Kindle Forum banner

Confused between CreateSpace and Print on Demand

396 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  GeoffW
Based on what I've found on the forums, I've decided to not only do the KDP Select for my eBook, but also do a printed version.

However, I think I'm having trouble understanding exactly how the "printed" version is done.

I know (or, I'm moderately certain) that I can use CreateSpace to print x number of my books for me and ship them to me.  That's good, because I'd like some physical books to be able to hand out, etc.

But, my questions are:
1.  Will CreateSpace also sell those same print versions (or list them at least) on Amazon?  And then do the purchasers of the printed copy get sent a "print on demand? copy?"
2.  Or, do I have to go through some other Amazon department to get the POD piece taken care of?

What I want to be able to do is (hopefully):
1.  Go through CreateSpace process to get a print copy ready (I have someone creating a cover for me).
2.  Be able to order x (say 10 or so) number of those books to be printed out and sent to me.
3.  Have CreateSpace list the printed version on Amazon along with my eBook (so, listed together and the customer chooses the version). And if the customer chooses a print version, CreateSpace will print it out (POD) and mail to the customer.
4.  As part of the CreateSpace deal/process, let me purchase (at hopefully a reduced fee compared to Bowker at $30per if you buy 10) a real ISBN?

Is that how it works?

I'm sure it's all very simple, but seemed to be hard to find the answers to the above.  I did some searching which provided me with some great info that I can use, but not exactly the answers to the above.

Thanks,

GeoffW
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
GeoffW said:
Based on what I've found on the forums, I've decided to not only do the KDP Select for my eBook, but also do a printed version.

However, I think I'm having trouble understanding exactly how the "printed" version is done.

I know (or, I'm moderately certain) that I can use CreateSpace to print x number of my books for me and ship them to me. That's good, because I'd like some physical books to be able to hand out, etc.

But, my questions are:
1. Will CreateSpace also sell those same print versions (or list them at least) on Amazon? And then do the purchasers of the printed copy get sent a "print on demand? copy?"
2. Or, do I have to go through some other Amazon department to get the POD piece taken care of?

What I want to be able to do is (hopefully):
1. Go through CreateSpace process to get a print copy ready (I have someone creating a cover for me).
2. Be able to order x (say 10 or so) number of those books to be printed out and sent to me.
3. Have CreateSpace list the printed version on Amazon along with my eBook (so, listed together and the customer chooses the version). And if the customer chooses a print version, CreateSpace will print it out (POD) and mail to the customer.
4. As part of the CreateSpace deal/process, let me purchase (at hopefully a reduced fee compared to Bowker at $30per if you buy 10) a real ISBN?

Is that how it works?

I'm sure it's all very simple, but seemed to be hard to find the answers to the above. I did some searching which provided me with some great info that I can use, but not exactly the answers to the above.

Thanks,

GeoffW
When you set up a Createspace account and upload a title, you have the option of purchasing copies at cost from your authors dashboard. The title will also appear on Amazon as part of their offerings. Createspace does the physical print copies and KDP does the ebook copies. At the end of the setup process in Createspace, the system will give you the option of publishing it as an ebook through KDP and route you that direction if you so desire. Once you have created an ebook at KDP, the ebook will be available through Kindle, but it will also show as an option over at your print copy in the Amazon store. Hope that helped clarify some things for you.
And if you opt for extended distribution, bookstores can order your book. That does not mean they WILL - it's rare - but they can. Also, libraries.
Hi Geoff. I'm not sure if you've taken some time to look around on the CS website, but once you open your account there is quite a bit of information on the site--including a help function, FAQs, and community boards. Also, there are a number of youtube videos out there about CS, by CS and by others intending to share info.  ;)
Everyone,

Awesome info.  Sounds great (now I just have to follow through : ).  And, as cbaku stated, I will spend quite a bit of time perusing the guides, etc.  I just wanted to get some quick, and knowledgeable, feedback so that I knew I was going in the right direction.

Thanks again for the help. 

GeoffW
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top