How to Make a Living with Your Writing: Books, Blogging and More

by Joanna Penn

Recommended Print On Demand companies There are two main options for print on demand, both recommended by many authors. Createspace: This is Amazon's own print on demand company. It has a simple 'wizard' process, downloadable templates and online help along the way. [In 2018, Amazon launched KDP Print as part of the kdp.amazon.com dashboard and most authors are now using KDP Print instead of Createspace. It uses the same functionality and fields, and you can easily move books over from Createspace to KDP Print.] Once you've uploaded your files, you'll be given the cost of the book and then you can add the profit you want to make. You can then proof online or order a copy to check that it's OK before approving for sale in the store. It's free to publish. The only charge is for the proof copy and then you're paid per sale. The extended distribution option means that your book will be available at online stores around the world. One little tip, if you are ordering your own books from Amazon regularly, you can get free shipping with Amazon Prime. In late 2016, Amazon added a print option to the KDP Dashboard, where you used to only publish ebooks. So it’s possible that there will be a consolidation in this option as time goes on. IngramSpark: If you want to have your books available in physical bookstores and libraries, then Spark is a better option than Createspace. You'll still have to get the various places to order the books, but retailers are more likely to stock books th...

Print on demand companies