THE Group for Authors! discussion
Publishing and Promoting
>
Looking for Sample Titles for IngramSpark and CreateSpace
date
newest »
newest »
Roxanna wrote: "Hello all, I'm thinking of using IngramSpark's POD service, but would like to check the quality and am having trouble getting any sample titles. Has anyone used Ingram Spark for a book that's about..."Createspace's quality is way better. I have kids books and they kept rejecting covers- My artists had to redo them several times. CS doesn't charge for changes in your cover, Ingram hits you for a 25 dollar fee for any changes.
Both. The paper and printing quality wasn't anything near Createspace- Forget about their customer service. You can upgrade the paper and printing, but it bites into your profits. Still, the original print job was such a low quality and the paper flimsy- I had to take the more expensive option.Createspace reps are much more knowledgeable. Book Baby was very helpful, but I still think the guys at Createspace have more knowledge. I hated Lulu- they oversold me things I didn't need and when I complained, nobody listened. When I declined the charge- they decided to answer my calls.
I have both finishes on all my books. The colors and finishes are better on Createspace- but I still put all my mass distribution on Ingram- they have a wider reach and they pay more than CS.
I use both CS and Ingrams (and use the same cover pdf for both) and comparing the books side-by-side, there is no discernible difference. If anything I have found Ingrams more consistent, as CS occasionally prints spines slightly off centre or I have noticed the pages are printed slightly off kilter.I've now imported all my CS paperbacks to the Amazon KDP interface as that works better for me being outside the US (CS cheque payments are a pain in the behind!) and I use Ingrams for expanded distribution.
I use CreateSpace and am very happy with it. I found the glossy cover to be my preference, and the trade paperback of 6 x 9 to fit best. They state it right away. You can order a copy beforehand for a few dollars to see how it looks. Also, the off white paper looks best, since you mentioned it. Good luck.
I'm glad that you are discussing this. I was very happy with the quality of the print books I got through iUniverse, who published my first novel, "Bead of Sand." When I began to look around for potential printing of my second novel ("The Sturgeon's Dance" which has yet to see the printed light of day, but it's getting close), I was dismayed at the print quality of some of the books that other authors in my region had on their tables at book fairs. Specifically, I noticed that the covers of many books curl as soon as they come off the press. This is so bad on some examples that the cover is in danger of folding if one lays another book on top of the book without first smoothing the cover flat.
Another trait I have found disagreeable is the tactile quality of the covers on several books I have acquired from my colleagues. The covers are actually sticky, or gummy, or tacky. I don't like to have to clean the cover of the dust that sticks to it between the time I set it down the night before and when I pick it up again. The dust does not wipe off with my hand - I literally have to wipe it with a damp cloth. What's that all about? I don't know why a printer would think this would be appealing to readers; it's a real turn-off to me, and I avoid buying such books, sorry to say. I may be missing out on some fine stories.
Most of these books have no publishing identification on them, so I don't know if they were printed by CreateSpace or Ingram or whoever. Some of them are printed through small publishing houses; no doubt they farm out the actual printing to a local printing firm.
Rather than risk getting stuck with these negatives, I signed on again with iUniverse. Maybe I'll be paying a bit more, but I want my books to reflect the quality of the writing, and not to be a physical distraction from the story.
Carole wrote: "Both. The paper and printing quality wasn't anything near Create space- Forget about their customer service. You can upgrade the paper and printing, but it bites into your profits. Still, the origin..."I agree with Carol - Been using create space for years and they are excellent in customer service and are very knowledgeable - Also the print quality is high.
CreateSpace has an outstanding customer service. They are polite, patient, give understandable explanations of what is...The quality of my 6" x 9", white paper novel is as I would expect it to be: Professional looking. the binding is strong.
When I first got started years ago, I did not know how much I needed to learn about self-publishing. CS has educated me to the point of me knowing where I'm going next. I still don't have all the answers, but I've come a long way with their assistance. Hope this helps!
IngramSpark is offering free title upload through March 31, 2018. Use promo code: NAN017
Thank you, Carole! This is so helpful.
Thank you, Sally! And yes, the gummy quality of the matte covers really bothers me. I can't get over it. That's one of the reasons I posted the question. I got samples from Ingram and am leaning toward the glossy cover for that reason.
I have been very happy with CreateSpace for both of my books;https://amzn.com/153338763X
Http://amzn.com/1503101797
Karl wrote: "CreateSpace has an outstanding customer service. They are polite, patient, give understandable explanations of what is...The quality of my 6" x 9", white paper novel is as I would expect it to be:..."
Thanks Karl, very helpful
" IS/LS has a title setup fee of $50 for both digital and paperback. The fee is refundable if you order at least 50 books within 60 days.
I publish primarily through Ingram Spark/ Lightning Source, that way it goes to just about every platform. They use different color profiles for printing."
Not sure if that helps but there's a little information.