CreateSpace, KDP, and Smashwords questions

Mark Moore said:

I haven't signed up for PubIt yet, but I was looking around the other sites today, and I have a few questions (I haven't published yet):

Does CreateSpace allow the publishing of e-books on Amazon (such as in PDF format or whatever), or is e-publishing a Kindle-only thing through KDP?

I notice Smashwords' payment options are only check or PayPal. Not being familiar with PayPal, does Smashwords charge per check like CreateSpace does or not?

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CreateSpace is for print (paperback) books. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, PubIt!, Smashwords, etc. are for e-books. The only way currently to get your books in Kindle format is through Amazon KDP. Smashwords distributes to B&N, Kobo, Sony, Apple (iBookstore), Diesel and others.


Smashwords does not charge for any of their services, as far as I am aware. CreateSpace charges to have a check sent? I receive funds through PayPal or EFT for all my self-publishing. I pay no fees to receive payment.

Mark Moore said:

Does CreateSpace allow the publishing of e-books on Amazon (such as in PDF format or whatever), or is e-publishing a Kindle-only thing through KDP?

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CreateSpace is also an Amazon company -- if you set up a POD book through them, you're given the (free) option to sell it through Amazon as well. I'm taking advantage of this.

KDP is still necessary if you want to publish your ebook through Amazon, but they will eventually get linked up together in their database (see my "Amazon" link in my sig)

Mark Moore said:

Does CreateSpace allow the publishing of e-books on Amazon (such as in PDF format or whatever), or is e-publishing a Kindle-only thing through KDP?

Click to expand...

CreateSpace is owned by Amazon - it's the print option for self publishing, whereas you use KDP for e-books with them. You can have both options - but make sure you check the terms and conditions because the cover price of the ebook has to be a certain percentage lower than the prince of the print book.