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Print on Demand (POD)

Print on demand (POD) is a publishing model where physical books are printed one at a time after an order is placed — no inventory, no bulk printing. Author uploads manuscript + cover; the printer (Amazon KDP Print, IngramSpark, Lulu) produces and ships each copy when sold. Lower margin per unit than bulk printing, but zero inventory risk makes it the default choice for 95% of indie authors.

Part of the Publishing and distribution glossary.