POD & E-PUBLISHING

You say you want a revolution?...

Well here it is! Enter the brave new world of self-publishing via digital printing and ePublishing!

What Is This?

The internet and new digital printing technologies have revolutionized the world of publishing. Slowly coming of age are publishing opportunities for independent publishers, previously unpublished authors, and anyone else who desires to distribute their writing. Using the internet as the primary means of access and marketing and distribution, new "publishing" companies are making many authors successful publishers.

What's The Difference Between Conventional Publishing and This?

Print runs and public access.

Print Runs
Conventionally, an author has to print at least 500 to 2500 copies of a book, at $3-5 per book, to even consider printing a book on a printing press. Now, with high quality digital "copiers" that bind and finish, an author can print even just one book. Obviously, the investment is much smaller and allows authors to create a book, and make it available as demand increases instead of spending great sums upfront, warehousing inventory and struggling to recoup the investment. See our list of resource links for digital printers. Keep in mind it is more economical to digitally print with a company that can also provide fulfillment.

Access & Distribution
New internet companies are providing services that allow authors to submit manuscripts for a nominal fee. These are formatted and uploaded to a server as PDF files. The author's title is listed on the site with a cover photo and book description and made available for purchase from the site. The buyer can then download the book or have a copy digitally printed and sent to them. This differs from conventional publishing in that an author must contract a distributor for a high percentage of the book's net sales to maintain the authors inventory, sell to retailer or wholesalers, and manage the account. The difference is huge. With internet access to individual titles, a consumer, retailer, wholesaler, or organization has equal and immediate access to a book; whereas, with conventional distribution, there is a glut of "middle" activity that slows sales, availability, and author payments.

Any Drawbacks?

Yes. The public is still used to "books". People are not familiar with the idea of "downloading" a book, "reading" a computer, or "printing a book" on their laser printer. And many people don't yet know these new internet storefronts even exist. Sales will be small, unless the author launches a campaign to market the titles availability online. Another drawback is the quality of "formatting" of a digitally printed book. While the manufacturing of such a book is top rate, the editing, interior design, cover, and commerciality can suffer. Often, these books are amateur, not well edited, have poor readability and legibility, and sometimes are just plain ugly. Most ePublishers offer cover and interior design services and editing; but these services pale in comparison to quality, professionalism, and personality to traditional editing and design services. We recommend contracting these two activities in preparing a book for ePublishing.

Where Can I Find These ePublishers?

The three most successful are:

If you are considering this option, please investigate thoroughly. We can consult with you about this option. Call us before you sign your contract! (410)287-3120

Additional Helps

POD: Publishing... or Death? What You Don't Know About Publishing on Demand Will Kill You

Book Design: Planning Layout in The Editorial Stage

Going Out In Style! Using Style Tags to Prepare Your Manuscript for A Better Layout

Design, Layout, and Typesetting Terms & Tips

How To Build a Successful Book: Notes from an Award-Winner

DISCLAIMER: This information is the opinion of Pneuma Books, LLC and is presented for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of legal, financial, or other professional counsel. Individuals should consult an attorney, accountant, and additional publishing consultants for specific applications to their individual publishing or writing ventures. Individuals should always gather and consider more than one source of information in order to make well-informed decisions. Pneuma Books, LLC reserves the right to rescind any free offer at anytime for any reason. Free offers by Pneuma Books are not a contractual obligation between any party and Pneuma Books, LLC. Pneuma Books, LLC is under no contractual obligation to provide any free goods or services of any kind to anyone for any reason at anytime. Pneuma Books, LLC specializes in producing books of a traditional and conservative nature. This may include: business books; books on finance; how-to manuals and handbooks; technical tradebooks; textbooks; biography and autobiography; history and historical fiction; children's books; inspirational and self-help; and Judeo-Christian devotional and theological books. Pneuma Books, LLC will consider some traditional, conservative fiction. Pneuma Books, LLC reserves the right to decline book projects that are not within our specialty. Pneuma Books, LLC reserves the right to reject any manuscript for any reason.

Pneuma Books is not a Publisher, Subsidy Publisher or Vanity Press.
Pneuma Books is a Book Producer. Pneuma Books does not issue ISBNs.