tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post8834231708953008131..comments2024-03-10T10:34:02.181+02:00Comments on The Alliterative Allomorph: Createspace Expanded Distribution: Can we really TRUST it?Jessica Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10889900730906728317noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-17145081042805725772015-04-23T17:17:51.860+03:002015-04-23T17:17:51.860+03:00Do you feel better, little troll? Your response is...Do you feel better, little troll? Your response is childish and uneducated. Did you read the article? You have completely missed the point of the article and my response. <br /><br />I have a long career in publishing and writing. I suspect you are just getting your feet wet and scrambling to figure it all out. <br /><br />You'll learn. :) <br /> <br /><br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-67476683363176318402014-12-14T19:08:32.260+02:002014-12-14T19:08:32.260+02:00Hello Jessica, I spoke of "produced by Lightn...Hello Jessica, I spoke of "produced by Lightning Source" in the sense, that they are for expanded distribution channels the printer of the CreateSpace titles. And remember:Expanded Distribution is mainly done through Lightning Source`s mother company Ingram. So Lightning Source my not be the publisher for Expanded Distribution but might at least do the physical printing. Moreover, my own<br />experience with Lightning Source connected business is somewhat mixed.<br />As a german author, I have written a political essay book called "Götterdämmerung zweier Großreiche? Amerika und Europa am Scheideweg" (Books on Demand, Norderstedt, July, 2014). The publisher Books on Demand in Northern Germany uses Lightning Source for printing and distributing this book outside continental Europe. Although I definitely know for sure, that several hundred copies of this book are stocked in the warehouses of some online sellers alone, my german publisher has up to now only indicated four sales to me. I am therefore somewhat uncertain, whether or not I am cheated.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12434577143206438868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-54970383563133964962014-11-27T22:00:29.278+02:002014-11-27T22:00:29.278+02:00No, they're not produced by Lightning Source. ...No, they're not produced by Lightning Source. I wrote this post a very long time ago, and since then I have been with Lightning Source, and I tell you, I haven't been happier or more pleased with their printing and customer service. I even get my own customer service rep who replies promptly to my inquiries and has never once replied with a form letter. And they're super friendly and eager to help you whenever and however possible. I can trust, too, that no matter where in the world my books are purchased, or from what retailer, they will be printed by the same printer.Jessica Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10889900730906728317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-89450024572171915722014-11-23T09:19:09.171+02:002014-11-23T09:19:09.171+02:00Oh dear, oh dear,
what is the problem, if somebo...Oh dear, oh dear, <br /><br />what is the problem, if somebody sells your book through ebay? They are hardly criminal. And, moreover, it is the destiny of expanded distribution to open as many sale`s channels as possible. Do you want to divide your customers into the bad and the good guys? That for matters of privacy rights Amazon does not disclose individual customers` identities is more than appropriate, too.If you publish through a normal publisher, do you think you will be informed on the identity of any individual buyer?<br />In my opinion, Cairenn, you have very strange ideas on that topic.<br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12434577143206438868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-15998420174616891122014-11-23T09:10:32.718+02:002014-11-23T09:10:32.718+02:00I have a question. Are CreateSpace books, at least...I have a question. Are CreateSpace books, at least for the English and North American market, not any way produced by Lightning Source? I thought I had read somewhat of that kind in the Press. If this should really be the case, switching to Lightning Source would make no sense at all.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12434577143206438868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-44194342065523210242014-05-18T20:04:39.823+03:002014-05-18T20:04:39.823+03:00After allowing expanded distribution of my books o...After allowing expanded distribution of my books on Amazon, I discovered a UK bookseller offering my titles on eBay. I've since removed my books for any distribution via Amazon channels, and keep the estore linked to my author website. Earlier this year, I removed my titles from KDP Select as well. It's a sham and prevents indie authors from selling elsewhere. I read the fine print when I signed up, gave it a try and quickly moved on. Amazon is quickly showing its ugly head re: indie authors and more and more of us are leaving Amazon. My books are now in print only, and only available through me. Ebooks combined with Amazon is bad news for indies. I encourage everyone to be diligent and keep control of your titles. You have to know who is buying