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I currently have my book published on Amazon using createspace and Lulu (google weave of the ride). However, I am not happy with the quality of the product.

I don't want a glossy cover, bleached white paper etc. I would like to have more control over this and get a more professional look that people are going to want to have as part of their collection.

There is nothing wrong with my book, in fact it has some great reviews and feedback, but I feel the format is letting it down. What can I do?

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Have you looked into other vanity presses like Xlibris? Or are they all much of a muchness? – Lauren Ipsum Mar 12 at 16:35
I presume they are much of a muchness. If the major ones like Createspace and lulu cant provide what is needed? – Andrew Welch Mar 12 at 16:57
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"I presume" is not "I have a sample printed by Xlibris and it looks the same." Just saying. – Lauren Ipsum Mar 12 at 18:00
Well do you have one, for the sake of being constructive? – Andrew Welch Mar 12 at 18:21
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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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I understand, but I'm not sure about this 'pretty good' business. If I am spending the time writing a book, surely the publishers understand that I want it to be a nice object. You should never judge a book by its cover (or paper quality), but that saying exists for a reason, precisely because thats what people do. People often buy books just because of the format. I think its a real gap in the market for self-publishers. – Andrew Welch Mar 14 at 12:26
Do you mean, 'surely the printers understand...' ? When you're self-publishing you are the publisher. You certainly shouldn't depend on my advice (or anyone else's) as to the quality of the book. You need to find samples of the printer's work and hold them in your hands and see what you think yourself: apart from things like robustness, it's a subjective judgement. – micapam Mar 14 at 21:32

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