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To print or not to print?
Hardcopy for promo is priceless. Think of it as marketing expenses and enjoy the fact that you at least get a percentage back.
Tara .. I'm confused when you say 'you get a percentage back'... because CreateSpace allows you to buy 'author' copies which are discounted, and pay no royalties.
Mod
So far I have ordered 50 books total, and have only 2 left. I gave away 2 on Goodreads Giveaway (1 at a time), 4 to beta readers, 1 to a bookseller at an expo who gave me a bunch of information because his wife liked it, and 1 to John Barrowman.
But... that is 42 physical sales. 10 were to bookstores. Sure, I've only sold like 6 through CreateSpace, but... well... 42 personal sales. (I wish Amazon would add those to my stats!)
I would say it has been more than worth it to get both formats.
Once you get over the cost or inconvenience of listing your book for a print copy it really does just take care of itself.I sell about 30-40 copies through Createspace, especially in the U.K where my books don't do as well through kindle.
Buying your own author copies is a lot cheaper and is always great for sending out review copies or promotions etc. definitely worth the initial time and money in my opinion!
I've heard it's worth it even just to make the ebook look like a bargain next to it. Personally I've never sold a paperback copy (of my four books, two are available in paperback at the moment) but my family like to read them, and I am considering a giveaway at some point.
It all depends on what you are looking to get out of it. We offer print versions of all our books but they don't sell. The notion is that having a print copy available adds some credibility and that people might take our work more seriously as a result. But that is speculation -- we have no data to indicate to what intent that is true. We don't use them for promotion, as that is too time-consuming for the likely payoff. We do like to look at them though. (They are also great proofing tools.)
L.S. wrote: "I've heard it's worth it even just to make the ebook look like a bargain next to it."I agree with this. The difference in price between print and digital can be an enticer in itself. Plus there's a certain professionalism attached to having print available - just in case someone does want it. So I'd say yep, use print, even if it's just to push your digital sales.
Paper edition also tell the reader that this guy is a professional author.Excellent profit to be made with signed copies.
It is not a lot of work and is totally worth doing.
PS. Createspace is working on a hardcover option as well.
Martin wrote: "PS. Createspace is working on a hardcover option as well. "Great news. I tried hardcover with Lulu, but there are some strange limitations. For example you cannot publish it in red for general availability. I ended up ordering three red copies for myself and left the hardcover project.
All excellent points that I didn't really think about. Thanks for the feedback, everyone!
I rarely sell paper copies of my books online, but they are invaluable for sales offline, book signing events, fairs, independent book stores, etc. There are many reviewers who only accept paper copies for review and they make great gifts! I say, do it :)
Ben wrote: "Hey there, fellow indies!I wanted to get everyone's opinion on creating print copies of a book. More specifically, is it worth it?
I've published three titles so far and did both print and e-boo..."
I think having the print copies available is a must have. Even if you don't sell any, it's important to have them available. It adds credibility to an author. I don't sell many print copies, either, but I will always make them available.
Also, having print copies allows you to do giveaways on GR, which I think helps to spread an author's name. They're great for promotions. Also, I use paperbacks to do book signings at local bookstores and libraries. I just think they're a must-have, part of doing business as an author. There's no cost on your end if you use CreateSpace (other than your time, of course). Plus it's great to have print copies of your own books on your own shelves. You can't beat the joy of holding your own book in your hands. :)
Ben wrote: "Hey there, fellow indies!I wanted to get everyone's opinion on creating print copies of a book. More specifically, is it worth it?
I've published three titles so far and did both print and e-boo..."
I definitely think creating paperback copies is worth it. I don't sell a lot of copies of my books (about 400), but 75% of my sales have been paperbacks. Readers looking for a bargain want the eBook version because it's about a third of the price of the paperback, plus you don't have to pay for shipping.
I go with what others have said here. My sales overall are still only in double digits, but almost a third of those have been direct sales of paperbacks that I bought from Createspace at author's price. Plus I get a much better return on a direct sale from stock than royalties through any of the print or e-book channels.One aspect to think about, though, is the cover and interior formatting. Putting up an e-book is easy. You only need worry about the front cover, and the less formatting inside the better. To get a decent product in paperback I've used a professional designer because I just don't have the tools or the know-how to do a decent job of the cover (back, front, and spine) or the page layout inside.
Sales, be damned! I agree with those before me who've stated the pros for having a print version: author credibility, marketing potential through signings and giveaways.One of those unknown authors, I've pondered the practicality of going solely electronic due to the feasible cost factor for potential readers. But, since it took me 8 yrs. to road-ready my second novel, seeing my efforts in print is my own just dessert where I can have my cake and eat it too.
Ben wrote: "Hey there, fellow indies!I wanted to get everyone's opinion on creating print copies of a book. More specifically, is it worth it?
I've published three titles so far and did both print and e-boo..."
Everyone's comments are right on, and being new to the author scene I appreciated seeing what everyone had to say. I especially connected to Eva's comment, my project took me too long to not be able to hold a printed copy.
I would like to mention that I have been working on taking hard copies to my local libraries for distribution, and found out that even if I "gift" it, they are unable to purchase a Kindle download. I was told it needed to be on the library list (which so far it isn't, may have something to do with KU) and that they needed to make the purchase for which I could make a donation. I had already set my print version up to be allowed through libraries and assumed digital would be the same as print. Bottom line, I feel it is really important to get books into the libraries for the patrons who still frequent it, and the only way I can seem to do it right now is with a print version.
I use my hard copies mainly for promo purposes (giveaways, library donations, etc) but part of my decision to print them was because I wanted to physically have copies of the novels that I wrote.
If I was supreme dictator of the world, I would ban paper books outright. But I'm not, and as you can see from the replies here, people still attach way too much value to physical books, going so far as to claim that physical copies make you look more professional, so if you're looking to impress the masses, make one. As far as sformatting goes, strip down one of the books you already did and turn it into a paperback template. I did that a while back and it made the interior formatting way easier. Covers are still annoying, however.
I keep copies of the physical book in my vehicle. In talking with people I'm often asked what do I do? Naturally I let them know I'm a writer. The conversation ends with my selling them a copy. It works for me. Sometimes just seeing the cover of the book done in such a professional manner clinches the sale.
My two cents:If you believe in your book, you should do POD. The royalties are better. Createspace are good for standard books. If however you have an illustrated colored book, you should go with Ingram Spark. They have quality books and are cheaper in colored format. However they cost 49$.
I tend to sell about equal copies of Paperback & Ebook, funny enough (and at least one reader who flat out has admitted she doesn't buy digital). So it's going to depend on your audience, which one they want? Or rather, it feels like an audience you're missing out on if you don't offer a print edition.So, yeah! I'd recommend having a print book. Honestly, once you've got a template down, they're not that much harder to make files for than an ebook (and having a print proof copy is *amazing* for the final typo check). As far as cover goes, use the same one as you made for the ebook, and stick the book summary on the back (if you want low-effort).
I rather like having print copies myself. They look nice on my shelf in a little row & they're easier to give away by hand (or sell if you have a booth), and good for the readers who don't want and/or dislike digital (Ex. I know quite a few elderly folks who don't do the computer thing at all, so having a paperback copy was a great thing for them when they wanted to read my book).
Options! :D
L.F. wrote: "I rarely sell paper copies of my books online, but they are invaluable for sales offline, book signing events, fairs, independent book stores, etc. There are many reviewers who only accept paper co..."This!
Plus, my parents like to carry around print copies to show off and say, "Look what my daughter wrote!" Sometimes they even sell a couple. Like others have said, invaluable.
(Besides, it only takes a few hours to get all the formatting right and to upload it to createspace. What's the harm?)
