What do you think?
Rate this book
CreateSpace & Kindle Self Publishing Masterclass - OPTIMIZE YOUR BOOK FOR AMAZON: How to Tune-Up your Kindle Books for Better Visibility and More Sales
Sell more books on Amazon without spending a dime... That's a big claim, so why should you believe it?
The Kindle Store is a powerful marketing machine, designed to sell millions of books. There are lots of levers you can pull to make it work better for your book, but most Independent Authors and Self-Publishers don't do anywhere enough Optimization to make a difference. Maybe it looks too technical and challenging; but it needn't be.
You've put a lot of effort into writing your book, so adding just one more day to tune-up your publishing package is a small investment for a potentially huge reward. This book will show you the systematic way to quickly optimize the five critical factors that will determine whether your book is visible or invisible on Amazon. If they find you, they will buy you.
New from Rick Smith, Best-Selling Author of "Createspace and Kindle Self-Publishing Masterclass"For the first time, the Top-5 Secret Weapons to Optimize your Book for Amazon are integrated into a clear system that everyone can follow. You choose which ones to use right now and work on introducing the others later, or work right through the book and implement all five steps, then watch your book rise in more Amazon search results.
Its an 80/20 process, so if you know which 20% of your effort gets 80% of your results, you can put your energy in the right place and leave yourself plenty of time to get on with writing your next masterpiece. This book will short-cut months of trial and error, and take you straight to the things that really matter.
How to Level the Field against the Big PublishersHow do the successful Authors and Publishers get their new books noticed? What are the techniques and methods these professionals use every time, to make sure their books show up in more searches, in great positions?
In Optimize Your Book for Amazon, Rick Smith lays out a step-by-step plan you can apply to any book...
Power up your Search Relevance Increase your Discoverability Create High-Impact Visual Appeal Persuade more people to Look Inside...positioning you in the best Amazon Search Results, and making your book visible to many more potential buyers.
Self-Publishing MasterclassFirst published in 2013 and now in its Second Edition, Createspace and Kindle Self-Publishing Masterclass has sold more than 5000 copies and has more than 100 five-star reviews on amazon.com. This new book, Optimize Your Book for Amazon, is part of a series which also includes Mile-High Word-Count and Writing Productivity. Rick Smith Writes, Collaborates, and Publishes exclusively on Amazon.
Click on LOOK INSIDE to read Chapter One FREE, or download immediately on Kindle Unlimited- GenresWritingNonfiction
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2013
222 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 21, 2015
This kind of book goes to prove that word of mouth and friend's recommendations are still the most powerful of marketing tools. This is how I found the book, which I purchased for the Kindle app.
It is worth saying that the print edition would be worth it's weight in gold too, so I'll be buying that at some point.
Will it help sales of my works? I don't know. But the book is so much better than many of its competitors, and really is worth the 'higher than usual 'asking price.
The point about Createspace is a big one - you should really buy the book to find out what I mean. But it changed the way I think about going direct with my books. I can honestly say that so far, traditional publishing vs independent - I know which one makes more money - yes, writing is fun, but shouldn't you be rewarded for your hours toiling over the keyboard?
I read somewhere that reading Jane Austen was like a blood transfusion for writers. Well, pick any author you like, JA is one, and I have several others that inspire me.
This book is a lot like that - you read it and bam! Inspiration, motivation and super productivity all in one.
Buy!
It is worth saying that the print edition would be worth it's weight in gold too, so I'll be buying that at some point.
Will it help sales of my works? I don't know. But the book is so much better than many of its competitors, and really is worth the 'higher than usual 'asking price.
The point about Createspace is a big one - you should really buy the book to find out what I mean. But it changed the way I think about going direct with my books. I can honestly say that so far, traditional publishing vs independent - I know which one makes more money - yes, writing is fun, but shouldn't you be rewarded for your hours toiling over the keyboard?
I read somewhere that reading Jane Austen was like a blood transfusion for writers. Well, pick any author you like, JA is one, and I have several others that inspire me.
