Erica’s Comments (group member since Jan 10, 2017)

Erica’s comments from the Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie group.

Interesting. I was able to price mine at 17.95 with full color. According to their calculator, that gives me about a $2 royalty (which is how much I make with paperback). It is less pages though and, although it was a decent amount, I did not allow the full discount amount to bookstores. If I had, it would have been priced above $20. I figured if nothing else, I will be able to order hardcover versions for myself for various causes and book sale events. I haven't put it out there yet so maybe I missed something and I will have to change it. We will see and I will be sure to keep the group posted. :) Thanks for your input!

When I said Ingram I was referring to their lightning source division. Just wanted to clarify. :)

Did you look into Ingram or Ingram Spark? Just curious. Ingram Spark is part of the same company but they are print on demand and you don't have to buy in bulk (though buying in bulk does save on shipping). I agree that would be WAY too much! I am surprised at the amount of Kindle sales. But it also makes sense with how much this generation is on devices. :) Also, congrats on your novel being used for curriculum! That is very exciting!

Theodore wrote: "Erica wrote: "Good point Carole! That was another reason I went with Ingram Spark."

But what about "return costs" with Ingram Spark? How many indies can afford to use this option? And without it, ..."

That is true. I opted out of that option for now because I can not afford it. However, I feel I still have a better chance of getting into brick and mortar with Ingram spark as stores would not be buying from a competitor. I can always enable that option in the future if I want. My main goal for now is to have a hardcover option available since I have had multiple requests. I would also like to have my books available through a second distributor so I don't have all my eggs in one basket and to expand my reach. Since I own my ISBNs, it doesn't cost me any extra if I catch a free set up promotion. Otherwise it would cost me $50 a book (still not terrible). I still recommend createspace to people who are just learning the POD process or who have a tight budget. :)

Good point Carole! That was another reason I went with Ingram Spark.

I chose Ingram spark over Lulu because their color books were cheaper and there was a premium print option. I think they are more comparable on black and white books though.

Lulu is another very popular one. You can find tons of videos and articles online that compare Ingram, Lulu, and Createspace. Bookbaby is another one.

I did some research and I like Ingram, but I know there are many others out there that people like. There is a $50 set up fee per book and you have to repay that fee ($25 for the cover, $25 for the interior) if you make changes to the file after approving it. But they do a free promotion once or twice a year where they waive the fee. The promotion just ended last month. I am setting up a hardcover version through them, but didn't get around to doing my paperback. If you want to do paperback, I would still recommend createspace right now since they are cheaper, have no set up fees, and work quickly with Amazon. If you own the ISBN you will be able to use multiple companies but createspace is a great choice for people who don't have the money for that. Just realize you will have to buy one later if you switch from Createspace. I personally preferred Ingram's printing and hardcover option when deciding on a second company. I have a hardcover copy on the way and will update everyone with the quality. :)

I have been highly recommending to authors to own their ISBNs. Someone recommended that to me when I started and I am very grateful. Your decision to put your books on two platforms was very smart. No company is ever a guarantee, but it is less likely something will happen to two companies at the same time. This will help ensure your books are always available. I hope to eventually get all mine on a second platform but I wasn't quick enough to get them done in time with the last free set up promotion for Ingram spark.

Theodore wrote: "Carole wrote: "There's been talk of it- When I spoke to them- they said they were consolidating and there will be pod on KDP- BUT- I see a master plan down the line for them."

Frankly, I can't see..."

I completely agree with that! I did a survey of parents on another group and the majority of them said the ONLY time they buy a digital picture book is to see if they want to buy the print version.

I feel there is SOMETHING in the works. Hopefully it's nothing major or at least nothing more than consolidating everything down to one platform to make things easier to manage. Either way, I don't think it hurts to have a back up plan, even if you never end up using it. This is just my opinion though. I haven't read or seen anything official yet.

Hmm...this whole scenario sounds very familiar...

Hello Sarah! I am not sure if you review children's books, but if you are interested in any of mine I would be happy to send the file(s) your way. Thanks for your support of indie authors!

Talking Tales: Sam's Sticky Sucker
Talking Tales Puppy's Bubble
Talking Tales: Cricket's Guitar
Talking Tales: The Bright Red Tricycle

Hello Ruth. Do you review children's books? If you are interested in any of mine and have time, please let me know and I will be happy to send the files to you. They are written for preschool and early grade school ages so they are very quick reads. :)

Talking Tales: Sam's Sticky Sucker
Talking Tales Puppy's Bubble
Talking Tales: Cricket's Guitar
Talking Tales: The Bright Red Tricycle

Wow Alex! I am excited for you! Keep us posted. :)

I have this rule reversed. I am more 70% marketing and 30% writing. I have been trying to do more writing, but I just like interacting with people too much. Lol

Welcome Julia and Raul!

Congrats! I will be sure to let my teacher friends know. :)

Yea! Thank you Carole and Brittney!

You will all do great. :) I just did my first facebook release party a couple months ago with some of the other authors from this group and it was a blast. Wishing you the best of luck!