They would usually order 3,000 or 5,000 copies, distribute them to book stores or distributors. And, in five years or so, if the book was not selling any more, it went OP. That meant 'OUT OF PRINT.' Meanwhile, the author was paid a royalty on what was sold, and was offered the remainder of the books at a cut-rate price if the author thought they could sell them. 

This was wasteful. It resulted in major bookstores buying back some of the remainders and the publisher shredding and burning hundeds of others.

Then, ta-da! The computer was invented. Instead of printing thousands of books for distribution, publishers printed a tiny amount. When they got an order that exceeded their supply, they Printed on Demand, POD. Much more cost efficient, but not always in the best interest of the author. For instance, if you belong to a book club and want to order 8 copies for your members to read, "Mingling with Muslims," Amazon.com will tell you they only have one copy. They're telling the truth. They have one copy actually ready for shipping to you.

If you want your book club members to have a copy for next month's meeting, what can you do? You can try ordering the books from the publishing company, which may present the same POD problem. OR you can order my books from me, going through the Authors Den website. I will autograph the books for you with my name, and even make it "to" your club member's name if you have sent it to me.

Right now, in my closet, I have a box of "WHAT THE WITCHDOCTOR TAUGHT ME", and a few copies of 'MINGLING WITH MUSLIMS" and "THE LEI DAY PRINCESS." Let me know how I can help you.