20 Print-On-Demand Platforms Every Self-Published Author Needs to Know About

Here’s a list of 20 print-on-demand (POD) platforms and sites where you can publish books — ranging from major global services to smaller or niche options for self-published authors:

Major Print-On-Demand & Self-Publishing Platforms

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Print-on-demand paperbacks and hardcovers via Amazon. (Wikipedia)

2. IngramSpark – POD printing with wide global bookstore and library distribution. (Squarespace)

3. Lulu (Lulu Direct) – Flexible POD with multiple formats including photo and hardcover. (Global Authors Collective Magazine)

4. BookBaby – POD print plus distribution to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. (bookbaby.com)

5. Blurb – POD focused on books, photo books, and creative formats. (Wikipedia)

6. PublishDrive – POD tools integrated with worldwide distribution. (Publish Online)

7. Barnes & Noble Press – POD print and ebook publishing tied to BN’s bookstore. (Entrepreneur Business Blog)

8. Draft2Digital – Aggregator with emerging POD paperback options. (Joseph (Joey) D'Urso)

9. Smashwords – While primarily ebook distribution, often paired with POD options via aggregators. (Squarespace)

10. Apple Books for Authors – Ebook platform with partner POD links for print formats. (Kindlepreneur)

Traditional & Full-Service Self-Publishing Companies (with POD)

11. AuthorHouse – Self-publishing with print-on-demand production and services. (Reddit)

12. Xlibris – POD publishing under the Author Solutions umbrella. (Reddit)

13. iUniverse – Assisted self-publishing with POD print options. (Wikipedia)

14. Outskirts Press – Full service POD self-publishing. (Reddit)

15. Balboa Press – Self-publishing (POD) arm of Hay House for inspirational titles. (Reddit)

16. Notion Press – Self-publishing platform with POD printing (India-focused). (Reddit)

17. Dog Ear Publishing – Independent POD publisher and binding services. (Reddit)

18. Trafford Publishing – Traditional self-publishing with POD printing. (Reddit)

Alternative & Specialized POD Services

19. MagCloud (by Blurb) – POD for magazines and book-like publications; good for short print runs. (Wikipedia)

20. PediaPress – Convert content (e.g., wiki-based) to print POD books. (Wikipedia)

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Tips for Choosing the Right Platform

• Wide retail distribution: IngramSpark and BookBaby provide distribution beyond Amazon. (bookbaby.com)

• Maximum royalties & direct sales: Lulu, KDP, and PublishDrive let you sell direct and keep more profit. (Global Authors Collective Magazine)

• Creative/visual books: Blurb and MagCloud excel with photo and design-heavy books. (Wikipedia)

• Full-service publishing: Companies like AuthorHouse and Xlibris include editing, marketing, and print services beyond POD printing. (Reddit)