By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Sometimes I get surprised reactions both from non-writers and writers that I’m self-publishing in print as well as in ebook format.
I know some think print is dying out. From my observations, there aren’t nearly as many people purchasing in print as they are digitally. After working with my accountant on my taxes last week, it was very clear on the 1099-MISCs that my print sales for self-publishing were a tiny fraction of my ebook sales.
Would I turn this money down, though? Of course not. And the initial investment in print formatting and cover design has long paid for itself. It did take me a very long time to branch into print and I’m sorry I waited as long as I did.
Reasons we should self-publish in print as well as a digital format:
Goodreads giveaways. (Click the link and scroll down for information from Goodreads on this part of the author program. And a post I ran in 2013 gives information on setting up a giveaway there.) I’m not wild about Goodreads as an author, but their giveaway program has been a nice way for me to get reviews for new releases and provide more visibility for books. Only printed books are eligible for giveaways at this time.
Signings. I’ve been to conferences before where we’ve given out slips of paper with download codes for digital purchases…it’s just not the same. I’ve also been very frustrated with myself when I’ve gone to events and didn’t have any books with me. I try to remember now to always have some in stock at the house.
For readers to purchase as gifts. Although some readers don’t mind giving or receiving ebooks, some prefer to wrap up a physical book.
There are some people, likely fewer every day, who prefer not to read ebooks.
The price of your ebook will look like a steal next to the print price on Amazon.
Steps to publish your book in print (the non-self-service way):
If you have an ebook out and don’t have your book in print format, you’d ask your ebook designer to format your book for print. They’ll add a spine (you’ll want to give them your exact page count) and a back cover (you’ll want to either write back cover copy or else use what you’ve got as the book description on Amazon). They’ll want your headshot and short bio for the cover. You’ll need to tell them the dimensions of the book (the different possible dimensions are on CreateSpace or Lightning Source). This is not as time-consuming nor as expensive as you think.
Choose a company to print the books. You’ll likely want to go through either Amazon’s CreateSpace or Lightning Source. Here is a post that can provide you with some additional information: Giacomo Giammatteo’s post, “Watchdog: Ingram Spark vs CreateSpace for Self-publishing Print Books” for the ALLI Self-publishing Advice blog.
Upload it to the service you’ve chosen. They walk you through it on the printing site. You proof it and then approve it and it goes up for sale.
If you’re published, are your books in print? What made you decide to go that route? Are you glad you did? Any questions from anyone who hasn’t yet published in print?
Your eBook will look like a steal next to the print – I like that!
I’m glad my publisher still does print, although it’s a small amount next to my eBook sales.
Alex–I was trying to do the math before I gave up. Something like 1/30th of my sales is print? Almost exactly the same as my audiobook sales. But I still wouldn’t turn down the money. :)
While most people aren’t buying print these days, those physical copies are still needed for signings, bookstores, and libraries. I always travel with a box of books, just in case.
Diane–Smart to travel with a box of books, to be on the safe side.
I have bought precious few digital books, and only when the reasons were overwhelming (trifecta of “gotta have it” and not available in print and great price.)
I’ve talked to two mystery writers in the past year whose books look wonderful, but they’re just not available in print. Both authors boldly took the attitude that if someone wants their books, they won’t care if they’re print or digital.
Both authors lost the potential for a loyal fan with a big mouth, er, megaphone and a big audience.
All my books are available in print. I used to do my own formatting but now we have a specialist, Leigh Anne Aston, who formats my books and all our clients’ as well.
The steps in your post will lead to a workmanlike book. Making one truly beautiful takes a little more effort, but it’s not beyond a DIY author’s efforts.
I’m delighted to answer questions about print layout and design for those who realize they need to expand into print or upgrade their interior design.
Joel–My kids frequently want to read printed books, too. They won’t even consider reading non-fiction as ebooks. It really makes no sense not to open ourselves up to that market.
Can I add one additional reason for why we still need books in print? To read around our children. Not TO our children, but my three year olds can’t tell when I’m reading an ebook as opposed to checking email, internet, playing a game etc. so I’ve convinced myself to buy print so they can see me reading. Hopefully it’ll lead to them reading more.
Sandy–Yes! I’ve thought the same thing. It’s hard to model reading when we’re doing it on our phone.
Elizabeth – Oh, I think you’re right! People still want print books. They do. And even if they’re not as big a percentage of your sales as ebooks are, why turn it down? And it’s good to know that you don’t have to be a technical expert to produce a nice-looking print copy of a book. Oh, and I’ve found they’re great when you’re doing a reading.
Margot–Good point about readings! They’re also needed to be used as props while we speak on panels.
I read mostly digital these days, but still love print books. I can’t imagine writing a book and not having print copies, regardless of how much money is made.
Karen–I think maybe a lot of authors think it would be a waste of time or money? But I don’t think that’s the case.
Elizabeth–
Again (as always), you’ve posted information of great value to other writers. I would only add that writers who hope to please older readers definitely want to make their books available in print as well as in ebook form. Many older readers own e-readers, but many more don’t.
Barry–A very good point. And kids sometimes prefer to read in print, too (mine frequently do).
One thing to consider about releasing a print edition after having had an ebook out for a while is your cover. I’ve learned that hard way that an ebook cover is not necessarily compatible with print format, since the conversion to CMYK can result in colour loss if the cover wasn’t built from the ground up in CMYK.
