When I self-published my book via Amazon's CreateSpace, among other little problems, I was forced to choose a retail price of $50.00 (Amazon then immediately put the book out there for $15).

At the time, I did not choose for CreateSpace's Expanded Distribution program, because it cost $25 (Regular Distribution being free of charge). This meant that my book was only available to buy via Amazon or CreateSpace, and bookstores could not order it.

Now I see that the price for Expanded Distribution has been changed to FREE. So I signed up, and within 6-8 weeks (after the changes take place in the system) my book should be available to order for bookstores, libraries, whoemever.

This is of course good for me (and any other author), but it comes with yet another weird CreateSpace requirement: my book now "retails" for $70.00!! (That is, if anyone were to order it via CreateSpace itself, which no one ever has or will.) I assume I don't need to mention the price increase was again forced upon me by CreateSpace (although I just have mentioned it).

Ah, and what effect will all of this have on the Amazon retail price? (Currently about $26, although it fluctuates with the breeze.)

Have I now lost myself future sales as the Amazon price rises in response to my book no longer being their exclusive territory?

And how much are they going to charge retailers? MORE than the book would have cost on Amazon? Will no retailer ever order it because the book would be ridiculously expensive for customers in their store?

My conscience would not let me ask $70 for my book, especially when I know people have already bought it for $15. So I cancelled my Expanded Distribution, and my book will NOT be available in stores. Oh well!

To read the complete article, see:AN AUTHOR'S EXPERIENCE: CREATESPACE AND AMAZON.COM(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n37a10.html)