When authors print books on demand, they transform how they connect with readers by providing cost-effective, high-quality, custom books. This innovative method offers new and established authors a flexible and efficient solution for monetising their work. Mixam’s print-on-demand service, PrintLink, supports selling and distributing printed books without the usual hassles of inventory and distribution. Let's explore the benefits, processes, and considerations of POD book printing.
The Benefits of Print-on-Demand Book Printing
No Upfront Costs or Inventory Management
Traditional book printing often requires significant upfront investments, primarily due to the need for large print runs. This approach can be risky, especially for first-time creators. Unsold inventory can lead to financial losses and storage issues.
However, with POD, books are printed only when a customer places an order. This method eliminates costly storage or warehousing and minimises waste, making it ideal for those who want to create products with a sustainable edge. Additionally, POD allows authors and publishers to test the market with minimal financial risk, making it an ideal solution for niche genres or experimental projects.
Quick Turnaround Time
One of the standout features of POD is its turnaround times. In traditional publishing, the timeline from file creation to printed books can stretch over several months, possibly longer.
In contrast, POD services like Mixam’s PrintLink can print and prepare your book for distribution within days. This speed is invaluable in responding to market trends, promotional opportunities, or media coverage. For instance, if your book gains unexpected attention, POD enables you to quickly meet demand without delays. Moreover, rapid turnaround times are crucial for time-sensitive publications, such as event programs.
High-Quality Printing
At Mixam, we prioritise quality by using state-of-the-art printers and high-grade materials to ensure every book meets the highest standards. This commitment to excellence ensures that your books are visually appealing and durable, enhancing their longevity and the overall reader experience.
Whether you're printing a full-colour art book, which requires vivid colour reproduction, or a text-heavy novel where clarity and crispness are paramount, our state-of-the-art printing technology delivers exceptional results. We meticulously reproduce your content, capturing every detail so your book stands out and leaves a lasting impression on readers long after publication.
Customisation Options
POD also offers great flexibility in customisation, enabling you to tailor every aspect of your book. Whether you prefer a hardcover or a sleek paperback, you can choose from different paper types to match your book's aesthetic and functional needs. Additionally, we offer various sizes, allowing you to create everything from pocket-sized poetry books to large-format photography books. Such versatility will enable you to produce a book that truly reflects your brand and resonates with your target audience.
How the Print-on-Demand Process Works
Watch this walkthrough video to see how to make a print-on-demand order with PrintLink:
Books To Print on Demand
Children's Books
Children's books often feature brightly-coloured illustrations and require durable materials to withstand frequent handling by young readers. Mixam's POD services cater to these needs by offering high-quality colour printing and robust binding options. Whether you create picture books for toddlers or illustrated stories for older children, our platform has the tools you need to create engaging and visually appealing books. Additionally, POD allows you to experiment with different formats and styles, helping you find the best way to captivate your young audience.
Art Books
Printing art books through POD is a fantastic way for artists, photographers, illustrators and other creatives to showcase their work in a book format. At Mixam, we specialise in producing art books that do justice to your artwork with excellent print materials and consistent colour reproduction. Our printers will capture even the smallest details, from subtle gradients to bold colours. Whether you've developed a portfolio, a collection of paintings, or a coffee table book, Mixam's POD service provides the quality and flexibility you need.
Cookbooks
Cookbooks combine practicality with visual appeal. They require easy-to-read layouts and images to showcase recipes clearly. Mixam's POD service caters to these needs by offering durable binding options and premium paper choices that are perfect for food photography. Additionally, POD allows for flexibility in print runs, making producing special editions, seasonal updates, or limited releases easy. Whether you're a professional chef, a food blogger, or a culinary enthusiast, Mixam can help you create a functional and beautiful cookbook.
Graphic Novels
Graphic novels and comics are another popular POD category. These works require even colour reproduction and the ability to handle detailed artwork. We provide colour and black-and-white printing options and a range of paper types to suit different graphic styles. Furthermore, our flexible print runs mean you can produce as many or as few copies as needed, whether you're launching a new series or testing the market with a single issue.
For more book printing options, visit our PrintLink page.
