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June 11, 2013 by Nina Amir 14 Comments

The Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing with a Digital Printer

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Consider digital printing if you are in a hurry and want to save money.Although most print-on-demand POD publishing gets done on digital presses, not that many aspiring authors realize they can actually publish their books on a digital press or know why they might want to do so. Indeed, you might want to produce your blogged book this way or use a digital printer as well as a POD printer (and create an ebook, too), especially if you want to save money or get books fast. And yes, producing a printed version of your blogged book on a digital press is different than producing a digital book, which is called an ebook.

Digital Printing Explained

As I mentioned when I explained the POD process, digital printing employs laser and ink-jet printing methodology and sends  digital image files directly to the printer. Since this technology does not use a printing plate, as in offset printing, it is cheaper and less costly, but the print quality can be slightly lower than offset. That said, Digital printing provides a great option for many reasons.

Why Use a Digital Printer

If you want to self-publish and be an indie publisher as described previously, but you think you will have need to purchase your own POD book in quantity, the cost per book can be fairly high if you produce a POD book rather than a book using offset printing. However, digital printers provide good prices for short runs—much shorter runs than offset printers—and do so quickly. And the quality is still very good. Purchasing some copies from a digital printer might save you some money if you plan to:

  • sell books at the back of the room when you speak
  • sell books off your own website
  • give away many books to reviewers and or for promotions
  • control your distribution for some reason

Things to Consider

Digital printing companies may offer you the option of distribution, but you will pay a percentage to the printer and have to make some of the arrangements yourself at the other end (like with Amazon). You probably won’t get into some of the catalogs used by bookstores, like Baker & Taylor and Ingram. You can make arrangements to get your book distributed to online stores, though.

Using a digital printer adds a little cost into the mix of your book production. Although there is no cost for setting up an account, like you might have at Lightening Source, you will pay initial press setup fees for your book and shipping fees.

As with POD and subsidy printing, you will need to have your artwork ready for press. Your book designer can print-ready art to the printer’s specifications.

As a final note on digital printing, I love it and have used it in conjunction with POD printing and alone. I find it an inexpensive way to get high-quality books to sell when I speak as well as to sell books from my website when I do not want them available for wide distribution, such as on Amazon.  Plus, companies like 360Digital.com, which I have used many times, and 48hrbooks.com are quick and do a good job if you are in a hurry for some reason.

Image credit: alexmillos / 123RF Stock Photo

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Filed Under: Selfpublish Your Blogged Book, What to Do When You Complete Your Blogged Book Tagged With: digital printer, digital printing, self-publishing

Comments

  1. Ryan Sumsuma says

    February 5, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    Hey!!
    I recently published a book,I would like to share few things which might help.Before printing I asked for a sample of self published book from the printer.
    This will give you a fair idea of about the quality the printer is capable of. In case you are not satisfied with the quality you should knock some other door.
    Thank You For Sharing Informative Article

  2. Nina Amir says

    February 6, 2017 at 6:07 pm

    Good advice.

  3. Printing Press Business Plan says

    April 24, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    Hello Nina, is there a link to someplace I can view all 17 books you published?

  4. Nina Amir says

    April 25, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    http://www.booksbyninaamir.com

    And here on my site:
    http://ninaamir.com/human-potential-and-practical-spirituality/
    http://ninaamir.com/nonfiction-writing-publishing/

  5. Taylor Hicken says

    May 1, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    I never knew that some printing companies could offer the option of distributing. My sister has been searching for a printing company for some project at work. I’ll have to ask her what kind of project she’s working on, I could even see if she might need my help.

  6. Nina Amir says

    May 7, 2017 at 11:09 am

    Yes, I’ve used 360Digital and they offer distribution, just as an example.

  7. Lela H. Morrison says

    June 20, 2017 at 6:44 am

    Recommended for new idea about publishing. Thank you so much.

  8. noor says

    August 17, 2017 at 1:34 am

    Thanks for recommend me such a good ideas about publishing 🙂

  9. Ciara says

    September 10, 2017 at 2:52 am

    My Sister is into writing, but is always restricted by how much it costs to print. What would you suggest she should do?
    Best Wishes x.

  10. Nina Amir says

    September 11, 2017 at 10:10 am

    Use CreateSpace. No cost to print really…just costs you have with any book–editing, design, etc.

  11. Printing Business Plan says

    July 9, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    Please where can i get affordable reviewers online?

  12. Peter says

    September 27, 2018 at 2:51 am

    You really gave me some ideas and clear explanations about the digital printing I was looking for. Thank you.
    Keep writing and help others.

  13. aron xavier says

    March 7, 2019 at 1:59 am

    I am truly hoping that these tips will work for me and really appreciate your suggestions about finding the best digital printing. Thanks for this great article.

Trackbacks

  1. How to Self-Publish Your Blogged Book as an Ebook says:
    June 18, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    […] confuse a digital book, which is the same as an ebook, with a digitally printed book. The two are not alike in any […]

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