This book is a lot like that - you read it and bam! Inspiration, motivation and super productivity all in one.
Buy!
November 25, 2013
Extremely helpful guidebook to self-publishing. This book has everything you need to know to start your own self-publishing empire -- from writing, to publishing, to marketing. Yes, marketing. You know, that one teeny tiny thing that most authors forget about or feign ignorance of. If you're like me, then that marketing step won't come naturally to you -- unless you check out this book! Highly recommended!
August 8, 2014
Lots of quality here
Lots of quality here
I disagree with several of the points Rick makes. And thank goodness I have that opportunity! What I mean is, there's a ton of information in this book. Advice, opinion and hard facts. Well worth whatever price he's asking for the current version. Please note: I rarely give 5 star reviews.
Lots of quality here
I disagree with several of the points Rick makes. And thank goodness I have that opportunity! What I mean is, there's a ton of information in this book. Advice, opinion and hard facts. Well worth whatever price he's asking for the current version. Please note: I rarely give 5 star reviews.
July 25, 2015
Very helpful book
This book has given me New insights on how to sale more and make my books more appealing and hopefully increase my readership and fan base as well. I would recommend this to anyone, who wants to sell on both the CreateSpace and Kindle platforms.
This book has given me New insights on how to sale more and make my books more appealing and hopefully increase my readership and fan base as well. I would recommend this to anyone, who wants to sell on both the CreateSpace and Kindle platforms.
November 25, 2013
Comprehensive, informative and useful.
May 8, 2017
Great book for first time publisher. Gives good and clear way of doing things.
I am a little disappointed that the author does not walk the talk though:
1) although he says he answers all his emails, did not answer my very nice one.
2) lectures a lot about proof-reading your book but has many typos. I understand nobody is perfect that is the reason I am still giving this book a 5 stars review.
I am a little disappointed that the author does not walk the talk though:
1) although he says he answers all his emails, did not answer my very nice one.
2) lectures a lot about proof-reading your book but has many typos. I understand nobody is perfect that is the reason I am still giving this book a 5 stars review.
August 5, 2018
Incredibly informative
Where was this book, when I first published on Kindle, years ago? I learned so much from it, that I highlighted most of the lines in the book. Now I’ll be able to publish - smarter!
Where was this book, when I first published on Kindle, years ago? I learned so much from it, that I highlighted most of the lines in the book. Now I’ll be able to publish - smarter!
October 7, 2018
Self-publishing on Amazon from soup to nuts
This seems to be a comprehensive introduction to self-publishing on Amazon which was a complete mystery to me up to now. I'm involved in such a project now and I think this will be very helpful.
This seems to be a comprehensive introduction to self-publishing on Amazon which was a complete mystery to me up to now. I'm involved in such a project now and I think this will be very helpful.
November 1, 2017
Totally amazing guide! Covers it all. I had been looking for a step-by-step guide and found it in this book. Essential. Buy it today!
November 24, 2017
Very good in almost all topics
It is nota a "bible" bit does a good job, evento if it is nota new or updated, I recomend to cover all the bases.
It is nota a "bible" bit does a good job, evento if it is nota new or updated, I recomend to cover all the bases.
May 30, 2018
Does What it Says
Contains everything you need to know and is written in a very clear and easy to follow way. Lots of useful advice.
Contains everything you need to know and is written in a very clear and easy to follow way. Lots of useful advice.
August 27, 2018
Good stuff.
An accessible book on self publishing with Kinidle and Create Space. It may be a little dated as Amazon moves to a single platform.
An accessible book on self publishing with Kinidle and Create Space. It may be a little dated as Amazon moves to a single platform.
June 18, 2020
Very useful
This is a fantastic book for beginner self-publishers. Packed full with tips and ideas that take you from start to finish of writing and publishing your book.
This is a fantastic book for beginner self-publishers. Packed full with tips and ideas that take you from start to finish of writing and publishing your book.
August 4, 2020
Interesting
This is the kind of book that belongs in your libtary ft you care to read it a second time.
