Merge Credibility and Expertise in Self-Publishing through CreateSpace
Amazon's Prolific Strides in Publishing
By the end of 2011, Amazon, the renowned retail giant, had made significant inroads in the publishing sector, leaving many industry watchers in a spin. Though a lot of the news floating around is a mix of hard facts and speculation, there is no denying that Amazon has grand ambitions.
Some of these moves were a long time coming, hinted by the 2010 Bowker's report. Amazon's self-publishing imprint, CreateSpace, was shown to be way ahead of the competition, with over three times as many titles in print compared to other self-publishing houses. This wasn't surprising given CreateSpace's remarkable growth rates - an 80% increase in the number of titles released since 2009, with even more anticipated later in the year.
CreateSpace's roots trace back to the early 2000s. Initially known as CustomFlix Labs, Inc., it was a DVD-on-demand company that allowed filmmakers and publishers to distribute their works without the burden of large upfront costs. Later in 2002, BookSurge, Inc, another self-publishing platform that specialized in print-on-demand books, came into existence. Amazon snapped up BookSurge in 2005 but didn't amalgamate it with CustomFlix until 2009, forming CreateSpace as it stands today.
"We cater to a diverse range of authors," says Aaron Rosenstein, Senior Manager at Amazon.com, discussing CreateSpace's impressive success. "We're witnessing a surge in independent publishing, and we believe it's on the verge of true mainstream acceptance."
The self-publishing and print-on-demand company offers similar publishing needs to authors as other sites, but what sets it apart is its attractive features like higher royalty rates, competitive pricing for members' books, and distribution to thousands of retail and wholesale outlets. For authors, perhaps the most inviting aspect is the association with Amazon.com, a brand that enjoys global recognition, which helps alleviate doubts about foraying into the DIY publishing world.
"Some of our authors are seasoned writers seeking more control over their content and better revenues, like Bill Rasmussen and Tanya Wright," Rosenstein adds. "Others are beginners, such as Maria Murnane, who want to establish themselves and build a following. They turn to CreateSpace for assistance."
It's not just indie authors reaping the benefits of CreateSpace's user-friendly platform and engaged community. The platform enables fast-to-market publishing thanks to its print-on-demand technology, meaning readers never have to worry about waiting for out-of-stock books.
"Readers benefit from CreateSpace as well," Rosenstein points out. "We bring more books to the market from a greater number of authors, offering expanded choice." With Amazon no longer content to be just the online bookseller, its focus now extends to fostering book creation through sites like CreateSpace and Amazon Publishing, the latter being a NY-based division.
Merciful Pilkington
[email protected] Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.
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- Merciful Pilkington, the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing company, notes that industry watchers have been closely monitoring Amazon's moves in the publishing sector.
- As technology advances, e-readers could provide a new avenue for independent authors to reach a wider audience, and Amazon's self-publishing imprint, CreateSpace, is at the forefront of this trend.
- The finance and business sectors have also taken notice of CreateSpace's success, as its attractive features and association with Amazon.com appeal to authors seeking more control over their content and better revenues.