The Surprising Resilience of Printed Books

The digital revolution has led to numerous disruptions across various marketplaces, but the book industry is an intriguing exception. The demand for printed books remains robust, with over 80 percent of readers preferring physical copies. If you’re self-publishing your work, it’s wise to consider your printing and book fulfillment company carefully. You can explore eBook and audiobook formats, too, although having realistic expectations about their sales potential is important. Interestingly, younger audiences are increasingly drawn to reading, and book sales are rising, unlike other print media.

Given that most readers will likely experience your work in print, it’s essential to focus on producing a high-quality book. You might opt for print-on-demand services or choose to publish independently. If you can accurately project your sales and have opportunities to sell through bookstores, you may choose to forgo print-on-demand. However, this method often has limitations since it follows a template-driven approach. In contrast, using a full-service printer gives you access to a range of options, such as custom trim sizes, enhanced cover materials, and unique binding methods like spiral binding.

Many experienced authors recommend that independent publishers use the same content preparation services as traditional publishing houses. Hiring a professional book editor and cover designer ensures your book stands out and competes effectively with titles from major publishers. To garner reviews, presenting a polished book is vital; anything less could invite unnecessary criticism. Quality plays a significant role in the potential revenue from your book sales. Always be ready to compete against titles from traditional publishers with automatically higher quality levels.

While many self-publishers think of digital printing for its suitability for small print runs, if your book gains popularity, consider transitioning to offset printing. Although this requires printing at least 2,000 copies, it significantly lowers the per-copy cost, improving your profit margins. Effective book marketing and promotion—both online and through traditional media—can also help boost sales. Often, a media appearance may yield a modest initial response but can drive interest online, ultimately leading to increased sales. Internet search significantly expands the reach of any publicity you receive.