Our Services: Print on Demand

Program Defined

• Using Print on Demand (POD), books are printed to fill specific orders. No stock is maintained in the warehouse unless the title is also enrolled in the SPR program.
• Can be used for most paperbacks and select hardcovers.
• General rule of thumb for putting paperback titles into POD: titles selling fewer than 120 units in a 12 month period.
• Current partners: CreateSpace (formerly BookSurge), Lightning Source.

FAQ

1. Why would a publisher consider putting titles into a POD program?
   The most common reason to put a title into a POD program is to manage inventory and avoid putting the title out of stock when its sales velocity has fallen to a relatively low level and an offset or short print run printing would result in excessive stock. POD can also be used creatively as a tool to adapt inventory to market demands and even to fill an unanticipated gap in inventory due to a spike in interest at the beginning of a title’s life. In addition, publishers can take advantage of POD partners’ overseas facilities to supply those markets with locally printed copies of digital titles, thereby avoiding shipping charges on low margin digital titles. Constellation currently offers access to POD services in the UK (servicing primarily the UK and continental Europe) as well as in North America.
2. I’ve always understood POD to be very expensive. Do the economics really work for the publisher?
   Every publisher has a unique set of economics that determine whether a title is financially successful and viable. The list price and profit margin for POD titles should be reviewed by a publisher when those titles are being considered for POD. It is likely (and recommended) that a title will need a price adjustment to accommodate the manufacturing costs associated with POD titles. That said, the unit costs for POD titles have decreased dramatically over the past five years, meaning that POD titles are no longer automatically priced out of the market. Keep in mind that the consumer is actively seeking these titles and to find them back in stock through any outlet is considered a success.
3. What are the limitations to the types of titles suitable for POD?
   POD vendors continue to push the boundaries of digital print. Full four-color children’s books are not uncommon. The limitations are usually a result of the binding process and can include such things as square format; b/w text with a 4/color insert; very high page count (>800 pages); and four-color books more than 128 pages in length.
   
4. Is there a recycled paper option?
   CreateSpace paper is FSC certified with recycled content, but they do not advertise a recycled sheet. LSI currently does not have a recycled paper option.
5. Are hardcovers, cloth material, and jackets available?
   Yes, at select vendors.
6. Can we send hard copies to be scanned for older titles?
   Yes, for a fee; the files can also be returned to you for the price of the scanning.
7. Can Constellation produce PDFs from application files?
   Yes, for a fee, and provided all fonts and images are supplied.
8. What is the difference between the two vendors? Is there a difference in quality?
   There is virtually no difference in the print quality of the text and cover. Both CreateSpace and Lightning Source use high quality print engines that make switching to digital print a very exciting alternative for Clients. However, they do differ in the binding and trim size allowed. Please consult the pricing addendum for a more detailed comparison on title specs and pricing differences, but briefly:
   • Trim Sizes: CreateSpace allows flexible trims with minimums and maximums; LSI offers a variety of defined trim sizes
   • Binding: CreateSpace offers paperback only; LSI offers paperback and hardcover (PLC, Cloth only, or Cloth with jacket)
   • B/W or Color: Both offer b/w and color printing
   • Pricing: See Constellation Addendum
9. Can I choose a single vendor?
   At this time, orders coming to Jackson are fulfilled by LSI. A client can opt out of other POD vendors, but must choose LSI for order fulfillment. However, we recommend that you place your titles with both POD partners. Each offers speed to market for their customer base and each offers additional value-added solutions for online search and marketing.
10. If I’ve enrolled in both SPR and POD, and I’d like to make a title available for digital print, can I toggle between the two printing methods for a particular title?
    At the time of title submission, you will indicate whether you wish to enroll that particular title in SPR or POD. A client can have the title available in both programs simultaneously or in a single program and toggle between the 2 methods.
11. What if I already have a relationship with one or both of these vendors?
    Unless you have made a commitment to one of the vendors that has not yet been fulfilled (e.g., to submit a certain number of titles), you should be able to begin submitting titles to Lightning Source and/or CreateSpace via Constellation immediately. Transfer of any titles already at one or the other of the POD vendors would be subject to the terms of your agreement with that vendor.
12. How do I track my sales?
    For orders sold using CreateSpace or Lightning Source as a wholesaler, sales will be entered into Jackson reporting systems within 10 days of the end of month reporting cycle of the POD partner. Sales will then be viewable through the client sales interface. Orders placed through Jackson Customer Service will appear in the system just like sales of stocked titles.
13. What are the terms of sale on a POD title?
    The discounts are the same as for a stocked item. Our sales of units to CreateSpace and Lightning Source when they are acting as wholesalers are non-returnable. Published terms on POD titles ordered via Jackson Customer Service are also non-returnable; however, our ability to enforce non-returnability is not absolute.
14. How are the orders shipped?
    All orders are shipped UPS ground. Boxes of books ordered through Jackson Customer Service will carry labels that mimic those used on boxes originating at the Jackson warehouse: that is, they will carry a Perseus Distribution return address.