Every writer's dream is to get published, then see people reading and enjoying their written words. To see that book on the shelves in every bookstore across the nation. There are thousands of publishing companies across the United States and abroad that are assisting writers to do just that.

In today's market several facets of publishing houses are out there. One in particular; Print on Demand or POD as many call them. No, it is not a vanity press or subsidy publishing house. It is just like every other publishing house. It has specific submission and query guidelines. Over the past few months the term POD has been losing meaning in the industry as most publishers use digital (Print on Demand) technology for printing. At least to some extent. With the use of digital printing, books can be produced as the demand requires.

While POD publishing houses are very similar to some of the larger major houses, they also have a few differences. The most evident difference is all books are non-refundable. In many cases they tend to be smaller presses which can also have benefits and disadvantages to the writer trying to get published. The POD publisher is more apt to take on that new writer. They love fresh ideas and new faces. They like to see the writer grow, whereas, larger houses may focus more on publishing already established writers.

Why are they so different? What sets them apart from the other? There are several advantages to POD publishing. When a book sells, it sells. Bookstores cannot return POD books. The writer never has to worry about their work being returned to the company with the flap torn off. The POD publisher only prints books as they are needed. There is no mass distribution of the books therefore no mass distribution of books that may or may not be sold. No loss money so to speak. The initial response from the publisher may be shorter-as short as two weeks. There is usually one standard package for first time authors. All types of manuscripts are readily accepted. Also the author may, in most cases, retain copyright of the book. There is also faster publication dates. From the date of contract to the street publish date, may be as short as ten months. There is nothing better than seeing your work in the market in less than a year.

However, as with every thing, there is also a down side to POD publishing. There are no advance payments. This is becoming widely acceptable at many other publishing houses also. Books published by a POD house may have trouble finding their way to the bookstore shelves. Many of the larger book retailers tend to be very skeptical about purchasing books they cannot return. Which in turn, may lead to difficulty setting up book signings for the same reason. No store wants to order 25 books that they cannot return. However, there are also several options that POD authors are utilizing to get their books promoted. One option that is becoming widely acceptable is the authors are bringing their own books to the bookstores. As they are purchased during the signing, the store rings them up and then reorders the book for the author. The stores get their percentage and the author is not out of any money. In some instances the bookstore will purchase a previously agreed on amount of books and what is not sold, the authorpurchases from the bookstore at cost. Another option is advance purchase of the books for the signing.

Bookstores decide which titles they want to stock on their shelves. It is not the fault of the publisher if the bookstore chooses not to carry a certain book. And it is not by fault of the local store if the corporate policies prevent them from assisting local authors.

I have also found that if the POD publisher is a smaller press, the books tend to be slightly higher in cost than a book of the same caliber from a large press. The POD author may also have to do a lot of self -promotion for their work. When I asked my publisher for promos of my book, they sent me the graphics of the book on a CD. Immediately, I knew that meant all promotions are up to me. However, all writers know the best promoter of his work is the author.

As with everything, there are always advantages and disadvantages to any publishing company. I recommend researching all areas before taking the plunge. It is imperative for the writer to seek out and understand all facets of the company. Do not leave it to chance. The smallest thing can and usually does make the difference. The writer must pay attention to the contract. Dissect it. Get advice. Make sure there is a clear understanding to everything it says. It will save a lot of heartache in the future.

The writer must exercise will of his capabilities to make sure whichever publishing company they chose, it is the best one for him. The last thing any writer wants is to go into a partnership with a company who cannot stand up to its own contract or promises.

A Registered Nurse and a published writer since 1993, Denise Jeffries lives with her husband in Newport News, Virginia. Her fiction and nonfiction stories, articles and essays have appeared in the Health Care Digest, The Health Care Alliance, the Riverside Nurse and Mothers of Writers. Her first book A WALK IN THE RAIN is available now through local booksellers. She is, at present, also working on her second and third book.