Easy Steps for Writers to Self-Publish a Book

With CreateSpace, Amazon.com’s New On Demand Publishing, it’s Easy

Aug 14, 2008

Self Published Book: Fifty and Beyond, Paloma Blanca Press

CreateSpace, Amazon's new "on demand publishing" program, allows a writer's self-published book to be in his or her hands quickly with virtually no monetary investment.

The author starts by signing up for an account with CreateSpace, then accomplishes set up by entering book information—title, description, the list price the author wants to charge and proceeds to upload the artwork and book files. In case the author does not have an ISBN number assigned, Amazon will provide one.

How to Use CreateSpace

Once set up is finished, the author orders a proof of the book. The cost for a proof copy is the same as the cost for a single book order. The proof is usually shipped within five business days after the order is placed. As soon as it is approved by the author, the book will become available on a CreateSpaceStore assigned to the author and on Amazon’s CreateSpace Shop. In about fifteen business days the book will be listed on Amazon’s book listings. The author can also sell the book from their own website.

Other CreateSpace Features

Other Amazon sales features available for the book are: Amazon Search Inside!™, Super Saving Shipping (with $25 minimum), and 1-Click® ordering.

Benefits for the Self-Publishing Author

Amazon’s new service CreateSpace will be a boon to the writer. There is no set up fee, there are no minimum quantities to be stocked and the author sets their own price. The beauty of this service is that the author keeps the rights to the book and can purchase bulk books for his or her own use at a discount. The service is also available for publication of CD’s and DVD’s.

What is On Demand Publishing

With on demand publishing, the customer--an individual, bookstore or organization--orders a book or a quantity of books and the manufacturer prints only that amount and ships directly to the customer. The author earns royalties based on the price he or she set on the book. Amazon pays royalties each month (when they reach $20 or higher).

The Technical Aspects of Amazon’s On Demand Printing

The book can have the interior printed in either black and white or color. The cover is full color with UV coating. For black and white there are two choices of paper—white or cream. Color interiors are printed on white paper. With a minimum of 24 pages, there are 7 standard trim sizes available from 5.25” x 8” to 8” x 10” and also some custom sizes can be accepted.

This is one of the quickest and least expensive, risk-free ways for an author/writer to get his or her book, published, printed, listed and sold on the Internet.

The copyright of the article Easy Steps for Writers to Self-Publish a Book in Self-Publishing is owned by John Lamkin. Permission to republish Easy Steps for Writers to Self-Publish a Book in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.