POD "Publishing" --- the best & the worst

[Bobbie Crawford-McCoy]

With the rise in POD or Print On Demand "publishing" there are even more choices for authors.

To make it somewhat easier for upcoming authors to narrow-down their options and decide on a POD company, please share your experiences with POD companies; let us know if you recommend or warn against them.

 

 

 

[1106 Design]

It's not necessary to use a "POD Publishing company" at all to self-publish. POD (print-on-demand) is a printing method available to anyone. The so-called "POD publishing companies" have hijacked the field of self-publishing, siphoned off untold author profits, and dashed many dreams in the process. I have written many blog posts on this topic, the latest one below an analysis of how "do-it-yourself book design" advice from these companies especially damages business owners to want to use a book to promote their expertise and their company.

http://1106design.com/self-publishing-for-business-owners-the-wrong...

I welcome the opportunity to discuss this and other issues with your readers.

Michele DeFilippo
1106 Design
Your book. Designed. With Hand-holding.

[Roxan Murray]

I'll be honest. I self-published because I didn't want anyone messing with it. Not so much the content, but the title and I wanted control of the cover. I get lots of positive comments about the cover. I just can't get enough readers. In retrospect maybe I should have winked at a few more agents.
In the end I have what I have. A small fan base that are waiting on the sequel, a few good reviews (nobody worth noting, but I appreciate the ones who have reviewed), and on we go!

[Shawn Lamb]

I turned to self-publishing through CreateSpace after my publisher surprised my agent and I with passing on the rest of my YA fantasy series. Didn't leave me many options when it says "Book 1" on the cover and people asking me when book 2 was coming out.

So far I like CreateSpace. The way it is set up allowed me to follow my publishers distribution through Ingram and get displayed on Amazon, access to B&N and other major stores. This way I'm able to 'link' all my books in the series. I wish the cover stock was a bit heavier, but overall the quality is good. And they are VERY fast to complete my orders.