Episode 162 / Alex Smith shares how BookVault prioritizes the quality of the book and the reader’s experience. He details a new American print partner that will enable faster and cheaper shipping as well innovations with color printing, distribution, and bundling. We also discuss direct sales, mistakes authors make with their printed books, and–wait for it–ribbons! Yes, bespoke options are coming to BookVault. 

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Show notes:

[00:02:04] Book Vault history and how they came to work with indie authors.

[00:03:57] Print on demand quality has improved, offering comparable results to offset printing.

[00:06:09] Indies focus on quality, adding value, and providing a premium product.

[00:07:31] Invested in inkjet technology; billed on ink usage, which allows BookVault to print single color pages.

[00:09:01] How attending author conferences allows BookVault to quickly adapt to new ideas that indie authors are interested in.

[00:13:25] How BookVault can help authors bundle products for direct sales with fake ISBNs. They also can shrink wrap or send bundles in one big box, and they offer discounts for large quantities.

[00:17:06] Common mistakes authors make with printed editions.

[00:18:46] How to maximize profits through staggered distribution with exclusive release in our own direct stores first and then wider release.

[00:23:53] Trends: People less reliant on Amazon, bypassing retailers; print on demand for children’s books.

[00:24:52] US print partner coming soon to fulfill US orders for quicker and cheaper shipping.

BookVault: https://bookvault.app/

BookVault Promo Code: BV-WIKT for 100% off a title on Bookvault (It can be used by existing customers too!)

Keywords: 

Print on demand, indie publishers, spiral bound, wire bound, hard back, stamping, jackets, shipping, inkjet technology, bundles, shrink-wrap, fake ISBN, children’s books, Alex Smith, Book Vault platform, offset printers, direct sales, maximizing profits.

More links: 

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplan

Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians