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message 1:
by
C.
(new)
Aug 16, 2016 06:53PM
I am close to going live with my first novel, A Cry Among Men, thus I am searching for the best soft back POD publisher. Is CreateSpace a worthy print partner? Thanks, CB
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I am satisfied with Create Space.
The only thing I would recommend with Createspace, is make sure you get the physical copy to (particularly) check the cover colors. Their printer is apparently not as good as my Epson, and so the colors don't come out the same. Especially important on dark covers, because sometimes stuff will get lost in the shadows that they cannot manage. A bit of tweaking and adjusting had me right as rain though.
I've heard reports of issues with color from CreateSpace, but I personally have been happy with the results for my two novels.
Heidi wrote: "The only thing I would recommend with Createspace, is make sure you get the physical copy to (particularly) check the cover colors. Their printer is apparently not as good as my Epson, and so the c..."Yes, I have had a problem with CreateSpace and my cover. I really wanted to change it recently because it's not the color I can live with as I loved the one the graphic artist created. All I really needed was for CreateSpace to 'lighten it' enough to show the blood streaks and the maroon kind of circle of color around the center darkness to give it more depth. They want me to start all over and submit like I'm publishing it again. I don't understand printing, so I'm not saying they are wrong, but I don't understand if they are printing my book on demand why they can't just lighten it in the set-up they have presently. Frustrated. They are very kind in answering questions and helping though.
I'd have to agree with everyone above and recommend CreateSpace, though I've not had a problem with my covers.
Much appreciated, guys. How is the binding? Is it traditional publisher grade?
C. Erskine wrote: "Much appreciated, guys. How is the binding? Is it traditional publisher grade?"Ditto the others on Createspace. The binding is about equivalent to a mass-market paperback.
I'm happy with Createspace. I had to lighten my image for Beyond the Veil, but I am very happy with the quality. Don't get me started on Ingram lol! The colors were way worse on Ingram (less vibrant), the glue was on half the pages so I had to rip them in order to page through the book and the words (my novel is heavy on italics but still!) were all faded. I have to submit an Ingram version to Barnes N Noble and I'd much rather send the Createspace version!
Though DIY experiences vary, this is the exact interaction I'm looking for. Thanks to each of you... And how did you know I was considering Ingram? lol
CreateSpace has been a good experience for me as well. There staff has been easy to work with and accommodates me in everything the can do.
My opinion is to recommend staying away from CreateSpace.I have had issues with their printers adding too much purple and causing the cover to be far darker than it should. I went back and lightened my image, re-uploaded and ordered a few more. Same issue. Calling them for customer service resulted in "Well, that's just how our printers are. There's a variance." I've had better results from IngramSpark for proper cover color.
I've encountered some weird issues with CreateSpace's interior printing, like having someone else's whole short story inserted into the middle of one copy.
Another copy had the corner of a page fold over off the printer and get bound that way, creating a blank 90 degree angle on one page where text should have been.
I'm probably on the fringe here, but these are real issues I've encountered using CreateSpace.
I have not used CS or IS, yet. However, I have found CS does not offer the same book dimensions as IS. I want to publish a children's book that is 8 1/2 inches long and 11 inches wide, but CS only offers 11 inches long and 8/12 inches wide. IS offers both. Perhaps this is more a service issue, but it's an important one when picking the size of your book and where you want it bound.
My first edition of a children's chapter book, FAB (Friends Against Bullying) Club is being published with Createspace. I'm really happy with the proof (it's a bright cover) and will be making the book live in about a month.But the costs for shipping outside the US are high. So I'm doing a second edition with Ingram Spark as well. I've found that they need bigger margins inside the book. That may not be an issue for you, but I've had to reformat everything.
Good luck!
Alex, Thank you for your helpful information. And also for the heads up about IS margins being different than CS margins. It does make a difference for anyone including drawings (like me), photos, or any diagrams. I may need to resize mine.
My glossy CS covers began to curl ... I switched over to matte and that problem went away, though the glossy covers looked nicer. I also use IngramSpark (IS) - they do charge a setup fee for every book you list with them. That aside, their gloss covers have no curling issue, and it's cheaper for me to place a bulk order from IS as they have an office here in Australia. (The books also arrive very quickly as well.)
So Melanie, you prefer IS to CS for softcover?
C. Erskine wrote: "So Melanie, you prefer IS to CS for softcover?"Yes I do, but that's my personal preference. As CS don't charge a setup fee, I would try them first. If you're not sold on the quality then you could investigate IS.
You will find Createspace has the best prices and royalties out of all of the reputable POD companies, but they do have limitations. Ingram and Lulu both offer hardcover and different sizing options including custom, but there are some restrictions on that as well. (I know certain sizes through Lulu can't have an ISBN for some reason) But, aside from the set up cost listed above for Ingram, both Lulu and Ingram are just more expensive per page. I was looking at some smaller size books on Lulu (trying to emulate the old mass market 'pocket' books from my youth), but they would have ended up costing me twice what my trade size CS books cost.
As for the covers, Both CS and Ingram offer matte options, which I prefer both from a durability and aesthetic standpoint. Lulu only offers glossy, but I will say the cookbook I printed through them 10 years ago has never curled and it's lived in my kitchen.
Thank you, Christina for sharing this information. : )
Okay, this was LONG overdue for me, but I finally ordered my book from Barnes and Noble so I could compare my Ingram Spark/Lightning Source paperback to the Createspace paperback. I wondered if the colors on the cover would be different or darker or lighter, but the cover colors look precisely the same to me. The only discernible differences that I could see in my Ingram book vs. Createspace book are:1. The barcode is a slightly different size.
2. The interior text on the Ingram book looks darker/bolder than in the Createspace book.
Even though the exteriors are essentially the same, I would give slight preference to the Ingram version because the darker print makes it look a little more professional.
:)
Thank you very much, Marie for posting this valuable information!! Makes me think twice about Createspace even though I'm aware of the setup fees, which I also know can be avoided with a coupon.Hmmm... Hugs
Marie, Regarding the quality of the covers from each printer, was it thin or thick... stiff or floppy? Thank you!! Hugs
I'm live with my book now. Quality is good, but sometimes looking closely, copies are inconsistent in richness (I have a matte finish)... I had some bent, banged up bindings but they were replaced. I'm picky, some of my concerns my not be yours.
Sue (Rescue Dog Mom) wrote: "Marie, Regarding the quality of the covers from each printer, was it thin or thick... stiff or floppy? Thank you!! Hugs"The covers from Ingram and Createspace look exactly the same to me. I would not call the covers thick or stiff, but they are the same as other paperbacks I have. I went with the glossy finish for all of my books, which looks nice, but I have also seen the matte finish on other books and those look really nice. I am considering a switch just to see how it looks :).
I'm waiting to get my proof from Ingram Spark so I can check quality, but since they charge me a dollar more than createspace does for the same book, I'll be ordering my copies to sell in person from createspace!
C. - I wouldn't want want my books looking like they fell of the shelf, either. Thanks.Marie - Thank you for the info. I'll bet your covers would look great matte! It would add to the vintage look of the era.
C.L. - Thanks for the info on IS charging $1 more than CS. Good plan!
