What Is P.O.D. (Print On Demand) in Self-Publishing?

In the world of self-publishing, Print-On-Demand (POD) has long been hailed as the most economical strategy for publishing a book. It allows authors to print only what they need, when they need it, eliminating the risks and costs associated with maintaining a large inventory.

However, while POD services offer convenience, they come at a cost—often requiring authors to relinquish a significant degree of control over their work. For many indie authors, who are motivated by a desire for independence, this is a serious drawback.

Over the past four years, I’ve focused on finding a solution to this problem—a way for authors to print their books at home more efficiently and affordably. The result of that work is my new book, Own Your Book Press. This book is a game-changer for self-publishers, offering a step-by-step guide (complete with full-color photos) to setting up your own home printing system. It’s designed to empower authors to reclaim control over their publishing process, save money, and produce high-quality books.

While the information in Own Your Book Press is not publicly available elsewhere, many authors still rely on third-party POD services. Below, I’ll review the most popular options—Amazon’s KDP Print, IngramSpark, BookBaby, and Blurb—highlighting their merits and limitations.

1. Amazon KDP Print

Amazon’s KDP Print combines Kindle Direct Publishing with the former CreateSpace platform, offering authors the ability to publish softcover, hardcover, and ebook formats. It’s an accessible platform with a straightforward upload process, affordable proof copies, and the enormous reach of Amazon’s marketplace.

Key Benefits:

  • No upfront fees for uploading.
  • Broad access to Amazon’s global audience.
  • Competitive pricing for print copies.

Drawbacks:

  • Limited acceptance in bookstores.
  • Fees for expanded distribution beyond Amazon.
  • Recent hardcover options lack the flexibility and durability some authors prefer.

My Solution: With Own Your Book Press, you can leverage Amazon’s marketplace for your ebooks while printing your paperbacks and hardcovers at home, giving you complete control over quality and reducing costs.

2. IngramSpark

As part of Ingram Content Group, IngramSpark provides unparalleled distribution, allowing your book to reach bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide. Their extensive network makes them the go-to choice for authors seeking broad market exposure.

Key Benefits:

  • Global distribution, including brick-and-mortar bookstores.
  • Low per-book printing costs for large orders.

Drawbacks:

  • A $49 setup fee and additional costs for revisions.
  • A steep learning curve with minimal customer support.
  • Formatting must be perfect before submission, often requiring professional help.

My Solution: Own Your Book Press includes a free formatting guide, empowering you to create print-ready files without hiring a designer. You can print your books at home and use IngramSpark solely for distribution, saving time and money.

3. BookBaby

BookBaby is known for its robust support system, offering services like editing, cover design, marketing, and ebook production. It’s an ideal platform for new authors who want a comprehensive package.

Key Benefits:

  • User-friendly interface with minimal learning curve.
  • Full-service offerings tailored to self-published authors.

Drawbacks:

  • High costs, starting at $299 for setup.
  • Distribution relies on IngramSpark, adding to expenses.

My Solution: Instead of paying BookBaby for what you can do yourself, use Own Your Book Press to print and format your books at home. You’ll save money and gain invaluable skills.

4. Blurb

Blurb specializes in visually rich books like photo books, magazines, and illustrated works. They also offer volume discounts for bulk orders.

Key Benefits:

  • No setup fees.
  • Advanced tools for creating image-heavy books.

Drawbacks:

  • Higher production costs than competitors.
  • Limited trade book distribution options, relying on Ingram for wider reach.

My Solution: Blurb’s software pairs well with Own Your Book Press. Use their tools for layout design and print your books at home to enjoy higher margins and better quality control.

The Better Alternative: Print Your Books at Home

Each of these third-party POD services has its advantages, but they all share significant downsides: high costs, limited control, and dependence on external platforms. With Own Your Book Press, you can bypass these issues entirely.

Here’s what you get with my book:

  • A complete guide to setting up your home-based book press.
  • Step-by-step instructions with full-color photos.
  • A free 12-month coaching program to help you succeed.

Printing your books at home means faster turnaround times, reduced costs, and complete creative control. Combine this with third-party services for distribution, and you’ll have the best of both worlds.

The Choice Is Yours

The self-publishing market is constantly evolving, and staying informed is key to making the best decisions for your work. While third-party POD services can be useful, there’s no substitute for the freedom and savings of printing your books at home.

Isn’t it time to own your book press? Visit ownyourbookpress.com to learn more and take the first step toward true independence as a self-published author.