Offset Printing VS Print-On-Demand

When authors are ready to move past the convenience store model of print-on-demand and focus on a cost-effective business model, they choose the offset printing model. Offset printing gives the author full control over the materials used to create a quality end-product. I cover four key differences in quality between offset printing and print-on-demand.

When authors are ready to move past the convenience store model of print-on-demand and focus on a cost-effective business model, they choose the offset printing model. Offset printing gives the author full control over the materials used to create a quality end-product. I cover four key differences in quality between offset printing and print-on-demand.

1. Amazon KDP and IngramSpark offer extremely limited options for your interior paper:

Amazon KDP (source)

  • Black and White Interior

    • Black ink and 55# (90 GSM) cream paper

    • Black ink and 55# (90 GSM) white paper

  • Color Interior

    • Standard color interior with 55# (90 GSM) white paper

    • Premium color ink and 60# (100 GSM) white paper

IngramSpark (source)

  • Black and White Interior

    • Black ink: 50# (74 GSM) cream paper

    • Black ink: 50# (74 GSM) white paper

  • Color Interior

    • Standard color ink: 50# (74 GSM) white paper

    • Standard color ink: 70# (104 GSM) white paper

    • Premium color ink: 70# (104 GSM) white paper

That’s it! You do NOT even have the option of coated/uncoated/glossy/matte. While these options are passable for basic black-and-white books, print-on-demand should be your last option for printing your illustrated children’s book. Even then, you should approach POD as the non-profitable model that it is.

2. Amazon KDP and IngramSpark offer extremely limited options for your hardback’s interior layout:

3. Amazon KDP and IngramSpark do not offer the printing and care quality of a dedicated printer:

4. Limited Control Over Your Distribution

Print-On-Demand truly utilizes some amazing technology. The ability to upload and sell your books through Amazon’s platform is very alluring. But for all of the good these platforms offer, your book is often not stored or shipped with care, which can result in a very unpleasant experience for the customer.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the reasons why POD is not the best option for the quality-minded author. I have many more points that I can cover with you during the self-publishing support session. We can cover more pros/cons, discuss funding options for your book, and give you the information you need to make the best decision for your project.

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