What is the most cost-effective method for self-publishing a hardcover book with an ISBN number? Can the book be given away or sold by the author?
The best way to self-publish a hardcover in low volumes is to open a publishing account on IngramSpark: Self-Publishing Book Company | Print & Distribute.
Print-on-demand enables you to order as many copies as you need. You can choose the format and features you want, including size and paper stock, and cover details such as cover weight, colors and embossing.
Ingram provides access to a vast network of over 40,000 retailers and libraries worldwide through its print-on-demand and distribution services, including online retailers, independent bookstores, and educational institutions. You can even have Ingram distirbute to Amazon.
The income structure has restrictions similar to Amazon Kindle. So don’t expect to earn 100 percent of the sale price. Fees for printing and distribution are substantial.
To give away or sell your copies, you can order “author copies” from Ingram at a wholesale discount and then sell them yourself at the retail price, thus capturing the profit margin.
For newcomers, setup, pricing and distribution can be a slightly daunting process. Don’t be discouraged. Ingram is an excellent choice for the self-published author as well as many traditional publishers.
Be sure your sales and profit expectations are realistic. These days it takes a huge chunk of promotional dollars and effort to sell more than a hundred copies.
As for obtaining an ISBN, you can get an ISBN for free during the title setup process in your IngramSpark account. But IngramSpark owns the free ISBN, so the imprint associated with the book will be “Indy Pub.” Using a free ISBN may limit where you can print and distribute your book, and does not show your name as the publisher.
If you want full control over your title purchase an ISBN under your own name, either through your Ingram account, or through an official service such as Thorpe-Bowker. Take care that you are buying from an authorized ISBN service. If you wish to purchase an ISBN outside the U.S., visit the International ISBN Agency’s website for more information.
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