No Fees to Sell on CreateSpace: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

CreateSpace, once a self-publishing platform by Amazon, has now merged with Amazon KDP. Although you can no longer publish books directly on CreateSpace, the merger means that self-publishing has become more streamlined and cost-effective. This article will guide you through the process of selling your books on this platform, including the costs and royalties to consider.

The Costs and Fees of Selling on CreateSpace

One of the main benefits of CreateSpace for authors is the absence of upfront fees. Unlike many other self-publishing platforms, CreateSpace does not charge any fees to list your book for sale. This makes it an attractive option for emerging authors who want to publish their work without significant financial investment.

While there are no fees to initiate the publishing process, it is important to understand the royalty payments and associated printing costs. The royalties you receive after a sale are based on the difference between the book's selling price and the cost to print it. Additionally, Amazon KDP (which has taken over from CreateSpace for publishing) retains a percentage of the sale as its royalty.

Uploading Your Manuscript and Book Setup

Once you decide to sell your book on CreateSpace, the first step is to upload your manuscript and cover art. This is a straightforward process that involves creating a file and attaching relevant images. After this step, you can set up the details of your book, such as the title, description, genre, and pricing.

The platform provides all the necessary tools to help you prepare your book for publication. You can use the built-in features to edit and format your manuscript, and you can also add cover art through their image hosting services. This process is free of charge, making it an accessible option for authors who may not have the budget for professional editors or designers.

Publishing Your Book and Receiving Royalties

After setting up your book, it can be listed for sale. You will start receiving royalties based on the sales of your book. The royalties are calculated on the difference between the selling price and the cost of printing the book. Amazon KDP retains a portion of the sale price as its royalty percentage. This is a common practice in the self-publishing world to ensure the platform's sustainability.

It is important to note that if you have already published your book elsewhere, you cannot republish it on CreateSpace. CreateSpace is not a bookstore but a platform for self-publishing. Therefore, you should ensure that your book is not already available on other platforms before attempting to publish it on CreateSpace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selling on CreateSpace is a cost-effective and straightforward process for self-publishing your books. With no upfront fees, the platform allows emerging authors to bring their work to market without financial burden. Understanding the nuances of royalty payments and printing costs will help you maximize your earnings and ensure a positive publishing experience.