Print On Demand Questions

Print on demand (POD), a cross between self-publishing and digital technology, is a hot publishing trend. Your book will be printed within weeks, but POD is still a gamble. Answering these questions before you sign with a POD publisher will save you money and angst.

1. Is the publisher reliable? Read Internet reviews, articles, blog postings, and books about POD. If you know someone who has used POD interview him or her.

2. Do the printed books look good? Request a sample book from the publisher. It should have a professional looking cover, a sturdy binding, and clear, readable print.

3. What is the formatting fee? This will be the highest fee and chances are it doesn't include corrections.

4. What do extra services cost? POD publishers will edit, design your cover, write the back cover copy, write your bio, press release, and more. Editing is the most important service. The editing should be thorough, not a quick glance at your manuscript. Choose extra services carefully because they add up in the blink of an eye.

5. Are there hidden fees? You shouldn't be charged a reading fee or a fee to obtain an ISBN number.

6. Does the publisher have a distributor? Book sellers avoid POD books and won't carry your book unless it's listed with Baker & Taylor, Ingram, or a local distributor - yet another fee.

7. Is the contract fair? Some POD publishers pay low royalties. Find out the royalty rate and how often royalties are paid. You should also receive some free books and be able to buy books at the industry discount.

8. How long will it take to recoup your money? This number should be available and if it isn't, ask for it. Remember, this number is a guess, not a fact.

9. What will publicity cost? Most POD publishers don't publicize books. Get a publicity estimate from a book publicity firm. Add up the publicity and publishing costs.

10. Are you willing to spend this much to see your book in print? POD is a gamble and you may lose more than you make. But if you have the funds to invest and a book that fills a niche, go for it!

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 26 years. Her current work focuses on health and she is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief, co-authored by Dr. Lois Krahn, is her 24th book. The self-help book was published by BookSurge, a POD publisher. Go to http://www.harriethodgson.com to learn more about her work.

---

Section Ideas to Include in Your Newsletter Design

A good newsletter template is not only consisted of a... Read More

How To Write Powerful Newsletters, Offline And Online

The theory of writing for newsletters is very similar to... Read More

EZines: Get from Adequate to Fabulous

If my in-box is any indication, most of the business... Read More

Need Ezine Content - Think Holidays

Publishing an ezine certainly has its benefits and rewards, but... Read More

Write Your Weekly Ezine in 5-Minutes! (or better yet, dont write it at all)

How to write your ezine in 5 minutes by legally... Read More

Self Publishing At The Speed Of Thought

Publishing, both electronic and hard copy, from articles to books,... Read More

How To Develope Content For Your Ezine Without Having To Write Your Own Articles

Do you struggle with creating content for your ezine? You... Read More

Ebook Rebranding - The New Ebook Marketing Power?

Well, it is definitely yes!In the early day of internet... Read More

Why Arent You Writing Ezine Articles?

I'm amazed!Everywhere I go on the Web, people are desperately... Read More

Ezines ? An Excellent Approach To Internet Marketing

What is an ezine? An ezine is an abbreviation for... Read More

How to Format Your Email Newsletter

When subscribers' email readers (programs) receive your text newsletter, they... Read More

The End of Email, Ezines and Online Marketing?

Ok, it's time to bring out my soapbox.Something has been... Read More

Publishing Your Own Newsletter - Is It Worth Your Time?

Is publishing your own newsletter worth your time and effort?... Read More

5 Keys To A Successful Ezine

There are 5 basic keys you need for your ezine... Read More

An Embarrassment of Riches - Part II

The DOI Foundation has unveiled the DOI-EB (EB stands for... Read More

Writing Effective Newsletters

It's obvious but true that your newsletter can only be... Read More

Making Money Online With Web Publishing

Who doesn't want to make money online? Internet is here... Read More

Are You Getting The Most Out Of Your Ezine?

There are two reasons to publish an ezine.... Read More

The Number One Tried and Tested Method For Exploding Your Ezine Subscriptions

We all know how cagey and stubborn prospects can be... Read More

What Every Ezine Owner Should Know About Unsold Ad Space

The deadline approaches and your ad STILL has not sold.... Read More

How to turn your Newsletter into a Web Page...in 45 seconds!

Do you place back-issues of your Newsletter onyour website?There are... Read More

8 Killer Mistakes For Ezine Failure You Must Avoid

It is true that sometimes in life there is a... Read More

The Sticky Issue of E-zine Schedules

While many new e-zine publishers are anxious about developing good... Read More

Is It a Newsletter or Just One More Commercial?

When I purchased my very first computer, not too long... Read More

Ezine Advertising Strategy Exposed-15 Tips to Boost Your Profits

In my opinion, Electronic Magazine (Ezine) advertising is the greatest,... Read More

How Many Articles Can An Author Write As An Expert In A Field?

More and more smart business people are finding the value... Read More

7 Steps to Successful Publishing

The decision to publish a book is very exciting! It... Read More

Are Your E-Mails Bouncing? Hard Bounces, Soft Bounces, and Everything in Between

Are you doing "the bounce"? No, it's not a new... Read More

The Nitty-Gritty Of Ezine Publishing

I sat here this morning, and decided to work out... Read More

The Future of Email Newsletter

The future of email Newsletter - Llando Ford 07.28.2004 What... Read More

Three E-zine Alternatives You May Not Have Considered

During the free e-zine publishing teleclasses I offer every month,... Read More

The Five Deadly Fears of E-Newsletter Publishing

1. Fear Of Having Nothing To SayAs a small business... Read More

Internet Marketing Strategy: 9 Pragmatic Ways Increase Your E-zines Subscription

It is possible to increase the subscription to your e-zine... Read More