tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388186993488529216.post3490266008255699759..comments2024-03-07T17:39:13.166-08:00Comments on Beyond Words: Why Canadian Writers Should Beware of Create SpaceJeanne Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17094994150964402490noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388186993488529216.post-46119107588177275552015-10-11T09:25:05.817-07:002015-10-11T09:25:05.817-07:00Hi Sheila, Lulu seems very similar to Createspace ...Hi Sheila, Lulu seems very similar to Createspace but like I said in my blog post, you'll save a ton in shipping. The prices for you own book are quite low and are in CDN currency. You can distribute to all the same booksellers (including Amazon if you wish) through Lulu as well. It's pretty much the same business model as Createspace. Have a look: http://www.lulu.com/createJeanne Bannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17094994150964402490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388186993488529216.post-49527082611855562342015-10-11T06:59:26.938-07:002015-10-11T06:59:26.938-07:00Hi, Jeanne. As you know, I published the paperback...Hi, Jeanne. As you know, I published the paperback version of my hf, Stolen, on CreateSpace. I experience the same frustrations you do. My book does, however, appear on Amazon Canada and because you also chose 'expanded distribution', yours may also show up there - eventually. In fact, I'm waiting to see if it does before I order a copy!<br />When I spoke with CreateSpace over the issue of being paid by check, they told me Amazon was reassessing its arrangement with Canadian authors, and we may be able to be paid by direct deposit - in 2016!<br />I managed to reach the first $100 'milestone' because my book sold to Canadian libraries (who will not purchase from Amazon U.S.) as well as to many loyal friends. However, I am now stuck at about $8.75, and may well never see another check from Amazon - even if I earn $99 in royalties after many years.<br />I chose CreateSpace for a reason, though. It was the only P.O.D. publisher I found which did not require any money upfront. It also offers a very good deal for author copies. Does Lulu require money upfront? If so, how much? I'm curious. Also, do they offer an author rate if you buy copies of your own book? Do they have any kind of threshold requirements? Where do they sell your book?<br />Another beef I had with CreateSpace is now no longer an issue. At first, my Canadian buyers had to wait up to 6 weeks to get their copies! Now, it seems to take only days for Amazon Canada to deliver to Canadian buyers. <br />It's all very odd, and I heard it had something to do with Chapters/Indigo trying to sue Amazon because "Amazon Canada" was actually located in the U.S. Chapters lost the lawsuit, but Amazon seems never to have forgiven Canada for it happening in the first place.<br />CreateSpace and Amazon told me they were working on the issues, but I'm not holding my breath.<br />I would still choose CreateSpace for a Canadian pb again, for two main reasons:<br />1. Libraries will buy only from Amazon Canada, so it is worth taking the risk that your book will show up there. It should show up eventually, but there are no guarantees!<br />2. Amazon reaches more readers than any other site. I have my ebook of Stolen listed on iBooks, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, etc. but have sold only 3 copies this way, whereas I have sold hundreds through Kindle Direct. <br />I don't like Amazon, and will switch as soon as I find a better way to sell my books. But, for me, CreateSpace is the only viable option for paperbacks at the moment, mostly because of no overhead (other than the cover, and editing).<br />Sheila Daltonhttp://www.sheiladalton.weebly.comnoreply@blogger.com