Choosing the Right Print-on-Demand Service
Factors to Consider
When choosing a POD service, key considerations include pricing, quality, customisation options, and customer service. Pricing is critical, as it directly affects your budget and profitability. It's also crucial to understand the cost structure of different POD providers, including any additional fees for setup, proofs, or delivery. Quality is another critical factor, as it impacts the final product's appearance and durability. Look for POD services that offer high-quality printing and materials and customisation options to suit your project's specific requirements.
Why Mixam Stands Out
Mixam stands out in the POD industry because we empower creators to print and sell books for free on their own terms. Creators have the platform and tools to maximise their earning potential through a single, personalised, shareable link. You can also turn previous bulk orders into POD orders or start one from scratch.
Furthermore, Mixam provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our pricing structures mean creators can choose and adjust how much they earn from their book prints at any time. Your customers will receive high-quality print no matter if they order a single copy or multiple, and a range of customisation options means creators can develop items as individual as they are using the most advanced printing technology.
Mixam’s team of real print experts are always on hand to assist you, from file preparation to final delivery. This comprehensive support ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience, making Mixam the ideal choice for your POD needs.
Tips for Successful Print-on-Demand Book Printing
Preparing Your Files for Book Printing
Properly preparing your files is crucial for successful POD printing. The preparation stage involves formatting your manuscript and cover design according to the printer's specifications. Also, choosing the right format and options for your book can significantly impact its appeal and marketability. When selecting the size, binding type, and paper stock, consider your target audience and the book's purpose. At Mixam, we provide detailed guidelines to help you prepare your files, including information on bleed areas, colour profiles, and resolution requirements.
Optimising Your Book's Design for Print
Your book’s design has a significant impact on first impressions. A well-crafted design attracts attention and subtly conveys the book's genre, theme, and tone without giving away the entire story. The cover should be eye-catching and reflect the book's content, enticing readers to explore further. The design should also consider the visual hierarchy, guiding the reader's eye smoothly across the page and making the book enjoyable and accessible.
Inside, choose fonts that are visually appealing and easy to read. Additionally, a clean and well-organised layout enhances the reading experience, with consistent margins, spacing, and text alignment contributing to a professional and polished look.
Promoting Your POD Book
Promoting your book is vital to generating support, interest and sales. Start by establishing an online presence, including a dedicated website and active social media profiles. These platforms are invaluable for engaging with readers, sharing updates, and creating buzz around your book.
Beyond social media, consider submitting your book to review platforms, as positive reviews can greatly enhance credibility and attract new readers. Collaborating with book bloggers, influencers, and virtual book tours can also significantly expand your promotional efforts, helping build a loyal readership and increase sales. Additionally, seek out media coverage, such as interviews, podcasts, or feature articles, to boost your book's visibility and reach a broader audience.
Print-on-Demand Book Printing FAQs
What is print-on-demand (POD)?
POD is a business model that allows book printing per order rather than in large batches. This model minimises waste and reduces upfront costs, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution for new and experienced authors and creators.
How long does it take to print and ship a book?
Our typical turnaround time for POD books is short but varies per product, depending on the book's specifications and the order quantity. We also work with several reputable shipping providers to accommodate different timelines.
Can I print in both paperback and hardcover?
Yes, Mixam offers both options. You can choose the format that best suits your book's content and target audience. You can print photo-quality books for detailed, image-heavy content like photographs and graphics that require rich, vibrant colours. Alternatively, you can print reading books for text-based works with few or no graphics.
What file formats does Mixam accept?
Mixam accepts multiple file formats, with PDF being the preferred format for print-ready files. We also provide helpful information in our Support section and free downloadable templates under the Instant Quote Calculator to help you prepare your files correctly. Alternatively, you can make print-ready files using our Design Online Tool, which offers pre-made layouts, typefaces and graphics with preset printing guidelines.
Conclusion
Print-on-demand book printing allows authors to efficiently create and sell high-quality, custom books on a flexible, cost-effective basis, enabling them to meet market demand quickly and reach wider audiences. POD allows you to create any publication without traditional printing methods' financial risk and logistical challenges. At Mixam, we’re committed to quality, customisation, and customer satisfaction, making us a trusted partner in your publishing journey.
For more information, visit our Print on Demand page and explore our Books Product Page. You can also check out the array of posts on Mixam's Blog and visit our Support section for helpful guidance and advice on all things print.
