When you start a project on Createspace.com, one of the first things you have to do is to choose the size of the book or trim size. You have a lot of choices; twelve of them in fact. But when they didn't notify me was the fact that if I choose anything other than one of the "most popular trim sizes," then it limits where your book will be sold or made available.
Here are the trim sizes (in inches) you can choose from Createspace.com:
- Most Popular Trim Sizes - 5x8, 5.25x8, 5.5x8.5, 6x9
- More “industry-standard” choices - 5.06x7.81, 6.14x9.21, 6.69x9.61, 7x10,7.44x9.69, 7.5x9.25, 8x10, 8.5x11
The "expanded distribution" is also free, and it includes bookstores and online retailers, libraries and academic institutions, and Createspace direct. BUT only for the trim sizes under "most popular trim sizes."
So, if you chose the "industry-standard" trim size 5.06 x 7.81 inches, then the expanded distribution channel is closed to you until you change the physical size of your book. Fortunately, there's not much difference between 5 x 8 and 5.06 x 7.81 (hopefully), so the digital transition seems good. But I can't trust good enough on my computer screen, so I have to order another set of proofs to make sure they look OK.
So, the important lesson here is... pick one of the most popular trim sizes if and when creating your book on createspace.com. Other than this minor issue, I really don't have anything to complain about createspace.com. Actually, I'm amazed at how straightforward things are on createspace.com.
So, if you've got a good book waiting to be seen in print, this is a good place to try. Did I tell you my proof was about ~$2.50 each? With paying ~$4.50 for shipping. I can't believe they can do business it like this! But I'm sure they are making enough money from the books they sell online.
