What is Print-on-Demand (PoD)?

Print-on- demand (PoD) is a manufacturing process that has been used in the production of printed matter since the 1990s. A frequently used variant of this term is book-on-demand (BoD) , which refers specifically to books. However, this term is often mistakenly equated with the self-publishing platform Books on Demand , even though the latter is a separate company.

How the print-on-demand process works

The process is based on digital printing technology , in which artwork is stored digitally. The product—be it a book or other printed matter—is only produced once an order is received. This differs fundamentally from traditional printing methods such as offset printing , which involves pre-production of larger quantities to reduce costs.

Instead, print-on-demand production involves producing individual copies or small series on demand. This flexibility has made even niche products and publications with low demand economically viable.

Technical process

1.Digital data set :

Print templates for the cover and interior of a book are usually saved in PDF format.

2.Proof print :

Before series production, a so-called mastering takes place – a test print that is checked and approved by authors or publishers.

3.Production on demand :
Once an order is received, the inside and cover are printed, finished, and bound. This process can be completed within minutes.

4.Delivery :
Delivery times vary. Many suppliers guarantee a few days, but delays may occur during peak periods (e.g., before book fairs).

Advantages of print-on-demand

• No overproduction : Products are only produced when needed, avoiding unnecessary storage costs and waste.
• Cost efficiency for small print runs : Even works with low demand can be produced economically.
• Flexibility : Updates and customizations (e.g. conference proceedings) are easy to implement.
• Sustainability : Resource-saving production reduces the ecological footprint.
• Long availability : Books are available as long as the digital template remains stored.

Challenges and disadvantages

• Higher unit costs : Compared to mass production processes such as offset printing, the cost per copy is higher.
• Limited quality : With high-resolution images or bindings, quality differences occur in digital printing.
• Delays during peak periods : Delivery times can increase, especially during peak periods such as the Christmas season.
• Reputation problem : The flood of self-published titles, which are often published without editing, can negatively influence the perception of the process.

Areas of application

The print-on-demand process is used in many ways, especially for:

• Reprints and reprints : Out-of-print works can be reissued at low cost.
• Specialized publications : Technical books that are regularly updated, such as software manuals.
• Self-publication : Authors can publish their works independently of publishers.
• Local bookstores : Concepts like the Espresso Book Machine make it possible to print books directly in the bookstore.

Relevance for publishers and self-publishing

With the introduction of print-on-demand, not only self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP or Books on Demand have experienced a boom, but traditional publishers have also benefited. The process has become established, particularly for academic publications, niche literature, and unaltered reprints of out-of-print titles.

Trademark notices

While Book-on-Demand is a descriptive term for the process and cannot be protected by trademark law, the abbreviation BoD is a registered trademark of the German company Books on Demand .

Summary

Print-on-demand has revolutionized book production. It offers flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable ways to produce printed materials. Despite some challenges, particularly regarding quality and unit costs, the process has become firmly established among both self-publishers and established publishers. It remains a key process for promoting access to individual and specialized literature.