your books. Amazon allows anyone to sell and refuses to disclose who your customers are...that's just bad business.lolzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14584946117439740146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-87984277647791908702014-05-18T20:04:18.148+03:002014-05-18T20:04:18.148+03:00After allowing expanded distribution of my books o...After allowing expanded distribution of my books on Amazon, I discovered a UK bookseller offering my titles on eBay. I've since removed my books for any distribution via Amazon channels, and keep the estore linked to my author website. Earlier this year, I removed my titles from KDP Select as well. It's a sham and prevents indie authors from selling elsewhere. I read the fine print when I signed up, gave it a try and quickly moved on. Amazon is quickly showing its ugly head re: indie authors and more and more of us are leaving Amazon. My books are now in print only, and only available through me. Ebooks combined with Amazon is bad news for indies. I encourage everyone to be diligent and keep control of your titles. You have to know who is buying your books. Amazon allows anyone to sell and refuses to disclose who your customers are...that's just bad business.lolzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14584946117439740146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-56591478897204351692013-11-25T15:43:54.312+02:002013-11-25T15:43:54.312+02:00I did quite a lot of research between Createspace,...I did quite a lot of research between Createspace, Lightning Source and Lulu and all 3 have severe critics as well as happy customers. Overall Createspace seemed to tick most of the boxes but thank you for the tip on removing expanded distribution. Chalk one up for the Alliance, too! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-87976625391363085242013-09-11T00:01:52.161+03:002013-09-11T00:01:52.161+03:00I see this post was kind of a long time ago...but ...I see this post was kind of a long time ago...but I will say that while Lightning Source printed my book with a beautiful matte finish cover which I preferred to my Createspace cover, the interior black and and white photos from Lightning Source resembled photocopies with very little gray scale. They looked awful and I was forced to pull my title from Lightning Source. And now I know to remove the expanded distribution from Createspace, so thank you!Created by Hannah Grunzkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00894046544023512953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-26255790357920562952013-03-13T06:50:42.750+02:002013-03-13T06:50:42.750+02:00I came across your post as I am trying to decide w...I came across your post as I am trying to decide whether or not to sign up for expanded distribution for my books. I write and illustrate children's picture books and have used createspace for all of my books, though I haven't used expanded distribution yet for any of them. I have found that createspace has been fantastic to work with. I had a batch of books I ordered directly through them that arrived with a pixel sized white line through all of the pages, as though a piece of dirt was in the printer. Not good for a picture book! I sent them photos and they turned around and printed a new batch and sent it to me with express shipping at no extra charge. Anytime I have had a question, they have been great to work with on the telephone--real people with real conversations that actually fix problems. I am really sorry to hear you had a tough time with expanded distribution. I think that it is the expanded distribution that is terrible and createspace didn't handle it well in your case. In trying to figure out whether or not to sign up for ED, I have found a bunch of stories from authors who love the exposure, but have found that quality control is dramatically reduced. Perhaps I should hold off on ED until createspace can get a better handle on their 3rd party printers. Thanks for sharing your story! Heidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12850452554868549431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-717091866825628652013-03-05T19:12:44.881+02:002013-03-05T19:12:44.881+02:00Wow, what a mess and UNFAIR. I'm proud of you ...Wow, what a mess and UNFAIR. I'm proud of you for not giving up on corresponding with them. I probably would have gone to my corner and sucked my thumb. T. Powell Coltrinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160774009926623671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-47954113611785111882013-03-04T23:47:18.213+02:002013-03-04T23:47:18.213+02:00I was just about to sign up with CS for my debut n...I was just about to sign up with CS for my debut novel. Now I don't know what to do! And I also just found out that Amazon isn't exactly forthcoming on author royalties either. Many have found their statements lack recording of recent sales. So, where does that leave us indie authors?Tima Mariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12452821656662304913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-42052666572311829602013-02-27T11:01:05.649+02:002013-02-27T11:01:05.649+02:00Wow this sounds like a nightmare. Unfortunately, I...Wow this sounds like a nightmare. Unfortunately, I can't help you, but am keeping my fingers crossed that you'll get this mess sorted out soon. Misha Gerrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06364173848456424521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-11906031993012422202013-02-27T00:47:06.988+02:002013-02-27T00:47:06.988+02:00Yeah, Amazon just doesn't care. I've defin...Yeah, Amazon just doesn't care. I've definitely learned that Lightning Source is the way to go.Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-45741276152994206042013-02-27T00:46:48.560+02:002013-02-27T00:46:48.560+02:00This comment has been removed by the author.Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-46951812561351937312013-02-26T19:41:35.745+02:002013-02-26T19:41:35.745+02:00Hi Jess .. wanted to wish you Happy Birthday today...Hi Jess .. wanted to wish you Happy Birthday today - just realised it's here .. ie today 26th is here! Hope you're having a happy day ... and that it's warm ... not so clever in the UK - can't wait for Spring ... <br /><br />Cheers and have a lovely Greek-Aussie meal with some good vino .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-63526382670639024422013-02-26T17:03:54.434+02:002013-02-26T17:03:54.434+02:00There have been variations on the covers of my boo...There have been variations on the covers of my books (and one that was not good), but with a digital press, you won't get the kind of consistency that you do on a standard press job. Clearly there are glitches, but I think this might be the price we pay for not having to print thousands of our own books and having that kind of money involved. I have found that calling Createspace (using their Call Me function) has been much more effective than emails. The people have been very helpful and timely. Also, buying your own ISBNs and becoming your own publisher doesn't take as much time as you think (less time than creating an ebook for certain... my least fav part of publishing). I do think we need to fight for the best quality possible and applaud your efforts.Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04225611074151575663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-47949264888444380492013-02-25T21:39:46.803+02:002013-02-25T21:39:46.803+02:00Great work sticking with this, Jessica! Everybody&...Great work sticking with this, Jessica! Everybody's already said what I'd say. I just wish there was some way to let the consumer know to return defective books and get a refund/replacement! :P <3LTMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05239077455322030275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-36838400062649778842013-02-25T20:32:57.079+02:002013-02-25T20:32:57.079+02:00Way to hang in there. I'll remember this compa...Way to hang in there. I'll remember this company when my time comes.Karen Baldwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01522178275164058849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-74670364890090849882013-02-25T20:28:22.791+02:002013-02-25T20:28:22.791+02:00They really didn't want to deal with the probl...They really didn't want to deal with the problem, did they?<br /><br />Jessica, Lightning Source really isn't that much more expensive to use. But yes, you will need your own ISBNs.L. Diane Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-85319191713730988362013-02-25T18:44:04.006+02:002013-02-25T18:44:04.006+02:00What lame responses!!! I'd look elsewhere.What lame responses!!! I'd look elsewhere.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-69940581779065567772013-02-25T17:38:44.792+02:002013-02-25T17:38:44.792+02:00Geez, just another thing to worry about when you&#...Geez, just another thing to worry about when you're already busy. And it's a major pain to email them just to get the same canned response TWICE. But now I understand your Tweet to Bob and Jen this morning. I wondered where you heard they had switched. Stinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11415189347501942340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-74968818518514636302013-02-25T17:31:12.208+02:002013-02-25T17:31:12.208+02:00I can't believe the second response you got wa...I can't believe the second response you got was pretty much identical to the first response, just shorter. Shitty customer service, thereSarah Ahiershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02795455714801965956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-36402244955557416682013-02-25T16:46:06.196+02:002013-02-25T16:46:06.196+02:00So frustrating!! I hope something helps solve this...So frustrating!! I hope something helps solve this matter. Good luck and thanks for sharing with us!!Kelly Polarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10968381456100611120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315861630765119669.post-68803759464042999942013-02-25T16:37:55.979+02:002013-02-25T16:37:55.979+02:00Oh, man--yeah, people really need to be aware of t...Oh, man--yeah, people really need to be aware of this. I'm willing to bet if a bunch of people back out because of it, they will do a better job of policing their subcontractors, but it really stinks that they seem to have to be pounded in the head a whole bunch before they will do the right thing.Hart Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.com