It's hard to count how many things have become obsolete because of the change brought by the internet, but physical copies of books aren't among them. Most of us would be surprised to learn that over 80 percent are still read in paper copies. As a result, book printing services continue to be crucial to the success of authors and publishers. The other interesting news is that many younger people are active readers and book buyers, creating a trend that some would be surprising. Publishing, in general, has fared much better than other media, including magazines, newspapers, and broadcast television.

If you've written a book and plan to publish it independently, all the responsibilities fall on you, including the choice of printing method. Many authors opt for print-on-demand and avoid inventory costs and order fulfillment – both handled by the on-demand printer. It cuts profits, to be sure, but it is a fast and easy way to become a published writer. Most are designed to be used DIY with content upload templates and other automatic features for setup. Books are then sold through websites connected to the print-on-demand setup. It's a relatively seamless process, and thousands of authors have used it.

The professionalism of self-published books has much to do with the author's long-term success. Nearly everyone with experience will recommend you find a professional editor to help you arrive at the final version. At the least, you want proofreading, but having someone who can review the content and make informed suggestions is preferable. Cover designers are also essential because there are dos and don'ts by genre. The trick is to have an eye-catching design that communicates something about your book while fitting into the genre. It's widely agreed that well-designed covers help spark sales.

Book marketing is also crucial to success; nearly every title that does well has some marketing support. Authors can self-promote with research and the right approach, but it is time-consuming, especially developing lists of media contacts for pitches. Hiring a publicist can make sense if your budget allows it, mainly if your goals include promoting yourself and your business. The book PR campaign has spill-over effects that can be significant. When released, the media views books as newsworthy, and you'll have opportunities. Therefore, make sure your book is printed professionally.