This is the kind of book that belongs in your libtary ft you care to read it a second time.
November 19, 2020
Helpful but might need some updating.
March 14, 2017
This was a really informative guide. I think I knew most of it already but I did pick up a few snippets and it was useful having so much in one place.
August 1, 2015
Createspace and Kindle Self-Publishing Masterclass is written for aspiring authors who does not aim big, but who want to make a little bit of money. The author, Mr Rick Smith, is amazed if you sell more than 1000 copies of your book... He is amazed if you can do a regular 5000 or 6000 $ a month.
Indeed, we aim very big and are ready to let a little bit of time to leverage the book series we have written and are currently writing.
In this book, there is good content, good writing, smooth reading and encouraging words that count in the balance of the rating. Mr Rick Smith is really willing to push you forward and to give you a path you can follow on your own. Furthermore, he wants you (of course!) to buy more books from himself and from other authors that he mentions in his book, which is a good starting point for whomever needs more information about what is going on for authors, and how to master this profession.
I spent about 9-10 hours to read it thoroughly, given that English is not my mother-tongue.
And when I bought it, I really was willing to discover first-hand how to publish on Amazon Createspace and Kindle because I wondered about the how to bundle the cover with the text. Indeed, now I do not wonder anymore, because my question is answered into this book.
Indeed, we aim very big and are ready to let a little bit of time to leverage the book series we have written and are currently writing.
In this book, there is good content, good writing, smooth reading and encouraging words that count in the balance of the rating. Mr Rick Smith is really willing to push you forward and to give you a path you can follow on your own. Furthermore, he wants you (of course!) to buy more books from himself and from other authors that he mentions in his book, which is a good starting point for whomever needs more information about what is going on for authors, and how to master this profession.
I spent about 9-10 hours to read it thoroughly, given that English is not my mother-tongue.
And when I bought it, I really was willing to discover first-hand how to publish on Amazon Createspace and Kindle because I wondered about the how to bundle the cover with the text. Indeed, now I do not wonder anymore, because my question is answered into this book.
February 29, 2016
The sub-title of this book is "The Step-by-Step Author's Guide to Writing, Publishing and Marketing Your Books on Amazon. I found this absolutely untrue. I did not find any step-by-step guidance in this book. It was written in general terms like someone telling you to build a shed without mapping out the steps on how to do it, as though you already know how. Another huge problem I have with this book is it did not show a single KDP or CS print screen, which I firmly believe is necessary to show where and how to process necessary steps. The author made several references to using HTML to format a manuscript, attach code to text, and other suggestions I did not and should not have to understand. I gave this book 3 stars because I did learn a few things. However, I still have questions and am not ready to self-publish on KDP or CS. Therefore, I purchased another book that also claims to be a step-by step guide. I can only hope it really is, as this book is not.
January 13, 2015
The one you need to read! 5*****
Self-Publishing Masterclass - HOW TO PUBLISH YOUR PAPERBACK WITH CREATESPACE: The Step-by Step Guide to Publishing your Printed Book on A... by Rick Smith
A must read from Rick Smith!
Without doubt, this is to most informative reads I have encountered - full of great information for anyone considering publishing through Amazon.
You will find many tips online - blogs etc, but this is the one you need to read!
Save yourself hours of trawling the net and get straight into this source of power - a very knowledgeable writer.
Strongly recommended for authors and publishers - brilliant 5*****
Self-Publishing Masterclass - HOW TO PUBLISH YOUR PAPERBACK WITH CREATESPACE: The Step-by Step Guide to Publishing your Printed Book on A... by Rick Smith
A must read from Rick Smith!
Without doubt, this is to most informative reads I have encountered - full of great information for anyone considering publishing through Amazon.
You will find many tips online - blogs etc, but this is the one you need to read!
Save yourself hours of trawling the net and get straight into this source of power - a very knowledgeable writer.
