CreateSpace: A Review of Amazon’s Self-Publishing Tool

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CreateSpace is revolutionary if you’ve ever dreamed of making it big as an author. Whether you want to write how to books, the next great American novel or a self help series, CreateSpace makes this possible, when otherwise doors would have slammed in your face. CreateSpace and other self-publishing tools are changing the entire publishing industry.

How it Works

CreateSpace is a complete online self-publishing tool. CreateSpace provides all the services of a book publisher and more. Let’s say you have finally completed that novel you’ve always wanted to write, been rejected by 100 publishing houses and cant find a literary agent to represent your book. CreateSpace is your answer. Here’s how:

First, you take that novel saved onto your computer and get one of CreateSpace’s editorial services. You can get a basic copyedit for about $150 or you can opt for a full editorial evaluation for $300. Either way, writers can’t edit their own work, so you can buy some editing a la cart from CreateSpace. Next, you opt for one or many of CreateSpace’s layout and design services. A professional graphic designer can design your book cover and any interior pages. Specialized artists can provide illustrations for children’s’ books.


Then, you self publish through CreateSpace. Here’s the best part – CreateSpace only prints a book per sale. There is no upfront cost to self-publish, CreateSpace takes a small percentage of your book sales. You can also, and should self-publish your book in the Kindle Store. Lastly, you can buy a marketing package from CreateSpace. Public Relations Specialists will write an official press release and distribute it to a minimum of 1000 media contacts. Your book will also be promoted extensively through web-based tools. And that’s that – you’re a published author!


Why it’s Awesome

CreateSpace’s publish on demand model costs authors nothing to sell their works. This is mitigates the risk of self-publishing to almost nil. CreateSpace also takes only a small percentage of sales, while big name publishers take the vast majority of profits. It’s a sad fact that many best selling authors represented by big names are far from wealthy. CreateSpace’s a la cart publishing, design and marketing services are totally professional and unbelievably cheap. You only pay for exactly what you want.

What’s Missing?

CreateSpace is not a big name literary agent with exclusive industry contacts. But seriously, what new writer can get represented by this type of agent in a downturned economy anyways?

Jessica Drew is a freelance writer and editor who blogs about a variety of money making and finance topics such as private student loans.

Moving Out Of State

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The article written by Landon Gilbert

Moving is hard enough already, but when you're moving to a new state you have to do so much additional research. You have to consider what kind of moving companyyou're going to hire and whether or not they allow their trucks to be driven across state lines and also which of your friends are willing to make the long drive with you. Once you get into your new home, you have to make sure all your mail is being forwarded correctly and additionally, have to find out about all the utility providers in your new area. There are Wireless Internet Providers, water and sewer providers, and even cable and telephone to consider, so waiting until the last minute to look into these matters is not the best decision. Lastly, you've got new state taxes to consider, so hiring a tax attorney or CPA is not necessarily the worst use of your money the first year you're in your new home. There are a lot of things to think about, so make sure you do your research before the big move!