Understanding Page Counts for CreateSpace and KDP: Best Practices for Self-Publishing

Introduction to Page Counting in Self-Publishing

For self-publishers, getting the details right when it comes to page counts can be crucial. Whether you are using CreateSpace, Amazon's self-publishing division, or transitioning to KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), understanding how to correctly count and format your book's pages is essential. This guide will walk through the best practices for counting and formatting your pages in LibreOffice and other tools, as well as the specific requirements for both CreateSpace and KDP.

Counting Pages in LibreOffice and Similar Tools

Once your formatted text fits on the pages, the page count is simply the number of printed pages your book will have. For those familiar with LibreOffice, formatting and page counting can be handled with ease, thanks to the Writer2ePub extension. This tool allows you to add headers, footers, and page numbers to your document, a crucial step for both creating appealing outputs and adhering to publisher standards.

Adding Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers

To format headers or footers, you can choose the option to display page numbers. This can be done in both the footer and the header, depending on the author's preference. This step is relatively simple and can be done once the document is fully formatted. However, it's important to ensure that the headers, footers, and page numbers start on the first page of the book, particularly the first page of the first chapter.

Specific Page Counting Rules for CreateSpace

CreateSpace's guidelines for page counting and formatting are straightforward. Here are the key points to remember:

Page Numbering Guidelines

Pages should generally be numbered from the first chapter onward. If your book includes a foreword, these pages should be numbered using lowercase Roman numerals (e.g., iv, v, vi). However, for title pages, copyright pages, acknowledgements, and blurbs from reviewers, there is no requirement to include headers, footers, or page numbers. These elements are meant to be more decorative and less informational.

Transitioning from CreateSpace to KDP

While CreateSpace has been a popular choice for self-publishers, there is a growing trend towards Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) due to changes in pricing strategies. With the move towards KDP, some books may need to be priced higher, as the percentage taken by KDP is typically higher than that of CreateSpace.

Challenges in Transitioning

For those transitioning from CreateSpace to KDP, the process can be cumbersome. Although the revamped KDP paperback creator has greatly improved, there are still challenges to be aware of. For instance, the new system may not accept all elements of a book that were previously created in CreateSpace. This includes issues with back cover designs, which may need to be rebuilt from scratch. This process can be time-consuming and may lead to some frustration.

Furthermore, many publishers and authors find the process of moving to KDP to be difficult and not as user-friendly as they would like. Regardless of one's preference, the move to KDP is often inevitable, and it is wise to prepare for the potential challenges in terms of formatting and pricing.

Conclusion

Counting and formatting pages for self-publishing is a critical aspect of the process, regardless of whether you are using CreateSpace or KDP. By understanding the specific requirements and best practices for both platforms, you can ensure that your book is presented in the best possible light. Whether you are starting a new project or transitioning from one platform to another, these guidelines can help you navigate the complexities of self-publishing with confidence.