CreateSpace, LuLu, SmashWords...Which One?

[lysagrant]

My two cents: Smashwords and Createspace and you're done. Well, also to Kindle too. Createspace's new matte finish looks GREAT! Really professional. Let Smashwords take care of digital distribution - they're always adding new outlets and are worth any royalty % IMO. Then use Createspace for print.

[BuildingVoices]

I did a little research and people like Lightning Source because you can determine your own pricing and royalties plus they accept returns. If you ever want to see your book in a brick and mortar then you need to accept returns and CreateSpace doesn't.

[AnmaNatsu]

If you ever want to see your book in a brick and mortar then you need to accept returns and CreateSpace doesn't.

Sort of, mostly, correct CreateSpace will not accept returns on books ordered directly through them unless it was defective or the wrong book was sent. So this would include any that might be sent to bookstores. That does not mean they will absolutely not stock it, however. You can buy copies yourself and approach local stores about stocking as you then accept the returns. Also, while most bookstores may not put them on the shelves, they will still usually take special orders for them.

Books printed by CreateSpace and sold via Amazon though are fully returnable by customers under Amazon's usual return policy. If it's not defective (misprint, etc), it will just be held until another order comes in and sent back out. If it's defective, they order a new copy from CreateSpace and destroy the defective one.

[polymath]

Lulu and Lightning Source have distribution channel access to Ingram and other print distributors to independent bookstores, libraries, and university bookstores. CreateSpace, owing to its agggresive online selling practices and association with Amazon particularly, is anathema to independent bookstores. Independent and university bookstores depend on returns (remainders) to recoup expenses on unsold copies they ordered to stock their inventories with ample stock.

A writer-publisher from a boutique or independent bookstore's local region can usually arrange a consignment placement for reasonable terms at independent bookstores, so long as a valid ISBN assignment and bar code are on the back cover. Libraries generally accept donated self-published books so long as they have a copyright registration. Big-box chain stores, though, are resistant to consignments.

Lightning Source, in my estimation, charges up-front setup and other fees that unnecessarily increase publishing costs.

[BuildingVoices]

@ Polymath,

How are the Lightning Source fees different than Lulu, Createspace, etc?

[polymath]

Lightning Source charges a "title" fee Lulu and CreateSpace don't. Otherwise, Lightning Source bookmaking costs and distribution options are competitive. Note that Lightning Source is a division of Ingram Content Group, another division of which is among the largest print book distributors to booksellers. Lightning Source's self-publishing arm business model varies several degrees from Lulu and CreateSpace. For example, a title set up through the company can be drop shipped direct to consumers with publisher's mailing label design. Because of Lightning Source's standing through Ingram to brick-and-mortar booksellers, libraries, and online booksellers globally, the self-published stigma associated with CreateSpace and, to a lesser degree, Lulu, and brick-and-mortar booksellers' anathema toward all products Amazon are appreciably lessened in retailer and consumer perspective. Generally, slightly higher degree of complexity publishing through Lightning Source and minor up-front costs other book manufacturers Lulu and CreateSpace don't charge turns "vanity" self-publishers elsewhere.