Navigating Print Publishing with CreateSpace: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking to publish your book in print format? CreateSpace may have transformed, but its legacy still provides valuable insights for aspiring authors. This guide will walk you through the process of utilizing CreateSpace to publish your work, offering tips and best practices to ensure your success.

What Happened to CreateSpace?

For those wondering about the future of CreateSpace, the answer is straightforward. Amazon acquired the platform a few years ago and integrated its functionalities into its Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) service. As a result, if you were previously using CreateSpace, your books were seamlessly moved to KDP, retaining their identity and sales platforms.

As of now, when you're ready to publish a print version of your book, you can do so directly from the Bookshelf within KDP. It's a unified approach that makes the transition easier for authors who have already developed a relationship with CreateSpace.

Ease of Use: Tips and Tricks

One of the most attractive aspects of CreateSpace is its user-friendly interface. However, there are some key tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth publishing process and a high-quality product.

Formatting and Layout

Be mindful of formatting: Ensure that your text doesn't overflow into the margins or create blank pages. Keeping your document clean and well-formatted is crucial for a professional-looking final product. Check your pages and numbers: Validate that your page numbers are correct and that there are no blank pages in your book. A well-formatted layout reflects a polished final product.

Cover Design

Designing a cover can be tricky, especially if you're not familiar with graphic design. CreateSpace offers templates to help you get started. While you may need to enhance or customize these to meet your specific needs, the templates provide a solid foundation for creating an attractive and professional cover.

Distribution and Pricing

The distribution options with CreateSpace (now KDP) are extensive, but the key decision you need to make is about how much to charge for your book and how much to distribute.

Wide Distribution: If you opt for wide distribution, you'll need to charge more to cover the additional costs associated with having your book available on various platforms. Consider whether the additional exposure is worth the price increase.

Targeted Distribution: If you're selling your book primarily through Amazon or have a smaller, targeted audience, you can keep your prices lower. Test the market for your book to see if the additional sales justify the higher costs.

From my personal experience, I've found that for my books, the sales through Amazon are the most substantial. Charging 2-3 dollars per book for wider distribution may not be feasible if the additional exposure doesn't translate into meaningful sales.

Success Stories

My own journey with CreateSpace has been a success. I've published five books with the platform, and the experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Additionally, I've helped three friends navigate the process, and they've all been equally pleased with the results.

The ease of use, combined with the quality of services provided by CreateSpace, makes it a reliable choice for any author looking to publish their work in print.

Will you be trying CreateSpace (now KDP) for your next book? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!