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By Yvonne DiVita
of Master Book Builders If you're thinking about publishing your book but overwhelmed by all the options? Print-on-Demand (POD) might be your perfect solution. Here are the top 5 things you absolutely need to know: 1. POD Is Self-Publishing, Not Magic POD is the 21st-century version of self-publishing. The author—not the publisher—is in control. That means you make the decisions, keep the rights, and steer your publishing journey. But remember—with great power comes great responsibility. 2. “On Demand” Means Exactly That Books are only printed when someone buys them. If a company tries to make you buy hundreds or thousands of copies upfront, that’s a vanity press—not true POD. Stick with reputable POD providers who print as orders come in. 3. Many POD Publishers Are Just Printer Here’s the deal: some POD companies simply print your files. Everything else--cover design, page layout, editing, proofreading, paper choices, back cover copy, testimonials, and the index—is your job. Pro Tip: Invest in a professional book designer for your cover and layout—it’s worth every penny. 4. Don’t Expect to See Your Book in Barnes & Noble Most physical bookstores don’t stock POD books because they’re non-returnable. However, if you have a relationship with a local store manager, you might persuade them to carry a few copies. The good news? Tip: Your POD book can still be listed online through Barnes & Noble and other retailers. 5. POD Is the Way to Go Today Here’s the truth: Readers don’t buy books because of the publisher’s name. They buy because of a compelling cover, great content, and sometimes the author’s reputation. POD gives you the flexibility and tools to make that happen without waiting for traditional gatekeepers. Other important tips:
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If you’re wondering whether Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the right fit for your book, check out this handy flowchart to help you weigh your options and make the best decision for your publishing journey.
Do you want to self-publish your book? ↓ ┌──────────Yes──────────┐ ↓ ↓ Do you want global distribution No and access to Amazon readers? ↓ ↓ ↓ Yes ↓ ↓ ↓ Are you okay with →→→→→→→→→→→→No – Consider traditional, hybrid, or small press publishing Amazon controlling the sales platform? ↓ Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→→→ No ↓ ↓ Do you want to Consider publish eBook + using a combo paperback easily of KDP (eBook) and IngramSpark (print) and for free? Yes ↓ Are you able to (or willing to hire help to): • Edit • Design a cover • Format your book • Market your work? ↓ Yes ↓ Do you want access to Kindle Unlimited readers? ↓ Yes ↓ Are you okay with Amazon having exclusive rights if your book? (KDP Select 90-day exclusivity) ↓ Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→ No ↓ ↓ Use KDP eBook Consider traditional, hybrid, or small press publishing + KDP Select ↓ Publish with KDP Deciding how to publish your book can feel overwhelming. Should you go the traditional route, or explore hybrid publishing for more control and speed? Let’s break down the key differences so you can choose the best path for your publishing goals.
Do you want to publish a high-quality book but don’t want to do it all yourself? ↓ ┌───────Yes───────┐ ↓ ↓ Do you have a strong platform, No large audience, or media exposure? ↓ ↓ ↓ Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→No - Consider self-publishing or KDP ↓ Are you willing to wait 12–24 months for a deal and give up most rights? ↓ Yes →→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→No ↓ ↓ Submit to agents Are you open to investing your own money and traditional (2K-15K) for expert help? publishers ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Do you want to retain some ↓ ↓ rights or control over cover, ↓ ↓ timeline, and pricing? ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ No →→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→Yes→→→→→→→→No ↓ ↓ ↓ Traditional publishing Use a vetted Consider self-publishing or KDP Hybrid press They do professional editing, design, distribution and give you higher royalties Using Lulu to print a single proof copy is a great option for authors who want to review their book, mark edits, and check formatting, cover, and overall print quality before moving to full production or sending it to their publisher.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you do it confidently: 1. Create a Lulu Account
4. Upload Your Interior File
7. Preview and Approve
9. Wait for Shipping
If you're writing a book, one of the most important steps you can take is identifying its type and genre. But what exactly do they mean, and why do they matter? Let's break it down.
What is a Book Type? A book type refers to the format and structure of the book. It defines how the content is presented rather than what it's about. Here are some common non-fiction book types:
What is a Book Genre? A book genre defines the content and themes of a book, helping readers know what to expect. It’s the category a reader would search for in a bookstore or online when looking for a specific type of book. Some examples include:
Why is Identifying Your Book Type and Genre Important? 1. Helps You Write with Clarity and Purpose Knowing whether you're writing a daily reader, a memoir, or a self-help book provides a clear direction for your writing, ensuring that your content is structured effectively. Understanding the genre gives your writing a purpose, aligning your tone, style, and message with readers' expectations. 2. Targets the Right Audience Readers search for books based on both type and genre. Suppose your book is a daily reader focused on spirituality. In that case, it will attract an audience looking for bite-sized wisdom and meditative insights rather than a full-length guide on mindfulness practices. 3. Positions Your Book for Marketing & Sales
4. Sets Reader Expectations Readers expect certain elements based on genre. A book marketed as self-help should offer actionable advice, while a devotional should have daily or weekly spiritual reflections. Meeting these expectations is crucial for reader satisfaction and can lead to positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. Mislabeling can lead to reader confusion and negative reviews. 5. Attract the Right Publishers or Agents Understanding your book type and genre helps you approach the right agents or publishers. Many specialize in specific categories, and a well-defined book is easier to pitch successfully. Final Thoughts Defining your book's type shapes its structure while choosing the right genre ensures it reaches the right readers. Before you start writing (or publishing), clarify: What type of book am I writing? What genre does it belong to? Answering these questions will guide your creative process, improve your marketing efforts, and increase your book's impact! |
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