Read more in the POD Secrets Revealed series HERE.

Ah, the large POD publishers will say just about anything to get your money, including offering ridiculous sales that look like good deals…until you do the math.

Currently, AuthorHouse is running a 50% off special, iUniverse is running a 2 for 1 special, and Xulon is offering a really expensive “Book Launch Package.” When a company runs a special, they’re still making a profit. What you CAN see when they run these specials is just how high their profits are when they are NOT running a special!

We compared all of the “specials” of the POD publishers below to BookLocker’s regular flat fee.

NOTE: Prices below are based on the least expensive package offered by each publisher on similar offers targeting U.S. authors. Fees include interior formatting (based on a 200-page book), original cover design with up to 5 images, print proof, up to 25 interior photos/graphics, an ISBN, barcode, a listing on the publisher’s website and distribution by Ingram, all within 6 weeks.

AUTHORHOUSE

AuthorHouse always seems to running one special or another. Currently, it’s 50% off.

AuthorHouse – Regular price $1593 – at 50% off, that still $796.50.

BookLocker – $675

IUNIVERSE

iUniverse is currently running a “publish one book get the second for only $1” special.

iUniverse – Regular $1299 – at 2 for 1, that’s $649.50 each.

BookLocker – $675

XLIBRIS

Xlibris is also running a “50% off” sale right now.

Xlibris – Regular $1972 – at 50% off, that would be $986.

BookLocker – $675

XULON PRESS

Xulon is currently offering a “book launch package” at about 40% off but you have to sign up for one of their expensive packages (the “best-seller”) which is normally $2796. They have cheaper packages as well (that aren’t eligible for the sale) and Xulon also has verbiage on their site that shows the “retail value” of different packages above the discounted prices. The discounted prices range from $1499 to $4799 while the “retail values” range from $1787 to $9029. Ouch! If Xulon was offering their special on the lower-priced package, it would be –

Xulon – Regular $1832.95 – at 40% off, that would be $1099.77

BookLocker – $675

Many POD publishers that aren’t currently running specials still charge too much.

For example, right now –

LULU

Lulu is not only expensive but there are also lots of complaints posted about them online.

Lulu – $1248

BookLocker – $675

CREATESPACE

CreateSpace also has lots of complaints.

CreateSpace – $978

BookLocker – $675

More details are here:
https://www.writersweekly.com/pod-price-comparison.php

When shopping for a POD publisher, be careful not to fall for those “50% off” and “half price” and “retail value” marketing tricks. Often, the so-called discounted prices you’ll pay are far more than you can get elsewhere even if you don’t choose to publish at BookLocker. NOTE: BookLocker screens manuscripts for quality and salability and rejected authors are referred to other reputable POD publishers – none of which are listed above. BookLocker does not earn referral fees, or anything at all, for referring authors to those other firms.

NOTE: All publishers above currently offer distribution through Ingram (the largest book distributor), as well as inclusion of their titles in the major online (amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, etc.) and physical bookstore systems.

Many companies offer perks that others don’t, some try to upsell authors on extraneous services, and a few even claim ownership of files the author has paid them to create. Study each publisher and contract carefully before making your choice.

Angela Hoy is the Publisher of WritersWeekly.com and co-owner of the POD firm BookLocker.com. WritersWeekly.com is the free marketing ezine for writers, which features new paying markets and freelance job listings every Wednesday. According to attorney Mark Levine, author of The Fine Print, BookLocker is: “As close to perfection as you’re going to find in the world of ebook and POD publishing. The ebook royalties are the highest I’ve ever seen, and the print royalties are better than average. BookLocker understands what new authors experience, and have put together a package that is the best in the business. You can’t go wrong here. Plus, they’re selective and won’t publish any manuscript just because it’s accompanied by a check. Also, the web site is well trafficked. If you can find a POD or epublisher with as much integrity and dedication to selling authors’ books, but with lower POD publishing fees, please let me know.”

Angela’s P.O.D. Secrets Revealed Series can be found HERE.

Got questions about Print On Demand and Self-publishing? Ask Angela.

Have a POD Book with another publisher? See if BookLocker can give you a better deal. (BookLocker offers “disgruntled author discounts” to those who want to move from other POD services.)

See BookLocker’s publishing packages.

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