 470 print-on-demand products, including a variety of paper and stationery items. While Contrado doesn’t specialize in traditional hardcover books, it excels in creating custom notebooks, address books, and photo books with personalized designs. The platform also supports artists in selling their artwork through print-on-demand products.
Contrado provides both domestic and international shipping within three to five business days, with shipping rates varying by destination. They also offer special discounts for students, making it an accessible option for student authors and creators.
Gelato
An open photo book from Gelato, featuring a family laughing at an outdoor party, showcasing Gelato's specialization in high-quality print-on-demand photo books and personalized family keepsakes.
- Production time: 3-4 days
- Minimum order: None
- Available formats: Photo books, notebooks
Gelato leverages a global network of over 50 manufacturers across more than 70 locations. This distributed production model enables fast, flat-rate shipping and cost-effective discounts for multiple items within a single order.
While Gelato doesn’t offer traditional book printing, it’s a strong choice for creating photo books, notebooks, and calendars. Expanding beyond books, Gelato also produces print-on-demand shirts, apparel, mugs, and other branded merchandise, allowing authors to diversify their product line and build a broader brand offering for their readers.
Printify
A purple ring-bound notebook from Printify, titled "Mood," alongside an open page and pencil, highlighting Printify's focus on customizable print-on-demand notebooks and journals for personal and professional use.
- Production time: 2– 7 business days
- Minimum order: None
- Available formats: Notebooks, custom journals
Printify’s Shopify app specializes in print-on-demand notebooks and journals. With a broad product catalog and a well-established fulfillment network, Printify supports growing brands seeking to offer customized stationery. The platform seamlessly syncs with your Shopify store, providing real-time sales and order data, simplifying business management and inventory tracking for authors.
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Key Benefits of Print on Demand Books
Print on demand offers a transformative approach to book publishing, providing numerous advantages for authors at all stages of their careers.
Easy to Start
Print-on-demand services utilize a just-in-time manufacturing model. Most providers only print books when an order is placed, eliminating the financial risk and logistical challenges of upfront inventory investment. This makes it incredibly easy for anyone to start publishing and selling books without significant capital outlay.
Automated Fulfillment
Print-on-demand services manage the entire order fulfillment process, from receiving orders to packaging books and arranging delivery. This automation saves authors considerable time and money, especially valuable when starting out and managing multiple aspects of book creation and promotion. Outsourcing fulfillment allows authors to focus on writing and marketing, core activities for author success.
Retail Access
Certain print-on-demand services like Blurb and IngramSpark have direct relationships with wholesalers and booksellers, simplifying the process of getting your books into physical retail stores. These established connections broaden your reach and offer readers the opportunity to discover your book through traditional retail channels, enhancing visibility and credibility.
Cost-Effective Pricing
Print on demand is particularly advantageous for small print runs, whether for niche audiences, local communities, or specialized purposes. Most services offer competitive pricing and quality control options, such as ordering proofs, copyediting, and proofreading services. This cost-effectiveness allows authors to manage budgets efficiently and optimize profitability, regardless of print run size.
Flexibility to Adapt
Print on demand provides unparalleled flexibility to update your book design quickly based on reader feedback or market trends. From cover revisions to page layout adjustments, you can make changes efficiently and cost-effectively. Starting with a small initial print run and scaling production as readership grows is a key benefit, minimizing risk and maximizing responsiveness to market demand.
Choosing the Right Print-on-Demand Service: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selecting the ideal print-on-demand book publisher requires careful consideration. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice.
1. Review Their Processes
Efficient printing and delivery are crucial for reader satisfaction. Prioritize services with streamlined processes for printing and shipping. Investigate their packing and shipping times, and explore partnerships with established shipping companies for reliable delivery. If you plan to sell internationally, confirm the service handles international orders cost-effectively and efficiently.
Consider these key aspects of their self-publishing process:
- Binding and Cover Options: Evaluate the variety of binding and cover options offered to ensure they meet your book’s design and format requirements.
