E-commerce
Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Company: A Comprehensive Guide to Createspace and Ingram Spark
Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Company: A Comprehensive Guide to Createspace and Ingram Spark
Introduction to Self-Publishing Companies
Self-publishing has revolutionized the way authors bring their works to the public. Two prominent self-publishing companies, Createspace and Ingram Spark, offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that authors should consider. This article aims to provide a detailed comparison to help authors make an informed decision.
Understanding Changes in Createspace
Createspace, once a leading print-on-demand service for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), has undergone significant changes. Now, it primarily focuses on serving authors who wish to publish their books on the KDP platform. Here are some key points:
Proof Books: Proof books now carry a 'proof' indication on the cover and are not for sale. These books are useful for proofreading and quality assurance before final publication. Limited Publisher Name: The publisher name on the book is now listed as 'Independently Published' instead of 'Createspace'. Barnes Noble: There has been a noticeable shift as Barnes Noble no longer stocks books printed by Createspace. Instead, authors can co-publish with Barnes Noble, which can be beneficial for generating higher profits on sales. Mapping: For books sold through Kindle's KDP Select, authors can make printed books available through KDP but cannot use Amazon's expanded distribution for these books.Ingram Spark: A Detailed Analysis
Ingram Spark offers a comprehensive print-on-demand service with a wider range of options. Here are some key points to consider:
No ISBN Charge: Ingram Spark no longer charges for ISBNs, which is a significant advantage. Setup Fee: There is a setup fee of $49 for any service, including manuscript corrections and updates. This can add to the overall cost. Print Quality: The quality of printed books from Ingram Spark is comparable to those from Createspace and Kindle Direct. The prints from Ingram Spark look just as good as those from other platforms. Book Sizing and Pricing: Ingram Spark offers a wider range of book sizes with cheaper color printing options. However, a hardcover option (where paperback is glued to a plastic cover) incurs an additional premium of $10 per book, bringing the cost to over $25 for a proof copy that originally costs around $14. Expanding Distribution: While Barnes Noble uses Ingram for distribution, they charge an additional surcharge for printing proof books, which means higher costs compared to KDP.Comparing Createspace and Ingram Spark
Here is a detailed comparison to help authors decide between the two:
Barnes Noble: Co-publishing with Barnes Noble is more profitable than through Amazon, with a higher retail markup of 50 cents vs 2.50 cents. Expand Distribution: Authors should consider making print books using both Kindle Direct and Ingram Spark. This dual approach maximizes profits by leveraging the best offers from both platforms. Electronic Book Pricing: Use Kindle exclusive for eBooks and leverage Kindle Unlimited. Once the free period ends, de-list the book on Kindle Unlimited and distribute through Direct2Digital or Smashwords to maximize reach in other markets like EPUB Nook.Conclusion
In conclusion, both Createspace and Ingram Spark offer unique benefits that authors should take into account. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each platform will help authors in making an informed decision that aligns with their publishing goals and financial objectives.