Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand

Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand     

Writer Beware has an excellent piece on print on demand (POD).  I recommend  it to any wanting to know about POD.

I visited each of the websites listed,  Lulu, Xlibris, Author House,  iUniverse , and  Createspace  (Amazon.com) to see what they offer. Using these services to print a book  can vary in cost, but only regarding the extent of services wanted.  The sites themselves are similar with the varying levels of service and cost to have your book printed.  What site you would use depends on your tastes. 

As for the published books, I saw that there was often 3 possible formats - hardback, paperback, and ebook.  Sometimes the cost of a printed book is higher than traditionally published books, probably depending on demand or what the author thinks they can get for it.  To my pleasant suprise, however, I found that the ebook format costs less than "traditional" ebooks.  This can be a good way to get exposure as an author.

I experienced a form of self publishing in college.  Some professors had written their lecture notes and other information they thought relevant to the class that was not included in the textbook.  This addition "book" was available at the local copy center for a fee and was printed while you waited.  I thought it was a good way to get the information out without needing to have printed copies in stock.  The wait wasn't long for printing/copying and the material was always useful. (The professor did write it for the class.)

I might consider buying a self published book, if I found one that was of interest.  Cost could be a factor, but if I was interested enough....   I do like to look at books before I buy.  Getting reviews can also help.  That is one reason I work in a Library and buy used books.