Question 1

What is print on demand and is it different from offset printing?

Accepted Answer

Print on demand (POD) prints one copy at a time when a customer orders, with no inventory. Offset prints a large run upfront (typically 500 to 5,000 copies) at a much lower per unit cost. POD is right for ongoing retail sales. Offset is right for events, signed editions, or when wholesale orders demand bulk discounts.

Question 2

Should I do paperback only or paperback and hardcover?

Accepted Answer

Paperback covers the standard reader market. Hardcover earns higher margin per sale and signals prestige (especially for nonfiction, gift books, and library distribution). Most authors release both formats, often with the hardcover priced 8 to 15 dollars higher than the paperback. Audiobook listeners and library buyers also prefer hardcover.

Question 3

What trim sizes do you support?

Accepted Answer

Standard fiction trims (5 by 8 and 5.25 by 8), trade paperback (6 by 9), nonfiction (5.5 by 8.5 and 6 by 9), large print (6 by 9), children's picture book (8 by 10 or 8.5 by 8.5), and most custom sizes that KDP and IngramSpark support. We pick the trim with you based on genre conventions and price band.

Question 4

What paper stock and finishes are available?

Accepted Answer

Cream or white interior paper at 50 lb or 60 lb weight, matte or gloss cover laminate, optional spot UV or foil stamping for hardcover dust jackets. Cream paper is standard for fiction (easier on the eyes). White is standard for nonfiction with images and tables. We pick to match genre.

Question 5

How do bookstores order print copies?

Accepted Answer

Through IngramSpark distribution, your book appears in the Ingram catalog where every bookstore (Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, indie bookstores, university bookstores) places wholesale orders. To make stores actually want to stock it, you also need a returnable wholesale option, professional cover, and proper genre metadata.

Question 6

What is the wholesale discount and returnable status, and do they matter?

Accepted Answer

Wholesale discount is the percentage off list price you offer retailers. Standard is 55 percent. Returnable status means bookstores can return unsold copies. Stores generally will not stock physical copies of non returnable books. We typically set 55 percent discount with returns enabled for any title aiming at indie bookstore presence.

Question 7

How is the spine width calculated?

Accepted Answer

Spine width is determined by page count multiplied by paper thickness. Cream paper at 60 lb runs roughly 0.0025 inches per page. A 280 page paperback in 60 lb cream is about 0.7 inch spine width. Wrong spine math leads to text wrapping onto the front or back cover, which is the most common DIY printing failure. We calculate to printer spec.

Question 8

How does the printing bill work?

Accepted Answer

POD print costs are paid per sale by the retailer (Amazon or Ingram), not by you. They take their share, the printer takes the printing cost, and the rest is your royalty. Offset runs are paid upfront when you place the print order, usually 1,500 to 6,000 dollars for 500 to 1,000 copies depending on trim and paper.

Print Book Publishing