the cost of self publishing DIY

 As a self publisher I keep a good lot of tricks in my repertoire.  Ive always liked and used the Amazon Createspace package to upload, proof and print my books. I've been very happy.
Createspace was a quick one stop place to upload your book. Then they incorporated createspace with Kindle direct publishing
BUT
now Amazon, (because of the GST in Australia )will not post proofs or author copies to Australia, Which means
if we authors in Australia want copies we will need to pay a third party in another country,
or
buy at RRP price. This is just not good for the bottom line. Who pays Recommended Retail for their own product?

SO,
I decided to go with IngramSpark. (IS), but keep my presence on the behemoth Amazon with e books and my usual titles.  KDP is free to upload, a real bonus.
But
I will do all the edit stuff before and only upload the final product.
BECAUSE
and here is the killer. IS charges for the upload, the edit (if you revise) and have a wholesale structure -  55% for the retail outlet. upload $au53 ish /revise $au25.
What to do?
I will join Alliance of independent authors. For a membership they give a code so my IS upload is free, my revision is free. Worth it? you bet! $au150 ish/year .  link to Alli

BUT
Createspace/KDP accept just about any and all formats and their algorithms do the conversion.
IS want a finished print ready format?
Here is where I bought InDesign.  link here  it is a programme that is monthly subscription $au30 which converts, creates and makes your book look like a professional product.
It's a learning curve. It's a serious piece of kit. It will make you look like an expert. (always a good thing in this cut throat business.)
I have ,          check out the free trial

Pixelmator Pro for my covers. I love it. It was a once only purchase for $60 ish. I can upload to I D, convert to IS standards and presto= new book.

I figured these investments worth it, because I write at least a book a year. I do everything and if I employed someone it would add up to more than my learning curve.  More strings to my bow, and I like being active, creative and learn stuff.

up next,
ISBN