Does anybody have experience with it? I'm looking for opinions on their process and printing from folks who have done business with them.
Yes. Their process is relatively easy. I recommend starting with one of their templates, based on the size book you want, rather than trying to format your own document.
Yes I've already had a taste of the formatting hell. I will remember the template next time. What was the quality of the finished product? Were you happy with it?
The quality is fine. You have to make sure you use a good, high-res cover image (they'll give you the guidelines) and then everything should be good. I've found the binding, text, and all to be good. Just a matter of getting through their process to produce the book you want.
Easy peasy. Very pleased with the final product. If you follow the instructions I found it was easier than e-publishing. I found some useful hints on dealing with the cover on this site: https://ruthnestvold.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/starting-out-as-an-indie-author-creating-a-wraparound-cover-for-your-print-book/
I am waiting on my proof copies now. It's maddening. For so long I have waited, but these last few days have been agony.
So what is the advantage of using CreateSpace? Versus . . . well, what would be the equivalent opposite?
Create space allows you to self publish a print copy of your book. They also do other media. With create space people can order your book directly from them, they print on demand so there is no expense(other than your proof copy) to you, the author. Not sure what the equivalent opposite would be. I came across them while getting my book ready for Kindle distribution.
Createspace is owned by Amazon, so you get all of the advantages of that (the biggest platform for this sort of thing in the world, for example), as well as potential disadvantages (one company having so much power in this space).
That's very helpful information. I just used a plain cover creator cover for mine, but I might go back and change it.
Disadvantages like what? With a CreateSpace POD, would I be able to offer my book on my author website?
Hi, one of the advantages of using createspace is you will be given ISBNs to publish your book at absolutely no cost to you. I notice in another thread you were considering purchasing ISBNs for your book but with Createspace you're able to get them for free. Other author websites which include this service includes Lulu.com and smashwords too. However, with create space you're able to instantly get your book on the Amazon market after the publishing process is complete. The disadvantage of createspace is that you have to do the publishing all by yourself (I.e self publish) while using createspace's graphics and step-by-step process. If you run into technical difficulty there is no one round to help you apart from potential internet admin. If you're looking to self publish this way you'll need to get started by opening a free account with createspace and then start figuring it out for yourself. They do have a step-by-step process so you'll find it easier. Another advantage is you can upload as many books as you like. Another disadvantage is there is no one to help you with marketing your book or books so you'll have to figure that one out for yourself too, afterwards. I hope that's all made clear.
If you use CreateSpace's free ISBN, however, then CreateSpace becomes the publisher of record whose name is provided on your listing. If you want your name as author, or a publishing imprint that you've created to be shown there, then you need to purchase an ISBN.
OK, that's interesting. What would you say would be the advantage of having oneself (or one's own publishing imprint) listed as the publisher of record? Is there any (re: rights, finances, etc.)? Is there any detriment to having CreateSpace listed as the official publisher? Thanks.
Very little in life has pleased me as much as holding an actual paper copy of my book in my hands. It is almost surreal.
Nothing major. If the research I did a couple of years ago still holds up, it means you can't do things like get your books printed at another printer using your CreateSpace ISBN and sell them yourself, you have to do it through CreateSpace. If you're in a country where you have to pay for your own ISBN, you probably won't consider the upsides worth it over getting a free one from CS. I didn't. It's also worth noting there's nothing stopping you getting your own ISBN later to do that stuff, if your book takes off in a way that makes it worth it. I know right? I ended up something like £200 down from my little self-publishing venture, but having that sitting on my shelf made it the best money I've spent.
So would you say that for a first-time author just getting her feet wet, it might be good enough to start out with Amazon Kindle and CreateSpace, and branch out from there if sales and so on justify it?
I would say so, definitely. Once your book is published you're also free to market the book however you want. For example, you can use your author's website or social media eg facebook to market your book. If you already have a traditional publishers then it's not the route you should be looking at because it's more ideal for first time authors or self-published ones.
I got mine today. There are really no words that fit the feeling I have right now. Proud, overjoyed, blessed, a little drunk(haven't been drinking today, yet.), and strangely anxious. Full of nervous energy and lazy at the same time. I have been sitting here reading it. And I am thrilled with it. I might adjust my size a little though, for the next ones.
I have found several things that I would do differently, it very much shows that this is a first time author trying to tell a story. I kinda like that. I'm not adjusting a single thing that I have found on this one.
It is worth noting that every single issue that I found with my book, and there were only like five things total, were all my error. Create space produces a nice product.
