If you're self-publishing a book and are looking at your options beyond print-on-demand, you want a company that does it all. The best printers can work with everyone from people who print coloring books all the way up to stately reference volumes – and everything in between. Because your book will face stiff competition, it must fit its genre and be unique. You'll want to have a complete range of binding choices and customization options for the cover and inside pages. Work with a professional editor and cover designer if you haven't decided already.
Some authors follow the traditional publishing industry model and print their books in hardcover and paperback editions. Each has a distinct customer base and pricing strategy. What's encouraging is that the market for printed books so far is holding its own against eBooks and audiobooks. The breakdown is about eight in ten books being read in printed copies, with the other formats sharing the remaining 20 percent. It's different from other media, which the digital revolution has dramatically impacted. That said, a massive percentage of books are sold online, so that the internet will figure into your book's future.
When you work with a capable book printer, they can spark your thought process by sharing samples of their past work. If you've had concepts in mind already, seeing them in physical form can help you decide. Even if there's an extra cost involved, you'll undoubtedly want a proof copy for final review before you give the okay to print the entire run. If you've published other books already, you may have more concrete ideas in mind. When it's your first one, it's wise to investigate what may work best for your book and avoid making a quick decision. The look, binding, and formatting will all impact its success.
If selling your book directly or wholesaling it to other retailers, you must consider warehousing and order fulfillment. Some publishing companies offer those services and they may be helpful. Digital or offset printing decisions depend on your print run size, with the offset being the more economical option for books with sufficient sales. Remember to also work with a book designer for the inside formatting. It improves readability, and readers expect a good experience. Self-published books today compete with all others in the market, meaning cover design, editing, and formatting all matter.
