Timing of CreateSpace Process
Trying to Make a CreateSpace Cover

CreateSpace does its very best to make the entire process as quick as possible. Here is the order of events for a book I loaded into the CreateSpace system:

Nov 13 2007 Thank You for Submitting Your Title #3332375
Nov 13 2007 Interior File Update on Book #3332375
Nov 13 2007 Cover File Update on Book #3332375
Nov 14 2007 A proof copy of your book, 3332375, is ready for order
Nov 15 2007 Proofing instructions for "Badge of Honor - a medieval romance," Book #3332375
Nov 16 2007 Proof copy of "Badge of Honor - a medieval romance," Book #3332375 shipped
Nov 20 2007 Proof copy of "Badge of Honor - a medieval romance," Book #3332375 approved

So they have to verify that what you submitted will work in their system, but they literally had that done the very next day. So they had the proof copy in their system on November 14th. Usually it takes a WEEK or more for a self publisher to actually create the book for you - but these guys had it out to me in two days! Then I just had to wait a few days for shipping, and I was all set. It was under a week from my beginning the process to me having the final book in my hands, hitting the "approve" button and having it set to go live in the Amazon system.

Now when I say that it is SET to go live, it of course doesn't appear miraculously that very instant.

CreateSpace Self Publishing
Loading Up the CreateSpace Book
Trying to Make a CreateSpace Cover
CreateSpace Book Photos
Timing of CreateSpace Process
Problems and Issues with CreateSpace

Getting Your Book Published
Writing Tips and Online Books

Online Literary Magazines

Lisa Shea's Homepage