Amazon is one of the largest online retailers in the world and its Kindle platform is synonymous with digital reading. Publishing through Amazon KDP provides instant access to a vast, global audience. Other platforms might not offer the same level of exposure, which is critical for reaching as many readers as possible, especially when building a reader base. But one thing that we get asked a lot is “how is their print quality?” As we’re constantly receiving books from our authors that’s covers were made with BookCoverZone, we are lucky to get a good sense of their quality. In this article we’ll try to give you a basic idea of what it means to get published through Amazon.
Print-on-demand (POD) technology primarily relies on digital printing methods, as opposed to traditional offset printing. Unlike offset printing, which uses printing plates and is cost-effective only for large print runs, digital printing allows for the economic production of small quantities of books. Digital printing presses can handle a print run as small as one book at a time, which is perfect for the POD model. Modern POD services are integrated with online platforms that automate the ordering and fulfillment process. They maintain digital files for each printed product, and when an order is placed, the digital file is sent to the POD system, printed, bound (if necessary), and then shipped directly to the customer. This system reduces waste, as no excess inventory is produced, and allows for rapid delivery of custom, made-to-order products.
Print Quality on Amazon KDP
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has generally been known to offer good quality print-on-demand services. The print quality is often considered comparable to that provided by other major print-on-demand platforms. Authors and readers frequently report that the physical quality of the books, including paper thickness, ink consistency, and cover durability, is satisfactory for the purposes of self-publishing and casual reading.
Amazon KDP typically ensures a consistent level of quality across print runs, which is crucial for authors who want to maintain a professional image. The binding of KDP print books is usually robust, with options for both paperback and hardcover formats. Books tend to hold up well under normal use. For books that include color printing, KDP provides good color reproduction with prints that are generally clear and precise, although it might not match the quality of specialized art book printers.
Amazon KDP uses digital printing technology for print-on-demand books, but the specifics of whether inkjet or toner-based printing is used are not typically disclosed publicly by Amazon. But that’s not usually a problem, as inkjet printing and toner-based printing is very hard to distinguish with the advancements in both technologies.
However, it’s worth noting that as with any print-on-demand service, there can occasionally be variations in quality, and some authors might receive a copy with issues such as misalignment or smudging. Amazon KDP has customer service channels that can address these concerns, and they typically reprint any faulty copies if issues are found.
Moreover, the perceived quality of printed books can also depend on factors such as the original file quality provided by the author, including resolution of images and formatting of the text. Therefore, ensuring that your files adhere to KDP’s content and quality guidelines is essential for achieving the best possible print results.
For those who are particularly concerned about the quality of their printed books and need them to meet specific niche market standards, it might be beneficial to order a proof copy before making the book available for general purchase. This allows authors to check the physical quality themselves and make any necessary adjustments to the source files before releasing the book to the public.
How durable are KDP-printed books?
Amazon KDP printed books generally have a level of durability that one would expect from mass-market paperbacks. The print-on-demand books are created using digital printing technology, which has advanced to a point where the longevity of the products can be quite satisfactory. The paper quality and binding used by Amazon are industry-standard, so under normal handling and reading conditions, KDP printed books should withstand regular use without pages falling out or covers easily bending. However, as with most paperbacks, they may not endure rough treatment or excessive wear and tear as well as hardcover books might. It’s also important to note that factors like exposure to sunlight, moisture, and other environmental conditions can affect the longevity of any book, regardless of its origin.