The Easiest Way to Self-Publish in 2023 - My Favorite Print on Demand Companies

[@MandiLynnWrites]

What's your personal favorite print-on-demand company and which one do you think is the easiest one to work with when it comes to self-publishing?

[@Desertphile]

Lulu did the best on hard cover. KDP Beta did the worse on hard cover: the two proof copies I bought yawned open when laying on a desk, right out of the box. KDP did best on 6x9 paperback. I have art work for a dust jacket for my first memoir, which I have yet to use. Draft2Digital's printed book cover(s) is dodgy at best for people who do not have wrap-around artwork.

[@thomasmartin2743]

I chose Bookbaby because they have actual people who answer the phone (often on first rings!) and answer my questions. You are assigned a person who guides you through everything and I have emailed my person about 25 times asking questions. She emails right back. So, I don't know what the final product will be, and I believe it is more expensive than others, but the customer service is well worth it for first time authors-- the best I've had for virtually any product I've used in ages.

[@Desertphile]

@@thomasmartin2743 ; I looked at BookBaby a few seconds ago. $27 per copy of 6x9 paperback, 440 pages: yikes! That is =ONLY= printing. KDP did an excellent job on my 6x9 paperback, at less than $6 each.

[@thomasmartin2743]

@@Desertphile As I wrote--it's more expensive. I'll pay more for a real person answering the phone because I have so many questions on the process.

[@gvsbyevanyearwood]

Do you have any videos on creating free plus shipping book funnels?

[@morleywritesbooks]

i actually went in to try the D2D print after your video. It was my first book, and a bit of know-how to understand some of the setting was needed, BUT I was really surprised at how noob friendly it was. They did get a lot faster since that video, cause i did expect to wait 3 months but got it around 30days. All I had was my word doc. and a front cover, so having somewhere so user friendly felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Thanks so much for sharing! Glad you enjoyed Draft2Digital

[@alexwholey3391]

I use D2D and KDP but am thinking of using just D2D for print. It’s so simple to use and the reports are easy to understand.

[@GK-bt6dn]

Thank you for the video. KDP often closes author's accounts without any warning, saying you violated their guidelines and not telling what exactly. And KEEPS ALL YOUR ROYALTIES. Also, authors who earn good money on Amazon gets warning email first, and then they might terminate the account, but they get it back, because they earn money and Amazon likes that. But authors with little or no earnings, who just started or haven't found their right niche, get termination without any warning email, and mostly can't get their account back.

[@esthermuhonja6166]

It happened to me. Gotta move on...

[@julienorman]

Thanks for the comparison! I've been with Draft to Digital for years, before they did print books. They are great to work with. I upload to KDP first, then use D2D for all the other formats. I like to keep more of an eye on my amazon sales.

[@emilybowers3071]

So can you upload a book for paperback on KDP and then have an ebook published elsewhere?

[@user-of6ic5lo4r]

My first book: the way how to overcome old age and death

[@michaelsmythe4031]

I look forward to the D2D POD update.

[@danielk6677]

Hello Mandi, in this video you said that KDP has the best Customer Services, unfortunately I have to say that my experience with KDP Help Center is very, very bad, but let me start from very beginning, (sorry for my english, I am not EN native) I bought a KDP course, which was really at a very good level. It explained in great detail how to create books on Amazon KDP, starting with purely technical aspects like file size, cover dimensions, etc. the course also explained what to pay special attention to and what to avoid during the publishing process. All stuff about not using trademarks, making unique interiors, using proper keywords etc. I spent hundreds hours learning graphic programs from scratch, and spent huge amount of money to learn how to optimize Amazon Ads, It really cost me a lot, believe me. Lately, without any warning and single word of explanation my account has been terminated, after one of my book status has changed to "blocked" status. The funniest thing is that I haven't sold a single copy of this coloring book. I am devastated and very disappointed because no one in my life in business has treated me this way, Anyone who has worked with Amazon knows how hard it is to position book to first page, and now with one click 50 of my books are gone... Additionally Amazon says that I am ow allowed to create any new KDP account and wont pay me out my royalties I've earned. that's why I consider to choose other Print on Demand platform. You mentioned in this video, that you managed to solve some difficult cases with the KDP help center, could you share you experience with KDP help center?

[@nannerbee7425]

Thank you so much for posting these videos! They have been such a huge help to me. I’ve been writing for years but never attempted publication because I found the process a bit intimidating but you are so thorough and break everything down so nicely I really appreciate it. So thank you, because of your videos I am actually going to give self publishing a go. Thanks again. 😊

[@dylangarciapoetry]

I am definitely gonna try out Draft2Digital's paperbacks! Wide distribution is something I'm really interested in for my upcoming poetry collection. But KDP is my go-to. Very easy to use.

[@bereniceprice-foster2233]

I am a beginner and would you recommend me starting with KDP? I am also interested in using Draft2Digital but if I should wait until I'm experienced

[@sfcjohnnycolon3855]

As a new writer, in de middle of writing my book, I have found on your videos all the questions I has when I started this journey. Thanks and please continue vids that made ppl like me, new writers smart because of you!! More tools for me to keep writing. Thanks!

