The self-publishing process can be complicated and confusing to the uninitiated. To help you understand what is involved, we created a handy infographic that explains our publishing process. It will hopefully give you the confidence to venture forth into the self-publishing world and realize your dream of being a published author. Share our guide with fellow writers looking to take charge of their book.
Printing and Distribution Starts with One Master File
The third stage of the self-publishing process is printing and distribution. When production is completed, a master file of your book is created. Everything is generated from this template (print on-demand, off-set, and eBooks). It is sent to our wholesale partners, Ingram and Baker & Taylor, whose international distribution network reaches readers around the globe. Our retailers like BarnesandNoble, Amazon, and booksamillion will also gain access to this file.
For Book Sales, Quality Matters
Whether on-demand or traditional offset, the print quality of your book matters. Nothing can cripple sales on a beautifully produced book like a poor-quality print job. Know how you want your book to look. Learn the different types of book formats available and whether you want full color or black & white.
Printing Costs Often Determine Retail Prices
Don’t be fooled by low upfront self-publishing costs. Even though you determine the retail price of your book, it is the printing costs that drive how high that number should be to turn a profit. The staff at Dog Ear can help you determine the best method for you and how to choose between print on-demand, offset, or a combination of both.
POD – Keeping Titles Available Longer
Print On-Demand is most often used in the self-publishing business. It allows booksellers to eliminate costly inventory delivery and storage costs and affords them the opportunity to offer more titles at any given time. They don’t have to pull the books off the shelves to make room for new ones. With POD, you can order one or a hundred books. An 800-page book can be printed in less than a minute and wholesale orders can be delivered in 2 days. While the cost per unit is higher, the printing and shipping costs to retailers is reduced.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Offset Printing
Traditional offset printing offers lower per unit costs but a large print run (2000+ books) is needed to reap the savings. Publishers must contend with storing the inventory or disposing of unsold books. Indie authors are often left with storing boxes and boxes of books in their garages until they are sold. Finding a happy medium between POD and offset printing is where the experts at Dog Ear can help.
Do They List Their Prices Upfront?
When trying to determine what company to go with for self-publishing, be sure to check out how the company discusses printing charges. Make sure they have clearly listed their prices and fees. Make sure you have control over setting the retail price of your book and the wholesale discounts to be offered. The cost of buying your own book from them should be at a fixed price.
Be Realistic – How Many Books Can You Sell?
Don’t get three quarters of the way through the self-publishing process only to discover yourself mired down in confusing rates and fees. Have a realistic idea of how many books you can sell before deciding which printing option to choose.
Why Dog Ear?
With over 50 years of traditional publishing experience, our responsive team of editors, designers and technicians ready to assist you in bringing your book into being. At Dog Ear Publishing, our goal is wants to empower you to become involved in all stages of your books development. If you want your book to be a quality reflection of who you are as an author, visit our website at dogearpublishing today and take control of your publishing destiny.