Print on demand means you print only the copies you need, when you need them. Most Nigerian printers won’t touch your book without an order of 500 or 1,000 copies. Kobo Publishing prints from 50, so you can publish without tying up your savings in stock or filling a room with unsold books.
How print on demand works at Kobo
- Price it. Use our book price calculator: enter your word count, book size, paper, binding and quantity. The figure you see is final.
- Prepare it. Upload a print-ready file, or add editing, layout, cover design and an ISBN.
- Print it. We print your run in paperback or hardcover.
- Reprint it. When copies sell out, order again. Your files stay ready, so reprints are quick.
Print on demand vs offset printing
| Print on demand (Kobo) | Traditional offset printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | From 25 copies | Usually 500–1,000 copies |
| Upfront cost | Low: pay for the copies you need | High: pay for the whole run at once |
| Unsold stock risk | Low | High |
| Reprints | Any time, any quantity from 50 | Another large run |
| Best for | First-time authors, launches, events, testing demand | Very large, proven print runs |
Not sure how many to start with? Read how many copies of your book you should print and how book printing options in Nigeria compare.
Who print on demand is for
- First-time authors publishing a memoir, novel, poetry collection or devotional on a budget.
- Speakers, pastors and coaches who need books for an event, conference or book launch.
- Schools and trainers printing workbooks and course material in class-sized batches.
- Organisations printing annual reports and internal publications.
Sell beyond print
We can also convert your book to an eBook and distribute it to Amazon and other online stores, so readers outside Nigeria can buy it too, with no shipping needed. We can run Facebook and Instagram ads to announce your book as well.
Print on demand in Nigeria: common questions
Is print on demand more expensive per copy?
Per copy, small runs can cost a little more than a huge offset run. But you spend far less in total, and you don’t pay for books that never sell. For most new authors, that’s the cheaper way to publish. See what it costs to print a book in Nigeria.
Can I print a single proof copy first?
Ask our team on WhatsApp (0808 220 1332) about proof copies before your main run.
Do you print outside Lagos?
We print in Lagos and deliver anywhere in Nigeria and abroad. Learn more about book printing in Lagos.
Start small, print smart. Get your instant quote or email support@kobopublishing.com.