Some people like to read in print, so having print is good. It's also good if you do in-person events like speaking engagements and events at bookstores or craft fairs.
I have my work in paperback and ebook. I hardly sell any paperbacks at all, but so what?There is nothing like holding your own book in your hand!!
It is a little extra work, but it is worth it. Every little helps!
And, of course, you need to have a physical copy of your book if you want to do a Goodreads Giveaway, but that was an expensive waste of time for me.
My retention is much better when reading a printed edition compared to an eBook. For this reason alone, I'll always prefer print to eBooks. If I like a book enough to reread it, I'll buy the print edition if one is available. So I appreciate it when authors make a print version available (short works excepted). I've never bought the eBook edition of a non-fiction book, and can't see myself doing that. It would not be worth it to me.
I so agree Anthony, holding that paperback in my hands was a special thrill - a dream come true for sure! And if wasn't for this group I wouldn't have know about Createspace! I am so thankful for this group helping me to achieve my dream :)
Susan wrote: "I am so thankful for this group helping me to achieve my dream :)."Another satisfied SIA customer!
;)
Anthony wrote: "Susan wrote: "I am so thankful for this group helping me to achieve my dream :)."Another satisfied SIA customer!
;)"
You got that right!!!
All three of mine are in both paperbacks and eBooks.Our friends and family actually prefer the paperbacks over the eBooks.
My cousin and I are constantly asked if our book is in paperback as well as eBooks. I'm learning people love hard copies as much as they love eBooks.
Wishing you all the best in your decision. :-)
There is something about receiving a box in the mail, opening it, and seeing the cover of my own book inside. It's a thrill that will never get old for me. As a matter of fact, my proof copy of my latest book is supposed to arrive today and I'm ready to pounce on the UPS guy as soon as I see him pull up. Like Owen, I don't sell many paperback copies online, but I do have some family, friends, and local fans who buy hard copies from me because they don't read digital. I personally think it's worth it, especially since on Createspace the only cost is your time and any copies you buy for yourself.
Hello, everyone. new guy here. First thread I've read...very helpful. Looking forward to reading more. Thanks for the insight.
I have 36 bilingual books and CD's all in print. I submit to contests, some have won Latino Literary Awards and allow me to show them at BookExpo, i picked up a distributor that way. Few of my titles are e-books. I have great quality fliers which I give out and they generate sales. I am not getting rich but I get between $30-50 a month. Hope this helps you decide.
My ebook to paperback sales ratio seems to be about 5:1. It would be a wasted opportunity to only produce in ebook, I think. Print books also let you take advantage of Goodreads giveaways. My books are historical fiction and not too long (180-ish pages) so the cost to print is low enough to list my books at 9.95. Hope this helps :).
Ok, so you've all convinced me to take the time to make those print books available. I suppose it was more just laziness than anything stopping me in the first place.Now that it's decided, I'd like to do a hard cover copy. Is Lulu the only option there? Is THAT worth the time and effort? Are there other/better options?
Again, thanks for you feedback, everyone!
Createspace! Never tried Lulu but love Createspace and never had a problem with them.
I use Lulu for both hardcovers and paperbacks, and have had no problem. I haven't ordered the paperback yet, but the hardcover looks impressive. I've ordered some of my paperbacks from Createspace, and they look good, too. I always go with the glossy covers on the paperbacks because they look best to me.
I made a print copy of my one long book. It's about 192 pages. The other ones are all short stories, so they wouldn't really work as a print copy. Sales on the print book are relatively dismal, but I personally enjoy the process of creating my own book cover, and I know that at least a few people out there don't like eBooks as much as they like having a physical book copy.
I sell more paperbacks than ebooks and not on Amazon.
Joshua wrote: "I made a print copy of my one long book. It's about 192 pages. The other ones are all short stories, so they wouldn't really work as a print copy. Sales on the print book are relatively dismal, but..."
I compiled all of my best short stories, past and present, into two collections. That makes it possible to have paperback versions of all of my works.