[@djerving]

Hi Mandi, I have been catching your videos on and off for 2 years I even bought your course! Good investment. Thank you. I just wanted to comment on that wonderful library you have behind you. I love seeing people's libraries, and yours is quite extensive. Thanks for showing it.

[@adrienneh.978]

Libraries and other stores order my books from Amazon KDP all the time and have done so for years.

[@user-of6ic5lo4r]

The way how to overcome old age and death.

[@karencasebeer2483]

I’ve published two ebooks with Amazon and Smashwords. I’ve just completed my third book and plan to do a paperback in addition to the ebook. I intend to use KDP, with the help of your tutorials, for the Amazon ebook and the POD paperback. But I also want the ebook on iBooks and Barnes and Noble. What should I use for those venues. So glad I’ve just discovered your business! Thanks. Karen

[@br6cevinyl]

This is over the top helpful! Working on my first novel and just hit 10k words! I subscribed love your energy

[@LizDelaney3]

Thankyou so much for this really comprehensive rundown,.

[@WFCStickers]

thank you so much for this video! Really helps. (also can't stop watching more, your voice is really calming)🥰

[@admin1179]

I'm leaning toward Draft2Digital. Thank you for all your help.

[@user-ux4du7un8y]

Hi, am having a big problem with amazon kdp they are not fair with publishers, ok just for one book they closed down your entire account and take away all your royalties that your book made, and am saying if one book is a problem why closed down all of my books i think that's unfair, please do a video on this subject for me, bless.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I haven’t experienced the issue myself personally so I can’t make a video on it, but I have heard of this happening to other authors

[@fionahowellwrites5302]

I've been considering using other companies for my books as well as KDP. This was very helpful, thank you!

[@tracy-marie]

I only worked with KDP but I am interested in working with draft to digital and Lulu. KDP is easy to work with and I never had issues with their customer service. Thanks for the video.

[@hjkluoijljoiu]

I think you’re right. My favorite is D2D for wide print distribution, but KDP is the easiest overall. D2D does have a customer service phone number. I called it last month and they were helpful.

[@DianasReviews]

Thank you Mandi ☺️

[@philipstrumolo8057]

Hello Mandi Lynn: KDP has my vote. Easy and freeee. And, great video, as usual Best regards, Gerard Denza Author of THE EDWARD MENDEZ, P. I. series

[@annpippin6388]

Except for my book s Title on the front.cover would be in color. On white or neutral cover

[@darrylhughes7797]

I don't understand all of the shade thrown at Ingramspark. Except for the fees (and there are coupons for that) Ingramspark is pretty simple and straight forward. I just published my new book "The LookyLoo" on dec 7th and the hardest thing about it was figuring out a competitive price so that I'd get a good royalty while still giving a 55% discount. But as long as you're not trying to get rich off of every sale even that was easy. I even published for free with one of the coupons I mentioned. KDP may be easier then Ingramspark, but KDP is so limited in what they can do for your book beyond just Amazon. And, of course, you have to deal with Amazon and their specific brand of BS.

[@sherrylandgraf556]

Thanks for your hard earned info.

[@annpippin6388]

I.m.planning to.judt have my novel printed as is having proofed ,edited, revised over several times, all along , as probably can t afford. to self publish .

[@annpippin6388]

I plan to choose a plain cover, no color.

[@kaylenedawnbuteaufitnessbu2282]

Do you have any advice for a graphic memoir being self-published? I finished with my graphic memoir of how I used my health and fitness knowledge to stop my mother with mild dementia from forgetting me, and it worked. I don't know if I should self-publish or ?????

[@user-ho5jq4cy2n]

Mandi: I have completed a book on commercial real estate, and I have gone through all the editing and formatting processes. I have received an author's proof from KDP, and an author's proof from Lulu, and will be getting an author's proof from IngramSpark soon. What I need is some advice as to what print on demand company I should use, and some of the glitches that I am finding, (examples: KDP’s interior paper is too thin, my hardcover and paperback covers that were professionally formatted are not working on KDP, etc.). I would rather have someone do all of this for me. I need to speak to a real person! Can you recommend anyone who can take the ball from here and complete what I need to have done? I started this book more than 3 years ago, and I have put much time and effort into it. At this point, I will pay anything to get this to the goal line. I am hoping you can help me in some way with advice and or a recommendation. Thanks, Dan.

[@Glennyboy1980]

Wish KDP did landscape format for paperback

[@Divy91311]

Hey Mandilynn , really nice video! I was wondering if I could help you edit your videos and also make a highly engaging Thumbnail which will help your video to reach to a wider audience .

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you

[@annpippin6388]

As to book length which company is less expensive for a book tone printed. If that s even a good question ,say about number of pages. . I.m considering

[@RedWizardFox]

Ingram Spark makes me so mad. The fees are ridiculously stupid! But it's like the only place stores will take. Overall, definitely not user friendly. I love Amazon KDP.

[@signedlnl]

Do any of the print-on-demand companies offer the option to create/include designed end pages?

