Print on demand vs a print run: which is right for your book?

There are two main ways to turn your manuscript into printed books. Print on demand prints one copy each time someone orders it. A print run prints a set number of copies at once, which you then sell or give away yourself. Both are good choices for the right book. The best one for you depends on where your readers are and how you plan to reach them.

How print on demand works

With print on demand, you upload your files to a service once. Each time a reader buys a copy, often through an online store, a single book is printed and shipped to them.

What it does well:

• No books to store. Nothing is printed until someone buys it.
• Online availability. Many print on demand services can list your book with large online retailers.
• Low upfront cost. You pay for setup and copies as they are needed, not for a stack of books up front.

Where it falls short:

• A higher cost per copy. Printing one book at a time costs more per book than printing hundreds together.
• Fewer choices. Formats, papers and finishes are usually limited to a standard menu. Extras like foil, embossing, ribbon markers or dust jackets are often unavailable.
• Author copies still cost a lot. Books for your own events and gifts are priced one at a time, plus shipping on each order.

How a print run works

With a print run, you choose your quantity, approve a proof and receive boxes of finished books. You sell them yourself: at events, on your own website, through your church or school, or by hand.

What it does well:

• A lower cost per copy. The more you print, the less each book costs. That leaves more room for profit when you sell in person.
• More ways to make it special. Hardcovers, dust jackets, foil, spot UV, sewn bindings and premium papers are all on the table.
• Books in hand for every event. Launch parties, book signings and speaking engagements are easier with a box in your trunk.

Where it asks more of you:

• Money up front. You pay for the whole run before you sell a copy.
• Somewhere to keep them. Boxes of books need a dry, cool place.
• A plan to sell them. A print run works best when you know where your readers are.

Which is right for you?

Ask yourself where most of your copies will go.

• Mostly online, to readers you have never met? Print on demand is a natural fit.
• Mostly in person: events, speaking, church, school, family and gifts? A print run usually gives you a much better price per book.
• A gift book, keepsake or picture book where quality matters most? A print run gives you the materials and finishes to make it special.

Many authors do both

You do not have to choose only one. A common plan is to keep the book available through print on demand for online orders, and print a run of author copies for launch events, signings and everyday hand selling. Just make sure both editions share the same final files, and that each format has its own ISBN. See ISBNs, barcodes and copyright.

Compare the true cost

Whichever way you go, compare the delivered price. A low price per copy can grow once shipping is added. Our guide to the true cost per book shows how to compare fairly, shipping included.

Next step

If a print run sounds right, figure out how many copies to order, then start your book. You will see a free digital proof of every page before you pay a thing, and a real person will price your book with shipping included.