: Not happy with format of self-published book. How to proceed? I currently have my book published on Amazon using createspace and Lulu (google weave of the ride). However, I am not happy with

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You sound like you are concerned with the quality of materials and other elements of a professional, polished presentation. Why not hire a book designer? A book designer can guide you to printers that can produce the kind of books you are looking for.

Quantity has a bearing on what materials are available for your book. For instance, if you are printing over 500 you can use our fine domestic book printers. You may even have a printer in your own community who has the right binding equipment for your project.

Quality extends to design as well as materials, so a book designer can make that polished, custom design that will express your book.

The reason that CreateSpace and IngramSpark offer inexpensive design is because they have automated the process. The price is right, but you may be the discerning author who actually needs human intelligence and creativity focused on your particular message, not a computer algorithm that solves the easy problems that satisfy the crowd.

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You can also look to independent self-publishing outlets like Mill City Press and Troy Book Makers. They offer a variety of trim sizes, lamination, paper stock. Know that there are some industry limits regarding paper - a few different weights/ thicknesses (like 50#, 55#, and 60#) in either cream (natural) or plain white. Getting an artistic paper (with, for example, a deckle edge) likely requires you work directly with a printer yourself. A short print run could be quite expensive!

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You could try Lightning Source. I've heard good things about them and I've seen a couple of the books - they look pretty good. Considering using it for a volume this year (that I'm editing, I should add, not writing! I'm not on board with this self-publishing malarkey). Also, unlike CreateSpace, the printer's name isn't listed as the publisher in online bookstores (I don't know that for sure, but that's what I've been told by the company).

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