Strongly recommended for authors and publishers - brilliant 5*****
April 24, 2016
I'm actually currently reading this book. it's a step by step guide explaining the process of self publishing using Amazon's CreateSpace and Kindle.
the book is a 'must read' for any would be author who admits they just don't have a clue how to go about getting published.
Rick explains things in a way that empowers you and makes you feel that at the end you're going to at least understand the process of how to publish that masterpiece that's been sitting at the back of your mind for so long!
For those wanting to do this it's so worth the read.
the book is a 'must read' for any would be author who admits they just don't have a clue how to go about getting published.
Rick explains things in a way that empowers you and makes you feel that at the end you're going to at least understand the process of how to publish that masterpiece that's been sitting at the back of your mind for so long!
For those wanting to do this it's so worth the read.
March 10, 2015
I have been reading and rereading this book over the past several months as I worked on publishing my Kindle book and now paperback. Having this step-by-step gave me the confidence to "get the job done". When I don't have to figure everything out that "first time", it motivates me to dig in and get it done. As I wait for my proof to arrive in the mail for my paperback, I am thankful that I had this book to step me through the process. I feel comfortable now to start my next book.
March 26, 2015
Rick is so down to earth
It's a pleasure reading such a fluid writer wit :/ so many down to earth tips about using Create space and Kindle. I just published a book myself and before I read Rick's book I was completely intimidated by what had to be done. Not only did I survive It all but I feel like an experienced pilot flying around these two sites. My next book I'll be able to spend more time marketing.
It's a pleasure reading such a fluid writer wit :/ so many down to earth tips about using Create space and Kindle. I just published a book myself and before I read Rick's book I was completely intimidated by what had to be done. Not only did I survive It all but I feel like an experienced pilot flying around these two sites. My next book I'll be able to spend more time marketing.
November 5, 2015
This book gives a good up-to-date overview of the whole publishing and marketing process for a first-time indie author publishing through Amazon. For me, despite it being described as a "step-by-step guide" it didn't provide detailed enough information about formatting, so I had to do a lot of research elsewhere. It's an example of a teacher assuming his students have more knowledge than they possess. Having said this, I would still highly recommend this book as a good starting place.
June 27, 2014
Createspace and Kindle Self-Publishing Masterclass gets four stars from me. It is jammed packed with good info for those who are new to self-publishing. But, APE - Author-Publisher-Entrepreneur-How-to Publish by Guy Kawasaki is still the better of the two books. Rick Smith's book will make a nice addition to Guy's must read book
February 20, 2015
The author has put together a first rate guide for aspiring writers and professionals alike. This step by step guide is written in a way that is easy to understand and answers most questions. The author provided several tips, such as publishing on Createspace first and then Kindle, which made a lot of sense. I highly recommend this book.
November 27, 2015
Thank you! Great resource!
As a new author, I've used "middlemen" type companies instead of publishing directly on Amazon or CreateSpace. I have not liked their services. Rick Smith has given me the confidence and tools to self publish. I liked his details of the dashboards, benefits of publishing in print, and additional resources to review with specific forums to join!
As a new author, I've used "middlemen" type companies instead of publishing directly on Amazon or CreateSpace. I have not liked their services. Rick Smith has given me the confidence and tools to self publish. I liked his details of the dashboards, benefits of publishing in print, and additional resources to review with specific forums to join!
May 14, 2014
The book was a good guide for getting started. I did notice some of the issues he discussed such as editing were an issue in the book. If you have already gone through the process the book may not be as much assistance as you would like.
January 11, 2015
A beginner's guide to self publishing. The author walks the reader through the steps and offers some advice with explanations to his reasoning.
If you are concerned about the steps to put your book on Create Space or Kindle, this book may benefit you.
If you are concerned about the steps to put your book on Create Space or Kindle, this book may benefit you.
October 6, 2015
A Must-Read for anyone struggling to self-publish for the first time.
This book covers everything, answers every conceivable question. I heartily recommend it! In fact, I have already recommended it to 3 people who bought it.
This book covers everything, answers every conceivable question. I heartily recommend it! In fact, I have already recommended it to 3 people who bought it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews