[jsackmann]

Don't be so quick to discard CreateSpace.

I recently published my first book through them [1], and imho, it looks good. I formatted the book itself in LaTeX and had a graphic designer do the cover, which cost me a couple hundred bucks. It doesn't look exactly like a typical textbook, but that's much more because of some first-time mistakes of mine than anything about the production process.

Also, not sure what "a lot of upfront fees" are in this case. I paid for my cover, but that's not required. They offer a plan for $39 (iirc) that gives you a better royalty deal. But that's it.

[1] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1453772316/8631&pf_rd_i...