How does print on demand work on Chiify?

Chiify offers paperback print on demand via IngramSpark. Upload a print interior PDF and a wraparound cover; books are printed and shipped only when ordered.

Last updated 2026-06-15

Print on demand (POD) lets you offer a paperback with no inventory and no upfront cost — each copy is printed and shipped only when a reader orders it. Chiify handles POD through IngramSpark's global print network.

What you provide

A print interior PDF — your book's pages, print-ready (typically PDF/X-1a, CMYK, with embedded fonts and correct trim + bleed). See how to prepare a print interior PDF.
A wraparound cover PDF — front, spine, and back as one file, with bleed. If you skip it, Chiify can fall back to your ebook cover image, but a proper wraparound is strongly recommended.

How it flows

Upload your print files alongside your book.
Choose a trim size — see available trim sizes.
Your paperback is reviewed and distributed to print retailers and bookstores.
When someone orders, the book is printed and shipped automatically; your royalty is the list price minus print cost and the retailer's share. See how printing costs are calculated.

Is print right for you?

Print adds reach (libraries, bookstores, gift buyers) with no risk, since nothing is printed until it sells. Many authors offer both ebook and paperback from day one.

Still need help? Open a ticket from your dashboard or email [email protected] — a real person replies.

What paperback trim sizes are available?

Common paperback trims include 5x8, 5.25x8, 5.5x8.5, and 6x9. Pick the standard size for your genre. Here's how to choose and why it matters.

Print on demand file requirements and specs

For paperbacks you need a print interior PDF (PDF/X-1a, CMYK, embedded fonts, correct trim + bleed) and a wraparound cover PDF. Here are the specs.

How do I prepare a print interior PDF (PDF/X-1a, CMYK)?

Export your interior as PDF/X-1a in CMYK with embedded fonts, the right trim, mirrored margins, and bleed on full-page images. Step-by-step guide.

How are printing costs and print royalties calculated?

Print cost depends on page count, trim, and colour; your royalty is list price minus print cost and the retailer's share. Here's how the math works.

How do I create a wraparound print cover?

A wraparound cover is one PDF with back, spine, and front plus bleed. Spine width depends on page count — use the generated template. Here's how.

Can I publish low-content books like journals and planners?