Optimizing Your Novel’s Online Presence: The Best Approaches to Publishing via CreateSpace and Self-Publishing

Many aspiring novelists find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to publishing their work. The decision to either use CreateSpace directly, via Kindle Direct Publishing, or to create a self-published entity is fraught with challenges and nuances. In this article, we will explore the best practices and key considerations for publishing your book, ensuring it reaches the widest possible audience.

Understanding Kindle Direct Publishing and CreateSpace

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the digital storefront owned by Amazon that allows authors to publish their works and earn royalties without the traditional publishing process. CreateSpace is the physical printing service offered by Amazon through KDP, which can also be used to publish print books. However, it's important to note that while CreateSpace no longer exists as a standalone publishing operation, its services are integrated into KDP.

KDP offers a straightforward ISBN for novels published as Kindle eBooks and print books, and these ISBNs can be used across all major retail platforms. This integration ensures that your book can be purchased and listed on multiple platforms, maximizing your reach.

ISBN Considerations

ISBNs are crucial for book identification and are often required when you want to sell your book on platforms like Barnes Noble or Google Books. Traditionally, CreateSpace offered its own ISBNs, but these are no longer necessary when using KDP, as the ISBNs provided by KDP are recognized by all major retailers.

If you decide to use KDP for Amazon print books and Kindle eBooks, you will receive the highest royalties around, ranging from 30 to 70 percent based on the retail price. However, for sales outside of Amazon, such as through Books a Million, you will earn the lowest royalties, which is a common pitfall to be aware of.

Co-Publishing and Alternative Solutions

If you wish to co-publish your print book, Smashwords, or Ingram are viable options. Smashwords and Draft2Digital offer free ISBNs and can be used alongside Google Books for additional distribution. However, these services come with their own challenges; while they can help you bypass the need to purchase ISBNs, the international reach and royalties on non-Amazon sales are slightly lower.

Ingram Spark, on the other hand, offers a one-stop solution for all your book distribution needs. However, the setup fee and the additional charges for changing covers or contents make it less cost-effective than using KDP directly. The royalties with Ingram Spark can range from 10 to 40 percent, which, while a significant amount, may not match the higher rates offered by direct KDP and Smashwords.

Why Set Up a Publishing Company?

Setting up a publishing company for a single novel is often unnecessary and can be more trouble than it’s worth. The Smashwords and Draft2Digital platforms offer robust self-publishing options and a vibrant community of professionals who can help you through the process. Moreover, they provide you with the ISBNs you need for free, eliminating the need to buy a block of them at a steep price.

Using CreateSpace and KDP, along with Smashwords and Draft2Digital, is the most cost-effective and streamlined approach. It allows you to publish your work across all major e-retailers, ensuring maximum exposure and profitability. Avoid the pitfalls of buying redundant ISBNs or setting up a publishing entity that serves no real purpose beyond creating additional paperwork and costs.

Conclusion

In the world of self-publishing, maximizing your reach and optimizing your royalties is key. By leveraging the strengths of Kindle Direct Publishing, Smashwords, and Draft2Digital, you can effectively publish and market your novel without the need for a dedicated publishing company. Remember, the goal is to get your book listed on the platforms where it will sell best, making the most of the opportunities available to you in the digital marketplace.