When self-publishing a book and exploring options beyond print-on-demand, it's good to find a company with comprehensive services like a printing and book fulfillment company. Top-notch printers cater to a broad audience. Your book must align with its genre while being distinctive to stand out in a competitive market. Having various binding options and customization choices for both the cover and interior pages is essential. If you haven't done so already, collaborating with a professional editor and cover designer is highly recommended to help ensure your book project's success.

Many authors opt for the traditional publishing route, producing hardcover and paperback editions, each attracting different customer demographics and pricing strategies. The good news is that printed books are still thriving against the rise of eBooks and audiobooks, with about 80% of books being read in physical formats and the remaining 20% shared among other formats. Unlike other media heavily influenced by the digital shift, the printed book market remains robust. However, many book sales happen online so that the internet will play a crucial role in your book's success.

Working with a proficient book printer can ignite your creativity, especially when they share samples of their previous projects. If you have specific concepts, seeing them realized in print can aid your decision-making process. Even if it incurs additional costs, obtaining a proof copy for a final review is crucial before approving the entire print run. If you've published before, you might have clearer ideas, but for first-time authors, it's wise to explore different possibilities for your book's presentation to avoid hasty decisions. Elements like appearance, binding, and formatting significantly affect a book's success.

If you plan to sell your book directly to readers or wholesale to retailers, you must consider warehousing and order fulfillment. Choosing between digital and offset printing will depend on your print run size, as offset printing tends to be more cost-effective for larger volumes. Don't forget to engage a book designer for the interior formatting; it enhances readability, and readers naturally expect a quality reading experience. In today's market, self-published books must compete on several fronts, so prioritize excellent cover design, thorough editing, and proper formatting to keep your book competitive.