Print-on-Demand Publishing: A Writers' Guide to POD Publishers

M. Vaz
If you are a new writer interested in having a book published, you may want to check out a print on demand (POD) publisher. This publisher uses digital printing technology to help writers publish their works. The services of a print-on-demand publisher can range from the initial printing of the author's works, to actually helping the author with their choice of cover design, editing, and marketing.

Depending upon the print-on-demand publisher that you choose, you may only have a limited selection of what the POD can actually do to publish your writing. It would be a good idea to research the many print-on-demand publishing services that are in business to see which one would best suit your needs. What would you like them to do for you? Remember if you want the bare minimum that is exactly what you will pay for. However, some print-on-demand publishers can offer you better services for additional money, which may be worth the expense, in order to sell your book. You will have to make the decision as to what you want to spend and what type of package you would like the print-on-demand company to supply you with.

One thing that you do have to realize when using print-on-demand publishing is that most of their service contracts will take only the non-exclusive digital and e-publishing rights. However, a large share of the book's sales price will also go to the services. This is done to offset the cost of printing and production. You, as the author, will receive income in the form of a royalty check.

There are some things that you should know prior to using a print-on-demand service, which could possibly change your mind.

When you use a print-on-demand service, your choices are limited to the package of services that the print-on-demand publishing company offers. If you opt to self-publish, you are in control all aspects of the publishing of your works. This includes the cover of your book to the font that you decide to use, and most important the pricing of your book.

As stated previously, if you use a POD for your printing services, your payment as the author will come in the form of a royalty check. Unfortunately, by using a print-on-demand service, you are actually paying the publisher twice.

You pay them when they first start the project of publishing your book and once again, for each book that is produced and sold. If you decide to self-publish, you will be able to keep all the monies received from the sale of your book.

When using a print-on-demand service, the POD publisher will own the ISBN, digital and electronic publishing rights. Through self-publishing, all of the ownership rights will go to you, including the ISBN.

If you decide to use a print-on-demand service, make sure that you have thoroughly researched all the opportunities available. No matter what the service may say, you should pay the additional money to make sure that you have a qualified lawyer that will be able to look over your contact with the print-on-demand publishing company. This will help to save you time and money should any issues arise.

Whatever you do, always make sure to protect yourself and the work that you want to have published. If you find a reputable print-on-demand service, you should have no trouble in publishing and selling your first book, making it a very good experience for a new writer.

Published by M. Vaz

I live in Central California with my family, where we are now remodeling a new home.  View profile

1 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Andborough Publishing Internet POD8/26/2010

    Andborough Publishing Internet POD
    warning
    Andborough Publishing - Scams Targeting Writers Victims of Fraud beware Andborough Publishers & Associates, Pravada & New Gaia Beware of Andborough Publishing, Pravada or New Gaia all the same publishing company family run and a major scam. Of all the different types of frauds present in cyberspace, it's the scams that steal your money that are obviously the worse. The monetary damage isn't the only negative effects they inflict. Victims are embarrassed and can and often do become depressed upon realising they have been swindled out of their hard earned cash never mind your book or poetry book which u have sweated blood over "In some sort of a family run scam but will never ask for any money up front Owned by Robert Yarborough and Pamela Anders Yarborough they, like the article state, are a small family run publishers who self published their own book Childrens Reiki Handbook and then had the neck to give themselves 5 stars on amazon.

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.