CreateSpace or Lightning Source?

[Jean]

Hello All,

My name is JeanNicole Rivers and I published my first book, Black Water Tales: The Secret Keepers, through CreateSpace and I was happy with the process. I am finishing up my second novel and in the process of launching my own small publishing company, but I am wondering if I should go with CreateSpace or Lightning Source for manufacturing and distribution. It seems like LS offers more profit per sale, but involves a lot more work.

Any thoughts?

JeanNicole Rivers
www.jeannicolerivers.com
@jeannicole19

[Alan]

I've been very happy with Lightning Source, but I've worked in the print industry for over 20 years and I'm familiar with how to set up files for print. I know a lot of people who are thrilled with CreateSpace, but I've also heard a few horror stories regarding formatting, etc.

[Tim]

I've just been discussing Createspace vs LSI with another publisher (NewCon Press). Interesting that you worked out LSI was cheaper because our conclusion was the opposite. Perhaps it depends on which channel you're selling through.

In the end, NewCon opted for LSI because they felt the covers were slightly higher quality and they preferred the paper stock.

[The Fast]

JeanNicole wrote: "Hello All,

My name is JeanNicole Rivers and I published my first book, Black Water Tales: The Secret Keepers, through CreateSpace and I was happy with the process. I am finishing up my second nov..."

I heard positive reviews for both LSI and CreateSpace. My book formatting company have formatted a lot of books from authors who like to use CreateSpace so I guess many are comfortable with CS.

[The Fast]

The formatting specifications of CreateSpace are actually very easy :)

Alan wrote: "I've been very happy with Lightning Source, but I've worked in the print industry for over 20 years and I'm familiar with how to set up files for print. I know a lot of people who are thrilled with..."

[Donna]

I have published 3 titles through Createspace and have had a wonderful experience so far. I don't know about Lightningsource but I've heard very good things about them.

[Jean]

Alan wrote: "I've been very happy with Lightning Source, but I've worked in the print industry for over 20 years and I'm familiar with how to set up files for print. I know a lot of people who are thrilled with..."

Yes, I feel like you need to be a little better with book formatting to use LS, it seems like it can get hairy.

[Jean]

Tim wrote: "I've just been discussing Createspace vs LSI with another publisher (NewCon Press). Interesting that you worked out LSI was cheaper because our conclusion was the opposite. Perhaps it depends on wh..."

Tim, math was never my subject, but the way I worked it out, LS was a little more expensive when they are printing to publisher as far as print costs, but the profit per book sale to wholesaler was more.

[Jean]

Bookformatter wrote: "The formatting specifications of CreateSpace are actually very easy :)

Alan wrote: "I've been very happy with Lightning Source, but I've worked in the print industry for over 20 years and I'm fami..."

I agree with you on that. It just seems like CS is easier.

[Jean]

Donna wrote: "I have published 3 titles through Createspace and have had a wonderful experience so far. I don't know about Lightningsource but I've heard very good things about them."

Donna, I used CS for my first book, Black Water Tales: The Secret Keepers, and I was very pleased as well, but I was just doing some exploring with LS for my second book. Thanks for your feedback.

[Tim]

JeanNicole wrote: Interesting that you worked out LSI was cheaper because our conclusion was the opposite. Perhaps it d..."

Now that is interesting. I suspect it depends on which channels you want to sell through. NewCon is UK-based and happy with its premium hardbacks and paperbacks, for which they use a traditional printer (the printer is blessed with the name 'Biddles' - what a great name!). NewCon want a bigger presence in the US and were assuming US print sales would probably be through amazon.com If you go through Createspace AND you only consider selling through Amazon (40% markup) then that's probably why the numbers came out cheaper for CS.

[Rebekah]

I wish CS did hardcovers. I'm starting my first stand-alone novel, and would prefer it to be in hardcover instead of paperback (seems more distinguished to me), but I guess I'll see where LSI takes me.

[Tim]

Rebekah wrote: "I wish CS did hardcovers. I'm starting my first stand-alone novel, and would prefer it to be in hardcover instead of paperback (seems more distinguished to me), but I guess I'll see where LSI takes..."

I think you're right: hardbacks look more distinguished. Never tried LSI, but I did make hardbacks with Lulu a few years ago and was very pleased with the results.

[Rebekah]

Is Lulu Expensive, or is it POD, too?

[Alivia]

Rebekah wrote: "Is Lulu Expensive, or is it POD, too?"

Lulu is definitely expensive, and I'd never recommend them unless you'd like to outprice yourself in your own market.

[Heather]

Rebekah wrote: "I wish CS did hardcovers. I'm starting my first stand-alone novel, and would prefer it to be in hardcover instead of paperback (seems more distinguished to me), but I guess I'll see where LSI takes..."

They can. You have to message them about it, pay them 99$ up front to upgrade, and then you and only you can order it.

I'm hoping they'll change that at some point. I would expect some sort of upgrade fee, but if I were to do such a thing I'd at least want it available openly through CreateSpace.