How to Write and Publish Your Book #11

Online global distribution how does it work?

Not so long ago, a self-published author would have to print a large quantity of books, and then post them out, one at a time, whenever a sale was achieved. This was very costly; especially if sales were being made overseas. With the varied options for online global distribution, this expense and limited delivery is now a thing of the past.

Print On Demand (POD) works in conjunction with online stores so authors no longer have to purchase a stock of their books or worry about the high cost of postage.

When a buyer purchases a book through one of the online stores, such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble, that one book is then printed at the POD facility closest to the buyer and posted to the buyer at the buyer's expense.

Taking advantage of this method of book distribution launches your book to the world market and ensures it is for sale 24/7. Have you ever purchased a book from Amazon or one of the similar online stores? If so, that is exactly how this system will work for your overseas sales.

When you realise that everything, such as invoicing and postage, is taken care of for you, it's easy to see the advantages of this distribution model. It would be very difficult for self-published authors to set up such a system on their own. Imagine trying to create accounts with all the online stores (with all the tax implications involved), as well as organising POD printers around the world who will agree to one-at-a-time on-demand printing of your books.

Thankfully, Publicious can assist you in navigating the online global distribution of your book.

Ebook distribution works the same as POD distribution, but without the obvious need for printing. Ebooks distributed through online stores such as Amazon (Kindle), Apple iTunes/iBooks, Booktopia, and Fishpond are available for instant download anywhere in the world.

POD and Ebook Distribution Australian authors can work directly with large US companies, such as CreateSpace (Amazon) and Smashwords, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Royalties will only be issued by cheque and only after achieving a certain amount of sales.
• Authors will need to obtain a US tax number; otherwise, the IRS will withhold tax at the highest percentage.
• There can be difficulties, delays, and unforeseen costs when banking cheques from overseas.
• Dealing with a large US company can be difficult or cumbersome.

After dealing with all these issues, authors are often left wondering: is it really worth it?

Fortunately, there are companies that can help you, but be careful and do your research before signing up with any publishing provider. Read the small print and make sure you understand any documents, agreements, or contracts you are signing.

Until next time...write on!