- Proofs and Samples: Check if the service provides proofs or samples before committing to larger print runs. Reviewing a physical proof is essential for assessing print quality and making necessary adjustments.
- Exclusivity Agreements: Carefully read the fine print regarding exclusivity. Determine if you can distribute your book through multiple channels simultaneously or if the service requires exclusive rights.
2. Check Their Costs
Print-on-demand services have diverse payment models. Some may offer free upfront setup but take a larger percentage of sales revenue, while others may charge upfront fees but allow you to retain a higher profit margin per book. Analyze your budget, sales projections, and long-term financial goals to determine the most suitable payment structure for your publishing venture.
3. Determine if They Can Grow With You
Every author hopes for their book’s success. Choose a print-on-demand service capable of scaling with increasing sales volume. Look for services that provide real-time sales data and analytics, enabling you to track sales trends, manage inventory effectively (even though it’s print-on-demand), and make informed decisions about production and marketing.
Consider your broader publishing aspirations beyond print books. If you plan to offer ebooks or audiobooks in the future, selecting a service that supports these formats can streamline your publishing workflow and consolidate your offerings.
4. Check Their Reputation and Connections
If bookstore distribution is a key objective, prioritize services with strong retailer networks and established relationships with bookstores. Research the service’s reputation by reading reviews, author testimonials, and case studies. Understanding service quality, customer satisfaction levels, and author experiences will inform your decision and ensure a positive publishing partnership.
Print on Demand vs. Traditional Publishing: Key Differences
Print on demand and traditional publishing represent distinct paths to bringing your book to readers. Understanding their core differences is essential for choosing the right approach for your goals.
Skip the Gatekeepers
Print on demand bypasses the traditional publishing house selection process. There are no publishing gatekeepers controlling what gets printed. While this grants authors creative freedom and faster time-to-market, it also means your work won’t undergo review by professional in-house editors as a standard process.
To maintain book quality, authors using print on demand can independently hire freelance editors or utilize editing services offered by providers like BookBaby. Taking responsibility for editorial quality is crucial in the self-publishing model.
Control Your Pricing
Self-publishing with print on demand empowers authors to set their own book prices. While print-on-demand services deduct printing and fulfillment costs and may take a commission, you retain control over the retail price and your resulting profit margin.
Selling through your own online store offers maximum pricing control. However, when selling to retailers or through wholesale channels, you’ll need to offer wholesale discounts (typically 40% to 60%) to allow bookstores to apply their standard markup and ensure profitability for retail partners.
Choose Your Sales Channels
Print on demand provides authors with distribution freedom. Instead of a traditional publisher dictating sales channels, you decide where and how to sell your book. You can sell directly to readers through your website, online marketplaces, or partner with retailers and wholesalers. Many print-on-demand services offer distribution networks to expand your book’s reach beyond direct sales.
Effective Marketing Strategies for Your Print-on-Demand Books
Marketing is as crucial as your book’s content for self-publishing success. Without the marketing infrastructure of a traditional publisher, authors are responsible for reaching their target audience and driving book sales. Here are essential marketing strategies to get started.
Building Your Author Platform
Your author platform is your foundational marketing presence—the online space where readers discover you and your books. Building an effective platform doesn’t require advanced technical skills. Focus on these core components:
- Website: Create a simple, clean, and professional website with key information for readers. Include an About page introducing yourself, a blog to share updates and engaging content related to your book’s themes, and clear pathways for readers to purchase your book directly or through retailer links.
- Email List: Build an email list to directly connect with interested readers. Offer valuable incentives for sign-ups, such as a free chapter preview, exclusive content, or helpful resources related to your book’s subject matter. Email marketing remains a powerful tool for author-reader communication.
- Author Branding: Define your unique author brand. Identify what distinguishes you as a writer—your writing style, genre expertise, personal story, or unique perspective. Maintain consistent branding across your website, social media, and all author communications to build recognition and reader loyalty.
