Uploading my Novel to Createspace

It is reasonably straightforward to upload a file, create a cover and submit it for review. However, I ran into difficulties when my browser did not let me see the whole page and so cut off the buttons I needed to click to save my work fully.

Here I am writing some steps to remind me, for the next time.

Log into your Createspace account and on Member Dashboard, either use the Add New Title button to create a new project or click the project name in the list under My Projects:



That takes you to the project homepage where you will be able to see which steps you have completed and what needs to be done.

Start by clicking the link to the Title Information page.





1 Title

On this page all that is required is the title, author name and language.
Work through each step:



Click Save and Continue to move to the next page where you will create an ISBN.

Remember to use the Save or Save and Continue buttons at the bottom of the page as you work through the screens to avoid losing your input.

2 ISBN

There are several options.
The free option is to use an ISBN from Createspace. Once it has been created, it is locked and cannot be changed.



3 Interior

This section asks you to specify how the book will look. You can choose black & white or colour print on white or cream paper. You must also give the size of your book. You can change you mind about any of the details here at any time before the project is completed.

You also upload your file or choose to buy Createspace services on this page.



When you have sucessfully uploaded your file, you will be presented with this screen:



You must now click the Launch Interior Reviewer to complete the process.

If there are any errors, the reviewer will let you know. You should still look through the pages in the viewer to see how it will look when published.

When you are happy, at the bottom of the page there is a Save & Confirm button. Click this to conform and complete the process.

Please note that on my first project I was unable to see this button using the Chrome browser. I had to close the bookmarks bar to make the screen area large enough to see it.



4 Cover

You can either create your own cover and upload the file, use their paid-for professional services or use their online design option - this is free and quite easy to use.

I opted to use the online cover design tool:
Launch the Cover Creator and work through the individual tabs. When all 9 tasks are completed, it will allow you to Save the cover by using the Submit Cover button. (This appears underneath the cover image and not visible in this screenshot)


That takes you to this page where you click the Complete Cover button to save your work:




The final step is to complete set up.
On this page you click the Submit Files For Review button.




There are a number of helpful videos and blog posts to guide users through the process. Just search for 'Createspace upload book'.