Speakeasy visit to Direct-POD

Speakeasy visit to Direct-POD – self-publishing made easy!


On 14th July, your intrepid committee (Martin, Colin and Lyn) visited Direct-POD in Brixworth, Northants. Direct-POD is a well established self-publishing and print-on-demand company, and our aim was to find out as much as we could about their products, services and premises. Speakeasy members often raise the subject of self-publishing, and it was hoped that this visit would provide the committee with the information to answer some of their questions.

We were met by Dale Burgess, Direct-POD’s representative, who showed us some examples of recently published books to demonstrate the variety and quality of their products. He explained that each part of their POD process is individually priced (depending on size, specifications and number of books) so that it is easy to calculate the cost of having a book produced. This means that there are no hidden costs, and authors know from the start exactly what they will pay to see their book in print.

Dale explained that manuscripts are accepted in most PC-based software formats, the preferred option being a PDF file. There are detailed guidelines on page layout, format, graphics and cover design in their website at www.direct-pod.com, or in their book ‘A Guide to Book Printing and Self-Publishing’, available from Amazon at £2.50. He emphasised that although it is possible for Direct-POD to do much of the preparation on an author’s behalf, including scanning a typed hard copy manuscript into electronic form if necessary, these services have to be charged for - the most economic route to getting a book published, therefore, is for the author to deal with these matters and then present a manuscript in a form that is ready for the printing process. It is, after all, supposed to be self-publishing... and the more preparation the author does, the more control he/she has over the results.

Dale then took us down to the print department and showed us the computerised process in which a manuscript is sent electronically to the (very high-tech) digital printing equipment. We saw the printed pages coming off the machines, and were able to observe the high print quality. We then went to look at the binding process, which was equally high-tech, and saw the pages turned into finished books. The digital approach means that the turnaround from supplying a manuscript to taking delivery of your books is very fast - Direct-POD aim to get proofs to clients within 2-3 working days, and once you have approved the proofs, delivery usually takes place in 5-7 working days.

The technology they use allows for almost any size of book, from slim pocket guides to hefty coffee-table tomes; and the print-on-demand facility means that authors can order just the amount they require and can afford, with the option to order more at any time. We felt it could be particularly suitable for poets, who may find this an ideal and inexpensive way to publish small collections of their work - but whatever form your writing takes, this seems a straightforward and affordable way to see it in print. The flexibility of their systems means that it is possible to have a single copy printed, or a thousand - obviously, the price per copy is less for larger quantities. As an example of typical costs, Dale used their online instant quote facility to calculate the price for 50 copies of a standard-sized paperback of 48 pages, black text on white 80gsm paper, with 4-colour glossy cover; including proofs and delivery, the total was just £108.28, which compares very favourably with the cost from other self-publishing companies.

Of course, it’s up to members to make their own choices about print-on-demand companies, as there are many out there offering various deals and what suits one author may not suit others. We went to see Direct-POD as they have been in touch with us for about a year, they are up-front with their charges, and they are fairly local to Milton Keynes. Members wanting to go down the self-publishing route should check out all the details for themselves before making any decision.

For more information on Direct-POD, go to the website at www.direct-pod.com;

Or purchase ‘A Guide to Book Printing and Self-Publishing’, available from Amazon at £2.50;

Or contact them directly:

Dale Burgess,
Email: dale@direct-pod.com

Direct-POD,
Saxon Fields,
Old Harborough Road,
Brixworth,
Northampton
NN6 9BX

Tel: 01604 882588
Email: info@direct-pod.com


Lyn Rivers, Secretary.

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