Print-on-demand

[Sarah]

Here's where we can discuss print-on-demand (POD) options.

[Carey]

Sometimes I wonder how used copies of my print on demand are available if I've only sold electronic copies.

[Sarah]

Carey wrote: "Sometimes I wonder how used copies of my print on demand are available if I've only sold electronic copies."

That's a great question. So people are reselling your paperbacks, but you haven't sold any yet? Perplexing.

[Sarah]

I use createspace for my POD. I'm happy with them mostly. I've heard other services help with marketing, but that there's some upfront cost with them. My biggest problem with createspace is that I choose to use my own ISBN so that I can be listed as the publisher and not createspace. Because of that I cannot be carried in libraries and academic institutions. They only allow books with their ISBNs to have these distribution rights. It's frustrating since my genre is YA and perfect for high schools.

[Clo]

Wow Sarah that has got to be frustrating - I know I would find it perplexing and annoying if I were in your position.

[Sarah]

Hayley wrote: "Wow Sarah that has got to be frustrating - I know I would find it perplexing and annoying if I were in your position."

It is, and it's one reason I'm looking at using a traditional publisher for my next series. But I'm a control freak and like to do things myself, so we'll see.

[Clo]

There's nothing wrong with being a control freak - since it means that you are in control - I guess the nay downside is with books; since yours can't be carried in libraries. Someone should make a complaint about that to publishers - besides what is the reason behind yours not being able to be carried in libraries? Is it just because you are listed as the publisher? ;)

[Sarah]

Hayley wrote: "There's nothing wrong with being a control freak - since it means that you are in control - I guess the nay downside is with books; since yours can't be carried in libraries. Someone should make a ..."

It's a createspace thing. I've emailed them and they say that's the policy. Blah. Blah. Blah. I also emailed Guy Kawasaki, a publishing genius. He gave me some suggestions regarding going through Ingram. It's on my list (which keeps growing). But that obstacle is only for paperbacks. I could still offer my ebooks to libraries by going through Smashwords. It's just I'd love my exclusivity with Amazon and they do take care of me. We shall see.