Tag Archives | Createspace

Indie Life – my biggest hurdle so far.

By on March 13, 2013 in publishing industry

 

I’m going to be honest today.

And I find it so ironic/amusing/strange that this one aspect of self-publishing has thrown me off since the beginning. Looking at all we have to learn and put into action to publish a book, I’d think ebook formatting would be the one to cause a ripple in my calm exterior surface. But no.

It’s putting a book into print.

That’s right.

I’ve justified for over a year why my books aren’t in print. The fact that print is just a fraction of sales is my top reason, and a rather good one too. Nothing wrong with just digital.

I’d read posts about getting books into as many venues as possible for exposure…etc. And I’d still justify. One huge factor led me to this strange hurdle that only now I’m mustering up the gusto to leap over.

I had a powerful program (Indesign) and I haven’t been able to get past the learning curve. Yet. I will eventually. And when I do? I know creating the print PDF will be a snap. But I don’t have the time to invest right now.

So why am I playing with print now?

I’m attending an author festival in Maine. I have my middle grade to sell but I can also bring my YA books to sell on my own. I’m using this opportunity to force myself over this hurdle.

And then I found this video by India Drummond. She explains the process of transforming your word doc. into a print-ready PDF. Step by step.

I watched it and realized. I. Can. Do. This.

Head over to the Indelible blog and visit everyone participating in Indie Life this month!

 

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To create or not to create a small press.

By on April 12, 2012 in publishing industry

That is the question, right?

At first, the idea of creating a small press can be quite overwhelming. I mean we’re authors and authors write. So when contemplating this question, flashes of panic might intermittently strike at odd times of the day. But don’t worry.

Breathe deep.

And sit in front of your computer. Place your fingers on your keyboard and remember: Google is your friend.

That’s where I found most of my info. Also links on Twitter. Asking other authors. Just don’t Google how to create a cider press because then you’ll be making apple cider, not books.

Again, as with every single decision in the self-publishing journey it depends on your goals. I created a small press specifically as a DBA (doing business as) name with a separate bank account. But that’s me. The state of New Hampshire does not charge a big fee to do this where some states do. And after much debate I decided to print with Lightning Source so I could earn more per book. Yes it is a more complicated process and yes it costs more money to set up.

So there are pros and cons.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with printing books through Createspace and putting your name down as the publisher. Nothing.

I saw some arguments that the print quality is better with Lightning Source, but most Createspace authors are completely happy. If and when a book starts selling well on Amazon through LS, Amazon says it’s out of stock or will take a few weeks to deliver. But most of us don’t need to worry about that because most of us sell more ebooks than print.

And one last thing to consider. Before going official with your small press name make sure to Google it. I came up with some fun names, but, um, they had not so nice meanings. And I thought I was completely making them up. Nope.

Any questions? Even if you’re not considering self publishing any thoughts? Do you own a cider press? Do you even like apple cider?

(And this is totally unofficial because my release date is technically not until May 7th but A Spy Like Me is live on Amazon and Smashwords and will be soon on Barnes and Noble. Eek!)

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