Self-published authors face a crucial decision regarding the printing method for their books. While print-on-demand (POD) is a popular choice, especially for those with text-heavy works suited for standard-size paperbacks, a full-service printing and book fulfillment company may be a better option. On-demand offers minimal responsibility, which is appealing. However, if you aspire to create a book that serves a broader purpose or promotes your business, exploring other printing options might be wise. Most readers prefer physical books, making the process of printing and fulfilling orders a vital consideration.

On-demand printing alleviates the burden of managing inventory costs, but it can also result in missed opportunities. For instance, businesses often sell books alongside various merchandise. On-demand printers typically do not accommodate this, making it challenging to offer bundled purchases. Additionally, with POD, your distribution is usually confined to the on-demand printer's website, limiting your ability to explore sales channels that could potentially generate more revenue. Choosing the correct format for your book is equally crucial and depends mainly on its intended purpose.

If you're creating materials like training manuals or books that require spiral binding and extensive design elements, a full-service book printer would likely be necessary. They can accommodate these needs and produce high-quality books without the constraints faced by POD services, especially for photo-centric publications that demand specific paper types and advanced printing processes. Competing with traditionally published titles requires matching their level of quality, which is especially important since most sales now occur online. However, still consider brick-and-mortar retailers.

Selling directly through your website is arguably the most lucrative method, as it allows you to retain all the revenue without sharing it with third parties. For those equipped to manage this, direct sales can lead to higher profits. It's essential to optimize your website for search visibility while implementing a promotional strategy to help readers discover your book. Today, authors are increasingly taking control of their publishing journey, which, while more demanding, presents significantly more financial opportunities. Empowering yourself in this process can lead to greater success in a competitive market.