The thing about CreateSpace is that seeing your work printed in actual (recycled?) paper, holding it in your hands, even smelling it, is wonderful. It’s something puerile, I concede that, but for one like me who is used to work with immaterial things – software, mostly – seeing the result of my intellectual work come into the physical, real world, peering outside a computer monitor, is unusual.
Going back to more concrete topics, I had initially ordered a 6×9″ printed proof from CreateSpace, with cream paper and glossy cover finish. The cover itself had a few details to tweak: mostly, the White Dwarf One mission emblem was a bit too large, so I reduced it to a more standard 4″ diameter.
Obviously, I couldn’t just make the changes and sit there idle, so I ordered another proof with the revised cover and a matte finish.
![WDO - Glossy/Matte](/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/WDO-GlossyMatte-600x450.jpg)
The glossy finish is rather obvious. It’s something everyone is used to. My opinion, however, is that the 6×9″ format, plus the glossy cover, turns the book into something that is somewhat close to a technical book or a manual. Blacks are very deep.
The matte finish is, I would say, unexpected. It feels like the rubbery finish of some smartphones, for example the Nexus 5. It is strange, and it’s unlike any other matte finish I have seen so far. It doesn’t feel bad, it just feels different. Colors are brighter and better.
Initially I thought that fingerprints, scratches, and dirt were very noticeable on the glossy finish… until I saw the matte cover.
So, which one should I choose? If I could, I would let the readers decide for themselves, but that’s not possible. That said, I think I will stick with the glossy finish, as it is closer to everyone’s expectations. Matte is cool and particular, but it’s just too particular.
![WDO - Text](/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/WDO-Text-600x800.jpg)
Despite the poor smartphone picture, taken with terrible fluorescent light, you should appreciate the crisp text. I am honestly surprised at how clear and sharp the words are. The font I chose is Palatino Linotype 11pt and I think it’s perfect.
All in all, the printed book looks real – legit, even. Awesome. Now, the only problem is selling three or four copies: that would be an achievement.