FAQ - About Xlibris
- What does Xlibris mean?
- How long have you been in business?
- Where are you located?
- May I visit you?
- Is Xlibris a publisher?
- What is a publishing services provider?
- Is this vanity publishing?
- What does Xlibris do that a vanity publisher does not?
- What is print-on-demand publishing?
- How does Xlibris make money?
What does Xlibris mean?
The name is a derivation of the Latin term ex libris which means from the library of. This term was traditionally used on the bookplates with a name to distinguish the owner of the book. We combined the two words into one term and dropped the e in order to create a unique name that seemed appropriate for both the field we are in and the technology associated with what we do.
How long have you been in business?
Xlibris was founded in April 1997 and is one of the pioneers of the print-on-demand publishing services industry.
Where are you located?
Our address is: Suite 1A, Level 2 802 Pacific Highway Gordon NSW 2072. Our toll free number is 1-800-618-969 and our facsimile number is (610) 915-0294.
Is Xlibris a publisher?
No, Xlibris is not a publisher. We are a publishing services provider. Traditional publishing houses select books based on the sales potential of a manuscript. If they choose your book, large houses will also take the rights to your book. Xlibris takes no rights. Xlibris is an on-demand publishing services provider that enables authors to become their own publishers. When you publish with Xlibris, you are essentially self-publishing in the most efficient way possible.
What is a publishing services provider?
A publishing services provider allows you to publish your book. You are the publisher. We provide the support and infrastructure necessary to accomplish this goal. Acting as a "back office," our staff handles the design and layout of your book. Once finished and approved, we traffic and fulfil all book orders while calculating and issuing royalties. We also provide marketing, editorial and distribution support.
Is this vanity publishing?
Definitely not. Vanity publishers will charge you thousands of dollars to print box loads of books they will not help you sell. Xlibris does not require you to purchase any books. Furthermore, since vanity publishers use the printing technology of traditional publishers, their costs are inherently high. Xlibris uses modern computer technology to keep costs down, freeing up resources to provide a wide array of services. Vanity publishers provide a one-time service, while Xlibris provides continual support before, during and after the publishing process.
What does Xlibris do that a vanity publisher does not?
Xlibris does a number of things that a vanity publisher does not. Here are just a few:
- process book orders and fulfil them
- distribute your book
- payment of royalties
- indefinite availability
- lifetime support
- marketing support
- editorial support
What is print-on-demand publishing?
Print-on-demand means exactly what it implies: we print books as they are ordered. We use modern technology to store and print your book in electronic form, removing the need for a warehouse and large print runs. This method reduces two of the greatest costs in publishing, allowing more authors to publish and to have their books remain in print forever.
How does Xlibris make money?
We make money by providing services to authors and through book sales.
Start Publishing Your Book Today!
Call 1-800-618-969 or email publishtoday@xlibris.com.au for your free consultation. Get Started today by requesting your Free Guide To Publishing Services


