On Demand Book Publishing Frequently Asked Questions

Many writers self-publishing a book with AuthorHouse have questions about how Print-On-Demand book technology works. Often referred to as "on demand book printing" or "on demand book publishing", Print-On-Demand technology is exactly as it sounds, a fulfillment model that prints books based on their demand. Below are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Print-On-Demand technology:

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

On demand book printing 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 book technology is 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. Print-on-demand book technology helps reduce costs by printing books specific to each bookseller’s order. AuthorHouse uses print-on-demand technology to offer high-quality book printing to aspiring authors with no big up-front printing costs.

 

How is print-on-demand book printing different from the 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 book printer generate one book?

 

Using revolutionary technology, a print-on-demand book printer can print and bind 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 book technology has continuously been refined during the past 10 years, and book quality has improved dramatically.  Although paper weight and color vary by individual book, books printed using print-on-demand technology are indistinguishable from other books. AuthorHouse books always feature full-color covers, clean graphics, and easy-to-read text. While the quality remains the same, on demand book printing methods require no up-front printing costs.

 

 

My local bookstore wants to order 20 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 50 books from a retailer, the order is sent to the book printer. The printer is then able to print and bind the entire order in one run. Our distributor works hand-in-hand with the printer to deliver the final product to the customer, in this case your local bookstore. 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 book printing technology?

 

In an effort to reduce costs and better control inventory, many small presses and academic publishers have replaced their printing presses with print-on-demand book 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 book technology can be used to publish your book with AuthorHouse or would like to learn more about the self-publishing process, complete the form on this page 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.