By the time you start thinking about the production and distribution of your book, you’ve usually got the writing and design of your book well in hand. Or perhaps you’re just thinking ahead. Kudos to you, either way.
So let’s talk about book production and distribution.
As with most issues related to writing, there’s no single correct answer related to book production and distribution. It all boils down to what will work for you. So it’s time to figure out just how you’re going to be using your book.
When self-publishing the two main options are Lightning Source/IngramSpark and Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which used to be known as CreateSpace.
With KDP, unless you opt for expanded distribution, your books will only be available through Amazon, although as the author you can purchase copies that you want to give away—or sell—at a discount. Expanded distribution allows bookstores and libraries to order your book.
While KDP’s print quality is good, if your book needs to be picture perfect you might want to consider IngramSpark. Ditto if you’ve opted for an unusual trim size or have color graphics in your books.
You can even use both production services simultaneously, letting KDP handle the Amazon orders and IngramSpark fulfill the rest. Just make sure you purchase your own ISBN number.
An ISBN number, which stands for International Standard Book Number, is a 13-digit number that identifies not only a specific book, but the specific edition of that book. That’s why you need a different ISBN number for your hardcover, paperback, ebook or audio book—or any revisions you do down the line. You can purchase the ISBN numbers from Bowker if needed. With Incubation Press, they’re included in a number of the packages, so don’t have to worry about that part.
No matter which direction you decide to go, you might want to consider registering your copyright at copyright.gov.
Once you’ve uploaded your manuscript to CreateSpace or Ingram, request a proof, which is a bound copy of your book. You’ll have to pay extra, and it’s money well spent since you’ll be able to check the cover, make sure that no typos got introduced in the copy and that all the graphics meet your expectations. Think of this as your final quality check before you go to press.
To be safe, plan on a good three weeks between the time you order your proof and when you receive your books. If you have lots of changes and need to order a second proof, you’ll be waiting even longer. But that will cease to matter when you finally get to hold your book in your hand.
Here’s to that!
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