Understanding Print-on-Demand: The Pros and Cons

Print-on-Demand Pros and Cons

The publishing world has changed dramatically over the last two decades. Once upon a time, getting your book into readers’ hands almost always meant chasing a traditional publishing contract or spending thousands on a large print run with a self-publishing company. Today, authors have far more control, flexibility, and opportunity thanks to print-on-demand (POD).

But like any publishing path, POD isn’t perfect. It offers clear advantages for many writers while presenting challenges that you’ll want to weigh carefully. If you’re an author trying to decide whether print-on-demand is right for you, understanding both sides of the equation will help you make a more confident choice.

Let’s explore what print-on-demand really means, why it has become such a cornerstone of modern publishing, and where its strengths and weaknesses lie.

What Is Print-on-Demand?

Print-on-demand is exactly what it sounds like: books are only printed when someone orders them. Instead of printing and storing hundreds or thousands of copies in advance, a POD service—like Amazon KDP Print, IngramSpark, or Barnes & Noble Press—prints each book individually, one at a time, and ships it directly to the customer.

This system relies on digital printing technology, which has advanced significantly in recent years. That’s why a POD paperback you buy today often looks and feels almost indistinguishable from a traditionally printed book.

The key difference is in cost and efficiency. With POD, there’s no need for large up-front investments in printing, warehousing, or shipping logistics. For many indie authors, this makes the dream of seeing their book in print both affordable and accessible.

The Advantages of Print-on-Demand

1. No Up-Front Printing Costs

One of the biggest hurdles for self-publishing used to be the cost of printing. Authors would have to pay thousands to print a batch of books, then hope to sell enough copies to recoup the investment. POD removes that financial barrier. You only pay for a book when someone buys it, eliminating the risk of unsold inventory.

2. Lower Financial Risk

Because you’re not stuck with boxes of unsold books in your garage or basement, POD significantly reduces your risk. If your book sells only ten copies, you haven’t lost thousands of dollars—you’ve just printed ten copies. This makes it especially appealing for new authors testing the waters.

3. Wide Distribution Options

Many POD services integrate with major online retailers. For example, Amazon KDP automatically makes your book available on Amazon worldwide, while IngramSpark can distribute to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers across the globe. That means your book can be ordered by readers almost anywhere without you having to manage fulfillment.

4. Easy Updates and Revisions

Found a typo in Chapter 3? Want to tweak your cover design? With POD, you can upload a corrected file, and every new order will reflect those updates. Traditional printing requires an expensive reprint, but POD allows you to keep your book current with very little hassle.

5. Eco-Friendly Approach

Instead of printing thousands of copies that may never sell, POD produces only what’s needed. This reduces waste, excess storage, and the environmental impact of large-scale print runs. For environmentally conscious authors and readers, this is a compelling benefit.

6. Professional-Looking Results

Modern POD quality has come a long way. The books are bound well, the covers are glossy or matte as you choose, and the interior printing is sharp. While seasoned publishers might spot small differences, the average reader usually can’t tell whether a book is POD or offset-printed.

The Drawbacks of Print-on-Demand

Of course, POD isn’t without its challenges. Authors should be realistic about its limitations before diving in.

1. Higher Per-Book Costs

While POD saves you from upfront costs, the per-unit cost is higher than bulk printing. That means your profit margins may be slimmer unless you price carefully. For example, a POD paperback might cost $4–$6 to print, while offset printing in bulk might bring that down to under $2.

2. Limited Customization

Traditional printing offers a wider range of trim sizes, paper types, finishes, and binding options. POD tends to be more limited—usually standard sizes, white or cream paper, and fewer cover options. If your vision involves unusual dimensions, specialty finishes, or premium-quality materials, POD might not deliver.

3. Slower Shipping for Certain Markets

Because each book is printed after an order, shipping can take longer than it would for in-stock titles. While Amazon is fairly quick, delays are more common with certain POD distributors or international orders. That can sometimes frustrate readers used to instant delivery.

4. Bookstore Challenges

Independent bookstores often hesitate to stock POD books, especially if they’re printed through Amazon. The return policies and wholesale discounts can be less favorable than traditionally published titles, which makes them less attractive to retailers. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but it does mean extra effort if your goal is to see your book on physical store shelves.

5. Quality Variability

While POD quality is generally strong, there can be inconsistencies. Some authors report occasional printing errors, such as slightly misaligned covers or uneven ink. These aren’t the norm, but they can happen, and it’s wise to order proof copies to check your book before making it widely available.

6. Perception Issues

Some readers and industry professionals still see POD as “less professional,” even though the stigma is fading. This is more of a marketing and perception challenge than a practical issue, but it’s worth being aware of if you’re aiming to impress traditional reviewers or gatekeepers.

Who Should Consider Print-on-Demand?

POD is an excellent choice for many authors, but whether it’s right for you depends on your goals.

If you’re an indie author who wants to get your book out quickly, keep costs low, and make it available worldwide without handling fulfillment, POD is a fantastic option. It’s also great for authors with niche or small audiences who don’t want to risk overprinting.

On the other hand, if your goal is to build a large-scale book business with extensive bookstore presence, higher print quality, or specialized formats, traditional printing or hybrid approaches may serve you better. Some authors use a mixed strategy: POD for online sales and smaller offset print runs for events, signings, and bookstore distribution.

Balancing Pros and Cons

When considering POD, it helps to think about your priorities. Is accessibility more important than high profit margins? Do you care more about global reach than bookstore placement? Would you rather release quickly or wait to build a traditional publishing opportunity?

Every author has different answers, and POD’s flexibility means you don’t have to lock yourself into one model forever. You can start with POD, gauge reader response, and expand into other printing methods as your audience grows.

Wrapping It All Up

Print-on-demand has democratized publishing in a way that was unimaginable a generation ago. It gives writers the power to publish affordably, reach readers worldwide, and maintain control over their work. At the same time, it comes with trade-offs in terms of cost, customization, and bookstore accessibility.

The key is to weigh the pros and cons honestly against your publishing goals. For many authors, POD is not just a stepping stone but a sustainable path to building a readership. For others, it’s a starting point before scaling into other publishing models.

Either way, POD has reshaped the publishing landscape—and understanding it fully puts you in a stronger position to make choices that align with your vision as an author.

Print-on-Demand Pros and Cons