Print On Demand and book retailing services
Print and sell your book with Amazon Kindle and beyond
Getting your book printed, distributed and available to buy should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We help independent authors prepare their books for Print On Demand, set up the right publishing platforms, and make confident choices about how and where their books will be sold.
Whether you want to publish through Amazon KDP, reach wider retailers through IngramSpark, or make your book available for bookshops to order, we’ll guide you through the process clearly and practically.
Expert Print On Demand and retail support from Spiffing Publishing.
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If you are looking to move into the world of self-publishing but not sure how, tell us about your writing and we can give you the guidance you need.
Spiffing Print On Demand and retailing services
Book printing on demand.
Make your book available without ordering hundreds of copies.
Start selling printed copies without managing fulfilment yourself.
Print-on-Demand allows authors to publish professionally without the cost and risk of ordering large quantities of books upfront. Whether you need a single copy, a short digital print run, or advice on the most cost-effective production method, we can help you choose the right solution for your goals, budget and expected sales.
With over 35 years of book production experience, we work with trusted print partners around the world to deliver high-quality printed books at competitive prices. From POD and digital printing to larger lithographic print runs, we'll guide you through the options and help ensure your book is produced to the highest standard.
ISBNs and barcoding.
Help your book be recognised by retailers
Give your book a professional publishing identity
Spiffing Publishing’s ISBN service helps self-publishing authors give their book a professional publishing identity, ready for sale through Amazon KDP, IngramSpark and wider book retail channels. We can guide you through the ISBN process, helping you understand what an ISBN is, why it matters, and how it affects the way your book is listed, distributed and recognised by retailers.
Whether you need support assigning an ISBN to a paperback, hardback or eBook edition, we make the process clear and straightforward. From preparing your book’s essential publishing details to helping ensure each format is correctly identified, our service gives independent authors the confidence that their book is set up properly from the start.
Global book distribution service.
Expand your book’s readership.
Take your book further with global publishing distribution services.
Globalise your book's reach with Spiffing Publishing's distribution services. Our comprehensive package ensures your book is accessible to a wide audience, covering major outlets like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Waterstones and many more.
We handle print-on-demand distribution in the UK and globally, making your book available to readers everywhere. We provide full support, allowing you to focus on your writing while we take care of the technicalities. Partner with us to seamlessly distribute your book, driving traffic and increasing sales on a global scale.
Spiffing author feedback
...meticulous yet relaxed, knowledgeable, and genuinely confidence-inspiring. Clear about what they do (and what you need to do), they deliver without over-promising. Read more
They are professional, thoughtful, and above all talented and will remain my go to for all of my upcoming books. Read more
Their personal yet incredibly professional approach left me never doubting my book was in the best hands possible. Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Print on Demand?
Print on Demand (POD) is a publishing method where books are printed individually as customers order them. This means you don't need to pay for a large print run or store hundreds of copies. It's an affordable and flexible way for independent authors to publish professionally while reducing financial risk.
Q: Is Print on Demand better than ordering a large print run?
It depends on your goals. Print on Demand is ideal for most self-publishing authors because it eliminates upfront printing costs and avoids unsold stock. Larger print runs can reduce the cost per book if you know you'll be selling significant quantities, such as through events, schools or retailers.
Q: How do readers buy a Print on Demand book?
From the reader's perspective, there's no difference. They order your book through an online retailer or bookshop, the book is printed when required, and it's shipped directly to them. The entire process happens automatically without you needing to package or dispatch orders yourself.
Q: Can my self-published book be sold in bookshops?
Yes. Through extended distribution your book can be made available to wholesalers and retailers that supply bookshops and libraries. While this doesn't guarantee that every bookshop will stock your title, it allows them to order it in exactly the same way as many traditionally published books.
Q: What's the difference between Amazon KDP and IngramSpark?
Amazon KDP specialises in selling books through Amazon, while IngramSpark focuses on supplying the wider book trade, including bookshops, libraries and wholesalers. Many independent authors choose to use both platforms to maximise their book's availability.
Q: Do I need an ISBN to publish my book?
If you want your book to be professionally recognised throughout the publishing industry, the answer is usually yes. An ISBN gives each edition of your book its own unique identity, allowing retailers, distributors and libraries to catalogue and sell it correctly.
Q: Why does each version of my book need a different ISBN?
Each format of your book, such as paperback, hardback and eBook, is treated as a separate product within the publishing industry. Assigning a unique ISBN to each version helps retailers and distributors distinguish between them and ensures customers receive the correct edition.
Q: Can I publish worldwide?
Yes. Modern publishing platforms make it possible for independent authors to sell their books internationally. Your book can be made available through major retailers across multiple countries, allowing readers around the world to discover and purchase your work.
Q: Will I receive royalties directly?
Yes. Your publishing accounts are set up in your name, and royalties are paid directly to you by the publishing platforms. Spiffing charges a one-off fee for setting up your publishing infrastructure but never takes a percentage of your book sales.
Q: Can I order copies of my own book?
Absolutely. Once your book has been published, you can order author copies whenever you need them. This is ideal for book signings, speaking events, review copies, gifts or selling directly to your readers.
Q: Can I sell my book through my own website?
Yes. Many independent authors sell books directly from their own website alongside Amazon and other retailers. Depending on your preferred approach, it's also possible to integrate Print on Demand fulfilment so books can be printed and dispatched automatically as orders are placed.
Q: How long does it take for my book to become available?
Your book may appear on some online retailers within a few days, while wider distribution through bookshops and wholesalers usually takes several weeks. This allows time for your book's information to pass through the various publishing and retail systems before becoming fully available.
Q: Can I change my book after it's been published?
Yes. Self-publishing gives you complete control over your book. You can update your pricing, description, metadata and even upload revised files if you release a corrected or updated edition in the future.
Q: Is Print on Demand suitable for first-time authors?
For most new authors, Print on Demand is the ideal way to publish. It removes the financial risk of large print runs, allows your book to remain available indefinitely, and gives you the flexibility to update your book whenever you need to.
Print On Demand and retailing articles
Book distribution costs explained
What does it cost to get an ISBN for a self-published book? (UK)
How much does a book cover design cost? (UK prices)
How to get an ISBN number for a self-published book
What are Waterstones after?
DRM: A barrier or reassurance?
Tell us more
If you are looking to move into the world of self-publishing but not sure how, tell us about your writing and we can give you the guidance you need.