I compiled all of my best short stories, past and present, into two collections. That makes it possible to have paperback versions of all of my works.
Mod
They were glorious, and I am going to do that as well.
Selling them on Amazon as print books? Probably not, but as little mini books at a book expo, heck to the yes!
I hope it's okay to ask this here. If not, I will move it. Thank you.I intend to publish my fiction novel of approximately 350 pages in KPD and CreateSpace. For CS, I'm using the 5" x 8" template with font Palatino Linotype size 11. I know authors in other genres print on a larger template with a larger font size. Does anyone disagree with my CS settings for a fiction novel?
Also, are you able to order a copy of your print book from CS to go over it one last time before making it live and available for sale?
Mod
Yes. You are allowed to get 5 proof copies at once. They have an extra page that says 'PROOF' on it.
Additionally, you can not publish it right away when in distribution and order copies just for yourself, if you wanted to get copies without it being available for sale.
As for the other question... your book size is your book size. Let it be what it is! :D
Palatino Linotype might be a bit fragile for books because it is so thin, but not a bad choice overall really, if it fits the style of your book. 11pt is big enough, maybe even too big for that font, as it is tall. Experiment with other fonts, it could save you multiple pages and some printing cost in the end!
I use Cambria 11 point because it seems the best match for the type used in traditionally published books. I've ordered the books, and I like the way they look.
Excuse the website info; it's the only posted picture of it I have:
Excuse the website info; it's the only posted picture of it I have:
C.B. and Ken, Thank you both. I will play with the fonts.C.B. - Good to know I can get a proof. It's cheaper than printing it, as I pay $5 per ream of 500 sheets and $50 for ink (low-end printer).
Ken, Very professional looking book!
Sue (Dog Mom) wrote: "C.B. and Ken, Thank you both. I will play with the fonts.
C.B. - Good to know I can get a proof. It's cheaper than printing it, as I pay $5 per ream of 500 sheets and $50 for ink (low-end printer)..."
If you haven't used Createspace before, you'll find that they offer you an online viewer, showing the exact format and look of your book, and you can check just about everything except the quality of the cover. It's the only thing I check before allowing publication. Then I order one copy to check the cover, if I have any doubts about it.
C.B. - Good to know I can get a proof. It's cheaper than printing it, as I pay $5 per ream of 500 sheets and $50 for ink (low-end printer)..."
If you haven't used Createspace before, you'll find that they offer you an online viewer, showing the exact format and look of your book, and you can check just about everything except the quality of the cover. It's the only thing I check before allowing publication. Then I order one copy to check the cover, if I have any doubts about it.
No, this will be my first time publishing on CS. I'm writing in their template I downloaded. That online viewer sounds great. I know I can check my e-book by turning it into a .mobi file and downloading it to my e-reader.
One other advantage to paperbacks is library sales. Although libraries are moving into e-books, paperbacks are still enormously popular.
I also find Createspace a great site to use. I was actually surprised to that many people prefer the printed edition to the ebook even though it's more expensive.
Personally, I prefer and e-book for fiction and a print copy for non-fiction (writing reference book, self-help, grammar, publishing...)
I wanted to get everyone's opinion on creating print copies of a book. More specifically, is it worth it?
I've published three titles so far and did both print and e-book formats for all of them. I always go through Createspace when doing the print version which is obviously no cost, but there's usually a bit of frustration with format and cover layout. I've never been unhappy with the service, but I've found that I only ever sell about 1 print copy of a book a month and that's a good month.
I'm getting ready to release the first book in a new fantasy series and I'm contemplating whether or not to bother with print copies. I always like to have that hard copy, and I feel like it's good to have them if anyone wants to randomly get a copy, but even that's rare.
Are there alternatives to having hard copies to give people in person? Is dealing with print necessary or worth my time? Should I just try to build a following through e-book and include print at a later time?
What do you guys think?