…aka, covering the market.
I’m publishing my book in a few different ways.
1. Createspace
This is Amazon’s POD service. I’m using this for the print copies. It’s a paperback book, about 6×9 inches. I’m aiming for 272 pages. Cost will be $10.99. I know this is a lot for a debut, self-pubbed novel, but it’s the cheapest price where I don’t have to pay for each copy sold. Remember: self-publishing is NOT free. The author has to cover the cost of printing each copy before any royalties are earned.
2. Kindle
Yeah, I know. Kindle’s Amazon, isn’t it, just like Createspace? But as it turns out, they are two completely different publishing endeavors, even if they are part of the same company. Publishing on Createspace does not automatically put my book in Kindle, or vice versa.
3. Smashwords
The problem with Amazon, is that they only provide your e-book in a Kindle format. But since a few people out there have iPads, Sony’s, Nooks, whatever… I need to provide my book in a format they can use. Hence, Smashwords.com, which offers the book in all epub formats, including…. wait for it… Kindle.
I’m not sure how this works, really. But from a consumer standpoint, I think you’ll be able to go to either Amazon or Smashwords and find my book. If you search on Amazon, you’ll get the option of either Kindle or paperback. If you search on Smashwords, you’ll get the option to purchase the e-book for whichever reader you have. Including pdf for your computer.
Both companies offer access to full-scale distribution outlets, which means you should be able to find the book by searching online at other venues, such as Borders.com, or Apple’s e-store. And of course, I’ll have links on my website and Facebook page. I’ll probably also keep a few physical copies on hand to sell at… well, at whatever I can round up. Or sign and mail to you if you want an autographed copy.
Hmmm. Do I charge for shipping in that case?
Marlene Dotterer 
I’m stuck on shipping as well. I have a few friends that want a physical book, and I know there are coupons so they can get it for free, but what about shipping?
I’m going to say that we have to charge for it. Shipping can cost as much as the book. If we cover it on our end… we’re spending far more than what we’re earning. Not a very practical to run a business.
As a business, we can offer “sales” or “specials” where we include shipping. But we can’t do that for very long or we’d go broke.
Good luck, Marlene! The book looks cool. 🙂
You’ll probably find the ebooks are worth focusing on since you can price them competitively (heck, you can price them a lot lower than traditionally published books) and still make a tidy profit.
Yes, Smashwords can get your ebook into the other stores. It usually takes a couple of weeks for them to approve it for distribution (their “premium catalog”) and then a couple more for it to get out there. Make sure to go in and sign up for one of their free ISBNs too, as they can’t get books into Apple, Sony, etc. without that being done first.
Have fun!
Thanks Lindsay! Glad to have you drop by!
Yes, in the long run I expect to sell more ebooks than paperbacks, especially since bookstores don’t stock indie books. Personally, I’ve gone almost entirely to ebooks – we don’t have any more shelves around here! But everyone I know wants a physical copy of my book, and there are still a lot of people who don’t have ereaders yet. So I want to cover all the bases.
I do plan on using Smashwords’ premium catalog, along with an ISBN. No sense leaving out possible sales channels, right?