Utilizing Social Media for Promotion
Social media platforms enable authors to connect directly with readers and reach potential book buyers. Select platforms aligned with your target audience—consider where your readers spend their time online (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.). Platforms like TikTok have recently emerged as powerful tools for authors, particularly for reaching younger demographics.
Maximize your social media presence with these strategies:
- Authenticity and Consistency: Share more than just book promotions. Offer glimpses into your personality, writing process, sources of inspiration, and relevant insights related to your book’s themes. Consistent posting builds audience engagement and anticipation.
- Engage with Your Audience: Actively respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in conversations within your genre or book’s topic areas. Genuine interaction fosters reader connection and increases the likelihood of readers supporting your work.
- Promotional Campaigns: Run targeted social media ads or host giveaways to expand your reach and attract new readers. Even modest advertising budgets on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can effectively connect with individuals interested in your book’s genre and themes.
Share Your Words with the World
Traditional publishing contracts are no longer essential to reach readers. Print-on-demand books offer a cost-effective and empowering route to share your writing and build a profitable author business. Integrating a Shopify store into your author platform provides robust tools and apps to efficiently sell books and expand your audience.
Connect print-on-demand services like Lulu Direct directly to your Shopify store to automate book printing and shipping as orders come in. Manage your entire book sales operation from a centralized dashboard and offer readers multiple formats—paperback, hardcover, or digital editions—seamlessly.
Start building your dream online bookstore today and join the growing ranks of successful self-published authors.
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Print-on-Demand Books FAQ
Is there a minimum order quantity for print-on-demand books?
Minimum order quantities vary depending on the print-on-demand service provider. Some services may require minimum orders for production efficiency, while many others allow you to print single books on demand, making it ideal for authors needing flexibility and small print runs. Always check each service’s specific policies regarding minimum orders before making a decision.
Can I sell my print-on-demand book on multiple platforms?
Yes, you generally have the freedom to sell your print-on-demand book across multiple platforms to maximize your reach to potential readers. You can list your book on your own website, online marketplaces like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and other bookselling platforms simultaneously. However, carefully review the terms and conditions of each platform, as some may have exclusivity requirements or specific distribution guidelines.
What is considered the best print-on-demand site for books?
Shopify is a highly effective platform for selling print-on-demand books, offering a robust and versatile ecommerce solution for authors. By connecting your Shopify store with a compatible print-on-demand app, such as those mentioned in this guide, you can seamlessly integrate book printing, sales, and fulfillment. Shopify provides the tools to create a professional online bookstore and manage your print-on-demand book business efficiently.
Does Amazon offer print-on-demand book services?
Yes, Amazon provides print-on-demand book services through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). KDP allows authors to print both physical books (paperback and hardcover) and digital ebooks on demand through the Amazon platform. This direct integration with Amazon’s vast marketplace provides authors with immediate access to a massive customer base and streamlined sales and distribution channels.
How much does it typically cost to print books on demand?
Most print-on-demand services operate with minimal upfront costs for authors. The costs associated with printing, fulfillment, and the overall self-publishing process are typically deducted from your sales revenue as orders are placed. Print-on-demand costs vary depending on the service provider, book specifications (size, paper type, color printing), and your chosen retail price. Carefully compare pricing structures and cost calculators offered by different services to optimize your profitability.
Is print on demand still a profitable model for authors?
Yes, print on demand remains a profitable model, particularly for self-published authors and independent creators. Print on demand allows you to start with low initial investment and scale your book production as demand grows, minimizing financial risk. Your profitability depends on factors such as your pricing strategy, marketing efforts, book quality, and ability to reach your target audience effectively. Strategic planning and marketing are key to maximizing profitability with print on demand.
Can I sell print-on-demand books to customers worldwide?
Yes, most print-on-demand services offer global shipping and international distribution options. You can sell directly to readers worldwide through your online store, leveraging the global reach of the internet. Additionally, some print-on-demand services connect with global wholesaler networks, expanding your book’s availability to international retailers and libraries. Explore the international shipping and distribution capabilities of your chosen service to reach a global readership.
