I recently scoured the web for info on how to manage CreateSpace’s cover tool and ran into the new age old question: Should I pick CreateSpace glossy finish cover or matte finish cover? As with most things self-publishing, there is no one clear answer, so I’ve summarized my experience below.
How to Write: Create Space Glossy Cover
The Pro’s
I’ve found that most books use the glossy finish, and they use it for a reason. The cover just plain looks better glossy. But when creating my very own work, Ordinance 93, I decided to get both finishes to literally see for myself.
As you can see below,the matte cover on the left looks more faded, and it is not due to lighting or camera issues. My cover is a darker cover with a lot of black, and this just plum looks better in the glossy finish.
The Con’s
The CreateSpace glossy cover does curl more easily than the matte finish. In fact, it started curling after a few days, and I only opened it and closed it a few times for proofing purposes.
How to Write: Create Space Matte Cover
The Pro’s
As previously stated, if you want a book cover that doesn’t curl, go with matte. It also seems to do fairly well with lighter colors or covers that are mostly white. Below is a picture comparing the back covers (a Vampire Academy novel is on the left) for comparison.
The Con’s
As you can see, the middle cover, the CreateSpace matte finish cover, is duller than both my cover in glossy finish, and the professional cover on the left in glossy finish.
THE VERDICT
As I found out from my Facebook poll, most of my friends preferred the CreateSpace glossy finish over the matte. And if you’re concerned about price, CreateSpace currently charges the same no matter which finish you choose.
And if you still are unsure about glossy vs. matte, order a sample in each to see for yourself.
L. Fabry is the author of Ordinance 93, a novel set in a world where having a baby without permission is against the law and the first four people to break it. She also writes about everything from reaction injection molding to low fat recipes while indulging her need for creative outlets including novels and screenplays. Find out more on Twitter.
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You’re very welcome. More related posts to come!
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CreateSpace didn’t work out for me. The book came out great but when it came time to pay out my royalties, a big fat ZERO. The payouts met the minimum threshold, too. They just gave a bunch of lame excuses that never panned out. At the end, simply stalling tactics. There are also many complaints about CreateSpace underreporting sales. CreateSpace is a Amazon company, but it’s a shady operation. I would stay away from them.
Sorry to hear that. I’ll look into it to see if they’re doing the same to me. Thx!
I just ordered my sample book and it curls so helplessly. I think I’ll need to order a matte sample to decide. Thanks for the blog.
Hi Kemila,
Yes, the glossy cover does curl. The matte cover doesn’t show dark colors very well. It is a tough call. Hope you get what you want.
Thanks,
LF