Important News for POD Authors (UPDATED)
Published: 22 Jun 2022 - updated: 9 Feb 2023
Ingram Books have scheduled another new change to their Print On Demand (POD) book printing prices.
New prices came into effect during March, and then again in July 2022. We have now received notification that a further rise of around 4.9% will come into effect in October 2022.
Ingram have explained that ongoing print price changes are a direct result of the global situation: there are increases in the cost of paper, energy, manufacturing and transportation within the print industry as a whole.
Ingram also increased their minimum trade discount by 5% in July.
The ongoing print and paper prices increases, combined with Ingram's change to trade discounts, means RRPs for some print books will have to rise. As much as we understand you will not wish to see your book price increased, it is unavoidable.
We are very sorry that this situation has come about, and hope you will understand there are various factors at play: paper shortages, haulage, energy and production price increases, and the current volatility of the economy, all of which will have had an impact on Ingram's decision. We trust that SilverWood authors will recognise this situation is not of our making, and that we try to absorb small price increases where we can.
We are aware of what a disappointment this news will be to authors, following so closely on the previous Ingram price rises in 2021 and earlier this year. We genuinely share the frustration it will cause.
How will print prices be affected?
Books are priced by the amount of paper they use, so these changes affect POD books on an individual basis according to page count, the size of the book, the paper type, and whether the interior is black and white, standard colour, or premium colour. The increase is more significant for books with a high page count, so novels tend to be the worst affected.
What impact will this have on you?
When you place book orders for delivery, you will see that your book printing price has changed. Your royalties will also change slightly depending on your print price and the trade discount being offered to wholesalers and retailers. The SilverWood team is currently assessing each book individually and will make the required change to RRPs to help ensure the royalty you receive remains roughly similar to that which you have been used to, or does not result in a negative royalty figure. (Please be aware: a rise in RRP will not affect all authors.)
Do you need to do anything?
No, there is nothing you need to do. SilverWood will manage these changes. You will continue to receive the same type of royalty paperwork.
Is there an alternative?
If your RRP is affected, you, as the author, could take over your own POD distribution. More information on this option is available on request.
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