After completing all pre-publishing steps, an author is ready to print their book. At this juncture, they are faced with a dilemma: Should they go in for print-on-demand services or bulk printing? Both methods have unique advantages and drawbacks. The author needs to consider a few factors before deciding which of the two book printing services will best serve their purpose. The points to consider are cost, print quality, turnaround time, and environmental impact. Let’s look into each of this factor so the author can make an informed decision.
What are the Cost Differences Between Print-on-Demand and Bulk Printing?
Book printing cost is a major factor in deciding the type of printing an author selects. The author is looking for the best deal for their requirements. Hence a careful consideration of the factors that determine final print cost.
For an existing popular author, an author with a firm order or an author who has plans for substantial marketing investment, it will make sense to consider bulk printing. In such cases, the book print cost per copy works out cheaper. The bulk rates apply for quantities above 1000 books/print run. However, getting similar benefits for a bulk print run as small as 700 books is sometimes possible. This cost-effectiveness can make you feel financially savvy.
If you are a new author or a first-time author starting for the first time, a small print run/POD style of printing will suit you better. Each POD can be as small as 1-20 books/print run. Thus saving you immense book printing costs. For instance, printing a single book via POD might cost around ₹200-₹300, whereas the per-unit cost in bulk book printing can drop to as low as ₹50-₹100 when ordering in large quantities. There is no significant upfront initial investment in POD, which can be a barrier for some writers.
How Does the Quality of Print-on-Demand Compare to Bulk Printing?
Quality of print is one factor that has deterred many first-time authors from embracing POD. Being small print runs, the output of paper, print, and images used to be of lower quality than bulk printing. Bulk printing or offset print runs had superior machines, book printing techniques, better printing and cutting quality, etc. This method allows for sharper printing, precise colour matching and high-resolution images, essential for books with detailed illustrations. However, with the rising demand for POD, there has been a rapid increase in the use of better techniques and machines, offering a superior POD product than was previously provided. In some cases, POD now matches the quality of offset printing. This improvement in the quality of print can make you feel reassured.
It’s crucial for writers to request samples from both methods to assess the quality and choose the one that best meets their needs. This step can significantly influence your decision-making process.
In India, several companies offer both print-on-demand services and bulk printing services. For instance, Blinkstore, Printful, and Zorba Books are popular choices for Print-on-Demand. On the other hand, large presses like Thomson Press, Manipal Technologies Printo, and PrintOnWeb are ideal for bulk printing services that cater to large print runs and maintain international quality standards.
What are the Turnaround Times for Print-on-Demand vs. Bulk Printing?
Since in POD, the number of copies printed is few, quicker turnaround times can be achieved. In some cases, a day or two will suffice. This also depends on the load on the press and the number of copies to be printed. What this means is that you can have your book printed and shipped within a few days. Meanwhile, the turnaround times for bulk book printing methods are much longer often one month or more. This is because the technique involved in this type of printing requires more time. If you need your books quickly, POD might be the better option.
Which Option is More Environmentally Friendly?
If one is environmentally conscious and would like to focus on environmentally friendly policies, one can consciously use policies such as the use of recycled paper or a limited print run, as in POD. Print-on-demand is generally considered more eco-friendly because it reduces waste by only printing books that are ordered. This method eliminates the need for warehousing and minimises the risk of unsold books ending in landfills hence reducing the environmental impact
Any author wishing to print a book should look at the kind of printing, Offset or POD, that best suits their requirements. This knowledge will help them save money and time with minimum environmental impact by preventing waste. By considering these factors and evaluating your unique situation, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. This empowerment can make you feel in control of your publishing journey.
Helpful Reading:
How to Get Your Regional Language Book into Bookstores
Essential Guide to Book Distribution