I was at a writer’s party recently when I ran into a client who is in pre-launch mode: sending out ARCs, building her mailing list, encouraging pre-orders, optimizing metadata, etc. I asked what her biggest surprise was so far.

“The quality of IngramSpark books! I can’t believe how everyone says they are so great!”

To which I replied: POD books are like snowflakes. Every book can be a tiny bit different.

Case in point is a proof book I got from CreateSpace this past week. The interior type was so faint that it looked like the ink cartridge needed to be changed.

And just yesterday, I received an email from a reader saying that he’s heard that CreateSpace seems to have a very mixed record.

This is the nature of POD, at least from the leading printers for self-publishers—CreateSpace and IngramSpark. It’s a fact that you cannot be certain about what may turn up in your reader’s mailbox. Cover color variations, misaligned pages, inconsistent interior text colors.

Is it something to be concerned about?

No. Especially when you consider the alternative of printing and storing a bunch of books.

I’ve printed more than 50 proofs with both companies, and ordered print runs of 50+ at a time. I’d say more than 98% of the time, the quality of black & white books from both CreateSpace and IngramSpark have been at a minimum acceptable, if not indistinguishable from what we see from a traditionally printed book.

I recall ordering 15 copies of my first book from CreateSpace. All the interiors were fine, but there were 4 different color variations of the cover. In less than 48 hours I was speaking to a second-level technical specialist, and within 3 days the entire order was replaced for free. This level of responsiveness also holds true for IngramSpark printing.

These vendors stand behind their work and are constantly improving print quality. It’s remarkable when you think about it. You can order a POD book on Tuesday morning and have it on your doorstep on Wednesday.

Color printing is the caveat

Color printing is often disappointing for some people. First of all, it’s expensive. It’s natural to have higher expectations given the much higher price vs. black and white. Unfortunately, the printers have no way to evaluate each individual book’s use of color ink so they apply the same cost to every page whether you have a single page of color, or every page is a color photograph.

Another factor is the choice of paper, or the lack of choice in this case. Here again, the printers need to keep things simple which means limiting choices. CreateSpace offers a single choice, while Ingram offers 2.

I find color printing is best limited to short books, like those for children. In this case the stiff, heavier option from IngramSpark has an advantage (besides being less expensive than CreateSpace).

The real reason why self-publishers use CreateSpace and IngramSpark

It’s not because they print books. There are many companies that will print POD (see below). The real reason we use them is to get distribution.

When you use CreateSpace, your book is automatically added to the Amazon stores—worldwide. And if you opt for Expanded Distribution, it’s also listed in the Ingram catalog so bookstores can order it (assuming it is priced correctly).

Similarly with IngramSpark. A book listed with them is automatically added to their distribution network, which includes Amazon (albeit listed as requiring 1-2 days of extra processing time).

Self-publishers that insist on printing with another printer are left with limited or complicated distribution choices. The most popular and attainable is Amazon Advantage. Ingram Publishing Services does offer book distribution but there are minimum requirements. I’ve heard you need a minimum of 10 books, but more importantly, you need a track record of sales.

Are there alternatives?

If you don’t need distribution (perhaps you are selling direct to readers, or will rely on Amazon only), the options for short-run/POD printing multiply. This can be particularly attractive for publishers needing color printing, different paper choices, an odd trim size, or simply higher quality than what you get from CreateSpace and IngramSpark.

The list below is not exhaustive by any means. But I’ve worked with these printers, or know people who have, and can vouch for their quality. Each have their advantages, and options and pricing can vary, so reach out to 2 or 3 for bids.

Btw, sometimes they use the term digital printing to describe short-run/POD printing.

1. Minibuk. David Seid has single-handedly pioneered small-format books (3.5”x5”) but they also print larger sizes (even if the website doesn’t say so). They offer affordable, high quality color printing, with superb customer service.
2. McNaughton & Gunn. A full-service printer that prints both off-set books, as well as digital short run books.
3. Thomson-Shore. Also a full-service printer that does digital printing.
4. BRprinters. BR’s specialty is short to mid-size book runs and they do POD in small quantities.

What is your experience?

If you printed with someone besides CreateSpace or IngramSpark, how did you solve the distribution problem?

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash