BookVault
BookVault is an innovative print-on-demand (POD) and fulfillment service designed to support indie authors, publishers, and businesses looking for high-quality book printing without the complexities of traditional publishing. This article explores the history of BookVault, its founders, services, pricing, benefits, and how independent authors can use it to maximize their publishing success.
Full Disclosure: I use BookVault to handle print sales through my own online store. My website utilizes WooCommerce and I found the integration to be one of the easiest out there. As of this writing (May 2, 2005) I have Paperback and Large Print paperback options available through BookVault. Hardcovers with jackets are not yet available via BookVault for distribution in the United States, so I use Ingram for those with the intention of switching to BookVault as soon as that option is available, which I am told is "coming soon". I'll update this article accordingly when that happens.
History and Founders
BookVault is a division of Printondemand-worldwide (PODWW), a UK-based company specializing in digital printing. Printondemand-worldwide was founded in 1995 and has since grown into a leading print-on-demand service provider. BookVault was created to offer a dedicated platform for independent authors, small publishers, and businesses that require efficient and cost-effective book printing services.
The company was founded by Andy Cork, a veteran in the printing industry with a vision to revolutionize how books are printed and distributed. His leadership has positioned BookVault as one of the top choices for indie authors seeking flexible and high-quality printing solutions.
The public face of BookVault is Alex Smith, who I have been fortunate to meet at a few writing conferences. I found him to be knowledgeable and very much in tune with the current and future state of the indie publishing world. If you have a chance to talk with Alex you will find it hard not to learn something.
Location and Service Availability
BookVault is headquartered in the United Kingdom but offers global
shipping and distribution services. Authors and publishers from various parts
of the world can utilize its services, making it a valuable resource for
international indie authors who want to manage their inventory efficiently
while reducing costs. As mentioned in my disclosure not all of BookVaults options are available in every market. This is due to a lack of infrastructure that BookVault is working hard to correct.
Main Services and Products
BookVault specializes in print-on-demand services, offering indie authors a range of book printing options with no need for large upfront inventory. The key services include:
- Print-on-Demand (POD): Authors can print books as needed, avoiding unnecessary storage costs.
- Global Fulfillment: Books can be printed and shipped directly to customers worldwide.
- Custom Printing Options: Various formats, paper types, cover finishes, and binding options.
- Automated Integration: Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce for direct order fulfillment.
- Inventory Management: Offers tools to help authors track and manage book stock without maintaining a warehouse.
- Author Copies & Bulk Orders: Indie authors can order copies at discounted rates for events, signings, and personal distribution.
Where the Services Are Offered
While BookVault is based in the UK, it offers international shipping,
allowing indie authors from North America, Europe, and other regions to print
and distribute their books efficiently. The company partners with multiple
couriers to ensure timely and reliable delivery worldwide. Be sure to check the specific size and style of book you wish to offer via their upload dashboard to make sure it's available in the market you intend to sell in. Example: A 6x9 jacketed hardcover is technically possible through BookVault, but it will be produced and shipped from the UK, which will seriously increase the cost for you and your customer in the US.
How Indie Authors Benefit from BookVault
Indie authors face several challenges in self-publishing, including printing costs, distribution logistics, and inventory management. BookVault helps address these issues by:
- Reducing Upfront Costs: With print-on-demand, authors do not need to invest heavily in bulk printing.
- Offering High-Quality Printing: BookVault ensures professional-grade prints that enhance reader experience. I found their quality to be comparable with Ingram.
- Providing International
Fulfillment: Authors can reach a global audience without dealing with shipping
hassles*.
- Enabling Direct Sales: Integration with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce allows authors to sell directly to readers without relying solely on Amazon or other retailers.
- Flexible Order Sizes: Whether an author needs a single copy or hundreds, BookVault accommodates all needs.
Costs Associated with BookVault
Pricing is a key consideration for indie authors. BookVault’s costs are influenced by factors such as:
- Printing Costs: Based on book specifications like page count, paper type, binding, and color options.
- Fulfillment and Shipping Fees: Vary by destination and courier selection.
- Integration Fees: While basic services are included, integrations with e-commerce platforms may have additional costs. This varies based on the platform you are using. My own WooCommerce integration costs were next to nothing.
- Bulk Order Discounts: Larger orders often come with lower per-unit costs.
Pros and Cons of Using BookVault
Pros:
- Outside of upload fees, BookVault is free for most users. If you plan to upload several titles a month or are a publisher loading several times that they have packages ranging from $33USD to $120USD that offer discounts and other deals.
- No minimum order quantity, making it cost-effective for new authors.
- High-quality printing options for professional-looking books.
- Direct integration with e-commerce platforms for seamless fulfillment. BookVault integrates via an API with Shopify, Woo, Payhip, Wix, and "coming soon" TikTok Shop. They offer instructions on how to add BookVault to your platform.
- Global shipping enables international sales.
- Competitive pricing compared to other POD providers. For me, author copies are slightly cheaper through Amazon. This may change with BookVaults added US infrastructure. Your cost will vary by location so it's worth the time to see which service is the best option.
Cons:
- Upload fees. BookVault charges a one-time fee of ~$20USD per print format to add a book to their system. If you are a member of ALLi or the IBPA you have access to unlimited free title upload codes every month. Replacing/updating files is free.
- Shipping costs may be higher for some international orders.
- Limited distribution reach. This is slowly being overcome as they add more infrastructure in every market.
- Slight learning curve for new users who are unfamiliar with print specifications. BookVault offers free guides to walk you through this.
- Their website is in British Pounds Sterling, so be prepared to do some conversion math if you are from elsewhere.
Leveraging BookVault for Publishing Success
Indie authors can strategically use BookVault to enhance their publishing business:
- Sell Directly to Readers: By integrating with e-commerce
sites, authors can bypass middlemen and retain higher profits. This is the number one reason indies utilize BookVault and they have worked hard to make the process as easy as possible.
- Offer Special Editions: Custom printing allows for limited editions, signed copies, or premium versions. These options seem to grow daily. Sprayed edges, Cover foils, Endpapers, Boxed sets, Slipcases, Ribbons, and Head and Tail bands, are all available through BookVault. I highly suggest a visit to their website to view samples but be warned, they are very tempting.
- Use Bulk Orders for Events: Authors attending book fairs or signings can order in bulk at discounted rates.
- Expand Global Reach: International fulfillment ensures a wider audience reach without inventory stress.
- Combine with Other POD Services: Using BookVault alongside platforms like KDP or Ingram can maximize distribution options. Most authors will use more than one print service. I use three: Amazon for Amazon, Ingram for hardcovers, and BookVault for my online store. One thing I do is use white paper for Amazon and Ingram and cream for BookVault. Should I encounter one of my books in the wild I can tell from a distance where it was made.
Conclusion
BookVault presents a valuable solution for indie authors looking for high-quality, flexible, and cost-effective printing services. With its print-on-demand model, global fulfillment, and e-commerce integrations, it empowers authors to manage their publishing business efficiently while reducing risks. By understanding the costs, benefits, and strategies for leveraging BookVault, indie authors can enhance their book sales and expand their reach in the competitive self-publishing market.
I chose to use BookVault after talking with Alex and several authors who already had. So far I am quite happy with the quality and the service they provide. While I eagerly await the addition of jacketed hardcovers in the US I am content to wait if it means a smoother addition to my store offerings.