Self-publishers take on various additional responsibilities, and one of the most important is order fulfillment. Regardless of what you're publishing, having an effective book fulfillment service for customer orders is essential. For many independent authors, this responsibility can push them towards a print-on-demand model, which can impact profit margins and limit customer access, as their books may only be available through the on-demand publisher's website. Fortunately, book fulfillment companies can now handle packing and shipping efficiently, many of which also offer printing services.

Depending on your niche in self-publishing—say, if you're a life coach—you may wish to convey a more established business image. Selling books directly from your website and using a fulfillment service for shipping allows you to present the books as if they come straight from you. Your readers value this direct contact, and you also retain customer data that you would otherwise lose when using print-on-demand services. Additionally, selling your book in physical stores can also be profitable if you choose to print your book conventionally. While most books today are sold online, there remain in-store sales.

A reputable book fulfillment service will integrate directly with your eCommerce platform, providing a smooth experience for your customers from the moment they make a purchase to when the book arrives at their home. The best solutions offer an online dashboard for tracking orders and shipping progress, like having an in-house shipping department. This approach allows you to manage the financial aspects of your book-selling business—setting prices and determining your profit margin—while collecting revenue from each sale. Being in control of your business and customer list is beneficial.

Moreover, quality book fulfillment houses can assist with international shipping, opening your book sales to a broader audience and significantly increasing your market opportunities. You can also sell your books on major online marketplaces and manage your own order fulfillment, though you will need to consider the impact of sales commissions on profitability. If print-on-demand is the right fit for your situation, then it's a good option. However, consider printing copies yourself and partnering with an order fulfillment service for those who prefer more control. It's an excellent way to boost your profits.