On Demand Book Self Publishing Frequently Asked Questions

Many writers self-publishing a book with AuthorHouse have questions about how Print-On-Demand technology works. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions asked.

 

What are the benefits of print-on-demand (POD) printing technology for new authors?

 

POD technology has eliminated many of the financial barriers to becoming a published author. AuthorHouse is harnessing this technology to offer low-cost publishing options that include the design, printing, and distribution of quality books. AuthorHouse gives authors creative control and ensures that each author’s vision is translated into a high-quality printed product. Authors can also determine the quantity of books printed and choose the selling price of the book, options that are not offered by traditional publishers.

How does print-on-demand technology work?

Print-on-demand is the term used to describe a modern digital printing technology that allows books to be printed to match market demand. This technology enables publishers to print both paperback and hardcover books “on demand” as orders are received, rather than doing large print runs that sit in warehouses, waiting for orders. This helps reduce costs by printing books specific to each bookseller’s order. AuthorHouse uses this technology to offer high-quality book printing to aspiring authors with no big up-front printing costs.

 

How is print-on-demand so different from offset printing that was used in the past?

 

The development of the personal computer revolutionized nearly every industry, and book publishing is no exception. Until the late 1980s, professional printing was done on large printing presses using printing plates. Pre-press work required printing plates for each spread within a book, which were then used for offset print runs. With the advent of desktop publishing and digital printing, pre-press work is now completed within the constraints of digital assets. As printers are now capable of working from digital files prepared by AuthorHouse, the amount of time the printer spends preparing each book is drastically reduced as compared to offset printing.

 

How quickly can a print-on-demand printer generate one book?

 

Using revolutionary technology, print-on-demand printers can complete up to 800 pages a minute!

 

How does print-on-demand book quality compare to books that are printed on an offset press?

 

Originally, as new technology developed, experimentation with printing techniques produced books that varied in quality. Print-on-demand methods have continually been refined during the past ten years, and book quality has improved dramatically.  Although paper weight and color vary by individual book, print-on-demand books are indistinguishable from other books. AuthorHouse books always feature color covers, clean graphics, and easy-to-read text. While the quality remains the same, POD methods require no up-front printing costs.

 

 

My local bookstore wants to order twenty copies of my book. How will the books get from the printer to their receiving room?

 

Once an order is placed for a book, whether it is a single copy ordered through the AuthorHouse bookstore or an order for fifty books from a retailer, the order is sent to the printer. The printer is then able to print and bind the entire order in one run. The distributor works hand-in-hand with the printer to deliver the final product to the customer. This entire process happens in the same amount of time it takes to ship books sitting in a warehouse.

 

Do “traditional publishers” use print-on-demand printing technology?

 

In an effort to reduce costs and better control inventory, many small presses and academic publishers have replaced their printing presses with POD technology. POD is not a business model, so any publishing company can utilize POD technology to more exactly match its supply with market demand.

If you would like to learn more about how print-on-demand technology can be used to publish your book with AuthorHouse or would like to learn more about the self-publishing process, click the button below to receive your complimentary Publishing Guide Book. This in-depth guide explains our process and invites you to take your self-publishing journey with us. You may also call toll-free at 888.519.5121 to speak with one of our author advocates.