Paul–Definitely! Best to go through a designer for that. If they do have to make a print cover from scratch, at least they can incorporate all the elements from the ebook.
Thank you for your inspiring post. I am a first time published author and I didn’t even hesitate to create a print copy of my book. CreateSpace made it very easy. It would be a disappointment if I made an effort to show up at a book signing and I was handed a piece of paper. A physical copy shows that as an author, you care about your readers and since they made that effort to support you, you should do the same!
Joanie–Congratulations on the book! And CreateSpace definitely makes the process easy (they’re the printing service that I use, too).
I was just thinking about this. I’ve just self-published my first book and wanted it available in paperback for myself (nothing like having a book for your shelf), but I’ve also found that, as I’m trying to get reviewers, many people prefer print copies. While I tend to read ebooks these days on my phone and on the go, I’m so glad to see there’s still a love for print out there!
Lorel–Good point about reviewers and print! I’ve come across the same thing.
I can still sell a lot of physical books at the beach or setting up at an event. So yes keep the paper books as part of marketing strategy. Even if it’s a day at the beach. People are always looking for something good to read.
Stephen–Much easier to sell print in person than it is to sell a digital copy, I think. Good point!
Thank you for giving me the push to get my book into print form! I really won’t be happy until I see “Queen Mother” open in someone’s hand! Plus, I love my cover, and would really love to see it come to life!
Angela–There’s definitely something special about a physical book! Best wishes with the process of getting your book in print.
And let’s not forget the intrinsically good feeling of holding your book in your own two hands.
Chemist Ken–Nothing really like it, is there?
I kind of assumed I would only do ebooks once I publish, but you’ve made me realized I need to think that one through more thoroughly! Thanks :)
Jemi–Hope you will!
I publish all of my books in both e-book and print. I have since day one. The reason? I’m a print-only reader. I can’t stand e-books for a variety of reasons, and I know a bunch of others who feel the same way about them. So I make sure all of my books are in print for readers like me who don’t read digital.
One suggestion for e-book only authors – if you do add print books to your roster at some point, be sure to let readers know. When I look at promotions for books that are only available in e-book format, I generally write off that author and don’t bother to click on future promos by them, assuming they are still e-book-only publishing. I usually end up finding out purely by accident that someone is now publishing in print, too. When you add print, spread the word!
Dawn–An important tip. A “now available in print!” newsletter or message on our website is a great way to reach out to readers.
I just published the digital version of my first book. I plan on doing a POD through CreateSpace as soon as I get a few other projects off my plate. One other point on why to add the print copy to Amazon. I think it still adds an aspect of legitimacy for buyers. If there is a print copy available, and the same goes for audio, a potential buyer might think the author is more established, more legitimate, and that the odds are higher it will be a better book. As far as I know, buyers can’t tell if it is POD or not.
I almost exclusively buy digital, but I still look to see what other formats are available. As I’m writing this, I’m realizing I better bump this up in the priority list. :) Thanks. It’s amazing how enlightening it is to write something down.
Silas–Another great point. I think it does lend legitimacy to an author, from a business standpoint.
I’m with you…when I write things down, it really helps to clarify my thoughts and goals!
I read to much on electronic screens, on computers and cell phones. When reading a book, I still prefer printed. It feels better to relax with a real book >:)
CA–Sometimes I prefer print, too. I don’t have nearly the eyestrain with it that I have reading on my phone (I really need to use my e-ink Kindle more).
Yes to print! The print edition of my first novel is an even tinier fraction of ebook sales than yours, but utterly worth it, for all the reasons you and the others state. I was in seventh heaven when I held it in my hands, and I loved the sensation of being able to give a physical copy to someone. Print books have an innate meaning to me, one that’s been there since early childhood, and not likely to leave now. Also, I like to read in bed, and to read something that’s not on a screen after working on one all day, or watching tv, answering emails, searching for recipes, paying bills, etc.
Opening a book is like entering an author’s sacred space; I prefer my sanctuaries to be ones of free-standing, physical structure, with outsides and insides, texture and smell, complete in of themselves.
Meg–I love that “an author’s sacred space.” Beautifully put!
I think there’s a part of me that will always have a love affair with print. :) Like you, that’s how I grew up…someone digging their Nancy Drews out of the attic and handing the moldy things to me! I still love it. Although for space considerations, cost considerations, and convenience, I do tend to read mainly ebooks.
Thanks for the link comparing the two services. I found myself nodding along with it.
Loni–Glad it helped! I thought it was a good wrap-up, too.
To quote Ella Fitzgerald, “I’m old-fashioned and I don’t mind it.”
Give me print or give me death. And I’m not even that old. Thank you for the encouragement and practical advice to keep the faith with print, even if the numbers aren’t as impressive.
Noah–Not impressive at all…but still a check each month!
And I do like Ella. :)
I love having my books in print! It costs so little to do it…just the cost of the cover with spine. My mom and my aunts, and my friends who don’t have ereaders all bought print books. Almost half of my earnings come from print. Plus, it’s fun to hold them in your hands!
Julie–That’s right. I want to say it probably runs me about $75-$100 when I factor in the cover and the formatting. That’s a lot of your earnings from print!
For me the simplest reason is I prefer to read print books. If I have the option, I’ll buy the print version every time. I figure it’s only polite to give a reader the same option.
LD–Always smart to listen to our readers and factor in their preferences.