On demand printing
Many writers self-publishing a book with AuthorHouse have questions about how print on demand publishing and book technology works. Often referred to as "online 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 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 on demand publishing 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. Print on demand publishing helps reduce costs by supplying 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 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 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 with digital assets. As printers are now capable of working from digital files prepared by AuthorHouse, the amount of time spent preparing each book for online printing is drastically reduced compared to offset printing.
How quickly can an on demand book printer generate one book?
Using revolutionary technology, an on demand book printer can print and bind up to 800 pages a minute!
How does the quality of a book published on demand 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. On demand book publishing technology has continuously been refined over the past 10 years, and book quality has improved dramatically. Although paper weight and color vary by individual book, those printed using on demand printing 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, print on demand publishing 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 U.S. distributors, Ingram and Baker & Taylor, work 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 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 on demand printing technology. POD is not a business model, so any publishing company can utilize POD technology to more exactly match its supply with market demand.