[@adventureswithtime]

What company would you suggest for publishing a coin book with a lot of pictures. I also want to distribute the book myself, so I'll be making a bulk order to be shipped directly to me. Thanks

[@barbaradarrow6014]

D2D sent us 4 out of 6 defective print author copy books. They had loose pages. We have to photograph each book and send our complaint back to them. I do not know whether they will send us back some good books.

[@BrentTouchstone]

Awesome video. I'm going to subscribe and try to find more info on a kdp launch. The first book I wrote over a year ago sold two paperback copies and had two Kindle readers. I am about to release the sequel. Several people I've given copies to have told me my first book was one of the best they ever read. I even have someone wanting to write the screenplay. I guess I just need to try and push things more. I did run a 3-month campaign, but it didn't help. I'm writing short Western books that read fast with a lot of visual components. They deal with topics of addiction, diversity, and complex relationships. I focus on diverse strong male and female characters in a non-woke, fun, story-driven fashion.

[@hollywoodyugoslavia8883]

Hey just wanted to say your videos are great! Thanks for all the information you share. I just published my first book. Can I give you a free copy?

[@SidewaysBurnouts]

so these are non exclusive? could you use more than one? is there locked in contracts?

[@annpippin6388]

Manuscript is very nearly ready to submit somewhere probably Amazon print

[@bonnietaylor-williams5112]

Ingram Spark was fantastic when I self published my first book but they are terribly difficult now. There is no customer service, in the past you could reach customer service and the representative would walk you through whatever issue you were struggling with. Now you have to email them and wait several days for a response making it extremely hard and frustrating. That means you cannot move forward. Based on the messages I received it seems like they are catering to their UK clients. No verbal communication at all for those in the U.S.. They removed my entire account from their system without any warning or notification… very disappointing and disheartening. Although my editor uploaded my book I was able to place orders etc. on my own. By Ingram Spark changing their entire way of doing business and removing me forced me to keep trying to register as a new client to no avail.

[@annpippin6388]

Captioning or transcript needed

[@voom4430]

Hello, I have about 5 novels, but how do I sell online or sell off the novels. Please reply me. Thanks

[@robins9760]

Oh, that is a shame, that KDP does not offer Dust Jackets for Hardcovers.

[@samariagraham4502]

Subscribed

[@bigjimstream]

W

[@thx1136]

Hi, can you say what the best way to OCR a book is? I'm working with an old school friend who has written several books, but they're all on typed pages from something that apparently is called a typewriter.

[@torgervedeler6949]

I’ve found that there is a learning curve to using KDP, but there are also preview tools that help. I also like that one of these tools works even if I’m not connected to the internet. I have one book that I’m going to use as a test case with KDP for both print and e-book. I am curious about what the shortest book that Amazon will publish as a paperback (what used to be called chapbooks). Has anyone had any experience with those? Thanks!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

KDP's minimum page count is 24 pages

[@annpippin6388]

In self publishing book still has to be printed. Is it possible if just having book printed ,seeing print , ordering copies, to consider self publishing at some point later, wonder.

[@annpippin6388]

What is the D2D service phone number if you can give it. ?

[@Rayowag]

As a reader I strongly dislike dust jackets. As a person that loves to design I absolutely love what can be done with them 😅 I feel like it would be so much easier to go with a D2D + KDP combo instead of IS, if KDP offered physical book preorder with the same ability to switch files even shortly before release. Then there wouldn't be a big downside since there is one place to send people for preorder while D2D figures out their stuff. But I'm honestly rooting for Draft2Digital to do well a lot because we really need more stuff that keeps Amazon from being a monopoly in this space more than it already is.

[@annpippin6388]

I m.not trying to befunny, butas a senior citizen, wondering about senior discounts.

[@csaucedo4926]

The "T" in the middle of words. "imporTant" as opposed to impoer-Ent. BuTTon, (bu-En) etc. YES I know it's a thing but an author who pronounces English meeeee. HOWEVER I still like your stuff. :)

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Lol I live on the east coast and have a slight Boston accent

[@larrymckinley5399]

New to print on demand. Love your analytical approach. But I have a technical book ready to print. Most pages have an illustration, a text box, and several cross references. Will any of these companies be able to handle these tech features?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Yes, it's just a matter of whether or not you know how to format the books with those elements. The print on demand doesn't do the formatting, you do (or you can hire someone. I also have a book formatting course: stoneridgebooks.teachable.com/p/formatting-print-books-and-ebooks-using-adobe-indesign

[@destresswithyoga]

Are those 3 companies based in the US?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Yup, all in the US!

[@annpippin6388]

Probably Print on Demand

[@proviah4770]

Anyone reading this, if you haven't repented yet, please REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND. I LOVE YOU JESUS✝️ THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR LOVING ME, THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR SAVING ME, HAIL JESUS!!!!!!! CELEBRATE, PRAISE, WORSHIP, MAGNIFY, AND GLORIFY JESUS EVERY DAY AND FOREVER MORE, HALLELUJAH!!!!!!! AMEN AND AMEN!!!!!!! Lord Jesus✝️have mercy on you🙏