Since the topic of my class this month is on printing and
distribution, I've decided to expand on a topic brought up in class discussion
that is very useful and important to aspiring writers. What is this headline topic? Print on Demand services (P.O.D/POD because
nostalgia)! For those who do not know a
print on demand service provider will print books once an order is received
allowing for single copies or small or large batches to be printed at one time.
Blurb is one print on demand
service that authors could consider.
Blurb offers print, ebook, and photography formats. It offers a storefront for artist to sell
through directly and an Amazon distribution program. The direct selling method promotes that you
keep 100% of the profit. Blurb offers
design and layout options listing a few age dimensions on the subpages. It wants you to download their booking making
software BookWright. Using their
software appears to convert to iBook format.
Blurb also does not have a minimum that must be ordered for print
editions. They will print one or
thousands and offer bulk discounts. You
can also get an ISBN from Blurb or provide your own. I feel their website lacks accessible
information. I had to search to find
information about ISBNs, ownership, and copyright.
In the terms and conditions Blurb has a section that I
would not want to agree to, though will likely find in the other websites'
T&Cs, "10. Other
Content. Notwithstanding
Section 8.4.2 above, You hereby grant to Blurb an irrevocable, perpetual,
nonexclusive, fully-paid and royalty-free license (with right to sublicense) to
use, create derivative works, reproduce, distribute and publicly display any
Content, but not your Book Content, that you upload, post, email, transmit or
otherwise make available on the Website or App (“Other Content”).
Lulu is another on POD provider
popular with writers and photographers offering print, ebook, design, and
professional aid. It offers different
print quality levels to fit different budgets.
The site details and shows the different binding, paper size, color, and
document type options. Lulu makes ebooks
available in several formats for popular readers including Nook, Kobo, Kindle,
and iPad. Lulu offers a print and ebook
package called Amplifier that makes the process simpler for newcomers. Lulu provides a free ISBN or you can provide
your own. There is a book cover wizard
for those who wish to make use. Book
will be available to purchase on Lulu.com.
As the site states, "priority distribution to the
iBook store and the Barnes & Noble Nook Store," and creators keep 90%
of the revenue from ebook sales.
Creators retain ownership of source files and the copyright. Lulu also offers promotional, editing, book
to screen, and review services for artists who may need help/support in this
area. The promotional services include
posters, bookmarks, website hosting. One
of the best options that sets Lulu apart are the retail channels made available
for print and ebooks works. The website
is very easy to navigate and informative.
There are free tools and services and payments are made monthly.
Create Space is probably one of the most well known POD
services because of its affiliation with Amazon. It is an Amazon company and a quick glance
over the website would give the impression that it is specifically for Amazon
and Kindle editions. It can appear a bit
cluttered and overwhelming to navigate for beginners. There are professionals available for those
who choose to reach out in the support and help section. The standard distribution is through Amazon
and Amazon Europe but there is also an option for "expanded
distribution." This would make your
book available through Barnes and Noble and Ingram, libraries, institutions,
and Create Space Direct. It also offers
a 60-day satisfaction guarantee though a refund is the last option, "we will
work with you to reach a reasonable and satisfactory resolution. If we're
unable to resolve the issue to your satisfaction, we will refund the full
amount you paid to us for that service" (Create Space Guarantee). The website does not come straight out and
say it but the fixed fees and percentages are a bit higher than the
others. You may have to search around
the site to find this page, Royalties Overview, like I
did that lists fixed fees and sales channel percentages, the homepage links you
to a video explaining
royalties and has a calculator. Like Lulu there are paid services as well as
free resources.
Between the three mentioned I would choose and recommend Create
Space or Lulu. Blurb offers limited
ebook formatting and distribution where Lulu is diverse. Important information about source ownership
and copyrights, payments, and fees are easy to find on Lulu. There is even an application for estimating
revenue on print and ebooks showing all fees allowing artists to determine the
best price for their product(s). The
additional services offered may also be very useful for a self-publishing
artist. Create Space has great options
for design, editing, and distribution.
There is a large community to turn to for support and questions. Plus there is power behind the brand, but you
pay for that.
Another worth mentioning is indie ebook distributor Smashwords. So check them out if you
aren't interested in print editions at this time.
This is just my quick overview of three notable PODs. Please leave any comments suggestions,
corrections, or additional information in the comments. If you've had personal experience with any
POD I would love to hear about it.
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