LU LU Self Publishing

[Jonathon89]

I read a thread on this site where someone wrote that an agent discovered their work on the Lu Lu marketplace. Has anyone else have any experince with them? Their now offering a self starter package. :confused:

http://www.lulu.com/en/services/

[lynnmosher]

Jonathon, I'm sure others will comment on this. Just a thought...there are several threads with discussions on Lulu. You might want to do a search of the site.

[Ransom v. Unman]

For what it's worth, Lulu is about one of the best POD/self-pub companies out there. Don't go deluding yourself with grand expectations like this is some sort of back door into commercial publishing, but if you just want to see your stuff in print, and want to get decent quality for a reasonable price, Lulu's one of the very few places I'd recommend.

[grimsleygl]

At a writing workshop I attened last year, someone who is now published by a well known publishing company said they used Lulu to simply get their manuscript in book form as Ransom mentioned. This person did this so he could then take a professional looking piece of work to the older and more reputable publishing firms. It worked great for him!

[Ransom v. Unman]

But as Chip MacGregor, Miss Snark, the Rejecter, and any number of other reputable sources have emphasised, if your writing sucks, it doesn't matter how professional your book looks. Further, it's always a good idea to stick to the submission guidelines when you're sending stuff to an agent or an editor. Rarely does this include a pre-printed version of the full manuscript. ;)

[grimsleygl]

it's always a good idea to stick to the submission guidelines when you're sending stuff to an agent or an editor. Rarely does this include a pre-printed version of the full manuscript. ;)

Right on Ransom. I failed to mention a very important fact! The writer who shared his story at the writer's confence explained that his sharp looking book was read by an acquaintance who was later able to place it in the hands of an editor of this well known Pub. Company. The Editor read the cover and intro and ended up actually taking it home and reading it!

It was a long shot...or perhaps I should say a "God shot" and not something anyone would ever dream of happening of course. But for this writer, (a Jewish Rabbi and I can get you his name, book title(s) and publisher name later when I'm writing from work if anyone would like!) there is nothing but great ravings to be shared about the great look of an inexpensive publication by LuLu. He said that first of all, he had never thought about approaching this pub. co. on his own and is not sure if his manuscript would have ever been read had he done so.

Anyway...these are the quite important details I left out. :o

[cpickett]

I would just add that yes, being "discovered" by an agent, while not impossible, is highly unlikely. Also, Lulu is one way to get a printed book in your hands, but the advice above is correct, you don't normally send a complete book to agents or traditional publishers.

However, if you self-publish and can prove can sell copies successfully, (you've developed a platform) that can make you more attractive when you pitch later.

[Jonathon89]

I know most traditional publishers and agencies, request an unbound paper manuscript. Though being able to send an agency my work in a novel bound stlyle, without having to use tons of ink from my printer, and which my query might be rejected anyway, sounds good, I would personally prefer self-publishing just as a platform just to get my work out there. Selling it on Amazon and ect. Even though, as mentioned previously, woudn't be a back door into commercial publishing.

[Tarin]

Though being able to send an agency my work in a novel bound stlyle, without having to use tons of ink from my printer, and which my query might be rejected anyway, sounds good,

Self-publishing isn't exactly cheap either.

[Louchiere]

Hey, just wanted to say, be really careful with self publishing companies. Because often going that route, ruins chances of any major publishers ever looking at your work. They wont take you seriously. If you go that route it's often best to seek out the ones who will acctually review your work and publish it on the grounds that it's acctually good rather than just paying to have it printed up. I mean I know the old fashioned way is very difficult, and takes a long time, and alot of popular writers started out with substidy or self publishing, still be careful. If you think you have got a good one, just google the name and read other peoples reviews and stories, that way you wont get burned, or stung rather. Hope you don't mind me poking my nose in.

[Jonathon89]

I was refering to a personal project, on LuLu. From what I've caculated on the site, it is no more expensive than a book you would by in a bookstore. In fact you can get a perfect bound, 6x9, paperback, 310 pages, for just $10.73.

[Raymond Creed]

Having been almost one year on Lulu I would certainly endorse the comments made by Ransom V Unman and Grimsleygl. Both my experience and careful Market Research established that Lulu was the best POD outfit around - but it's not an instant shortcut to success.

[Tommie Lyn]

I was refering to a personal project, on LuLu. From what I've caculated on the site, it is no more expensive than a book you would by in a bookstore. In fact you can get a perfect bound, 6x9, paperback, 310 pages, for just $10.73.

Jonathon, that $10.73 is Lulu's charge to print it. If you are only buying a copy for yourself, that's a reasonable amount.

However, if you want to sell it -- and, make money on it, you will have to add your mark up to that $10.73. And then there's the shipping charge added on top of that.

And here's the kicker: if you want to have your book distributed to bookstores, you'll have to add quite a bit more, because book wholesalers/distributors like Ingram typically charge at least 50-55% to distribute it. Then, add the bookstore's mark up, and you're looking at a price considerably higher than $10.73 -- close to $25.00 retail.

I know. I contacted Barnes & Noble and BooksAMillion, got information from them on the hoops I'd have to jump through to get them to sell a self-published book, and did the math. Not feasible. Not many book buyers will be willing to fork over $25 for a paperback book by an unknown author when they can buy a hard cover best seller for that amount.

[Raymond Creed]

The above comments are true and that's why Lulu is better for niche rather then widespread marketing.

[cpickett]

I know. I contacted Barnes & Noble and BooksAMillion, got information from them on the hoops I'd have to jump through to get them to sell a self-published book, and did the math. Not feasible. .


I just wanted to make this reminder: A lot of people get confused because the term self-publishing has come to be associated with POD but it's not the same thing.

It's true that it can be difficult to price/sell books printed through POD publishers (subsidy publishers) because of the exact reasons mentioned already.

However, it is feasible to truly self-publish, which means set yourself up as a publisher, and get books printed at a cost where you can sell them and give required discounts. Many printers now do short runs (500 or less) so you don't have to pay $10 a book and you don't have to buy a garage full either to get a decent price. It won't be as good as a large run, but you should be able to make a profit.

Lastyl, no matter which of these routes you consider at this time, you'll need to keep an eye on what's going on with Amazon as that might effect your decision as well.

Hope that helps.

[Tommie Lyn]

However, it is feasible to truly self-publish, which means set yourself up as a publisher, and get books printed at a cost where you can sell them and give required discounts. Many printers now do short runs (500 or less) so you don't have to pay $10 a book and you don't have to buy a garage full either to get a decent price. It won't be as good as a large run, but you should be able to make a profit.


Is there a source of information about what you have to do to set up as a publisher? And do you have info on which printers will print smaller runs cost effectively? (I contacted two local printers -- both quoted me prices higher than Lulu's -- and I assumed they didn't want to be bothered with small runs and would farm it out to a POD company).

I had considered setting myself up as publishing company and printing through Lightning Source (it's much cheaper than other PODs, plus, you have access to distribution) and am wondering which would be the best way to go.

And, if amazon goes through with their attempt to put Lightning Source out of business, all the more reason for me to use Lightning Source. I don't take kindly to people or businesses trying to hurt someone else.

[cpickett]

Hi Tommie Lyn,
You are right that you can have an account with Lightening Source and cut out the middle man of a POD publisher essentially. If all goes as Amazon desires, you'll have more hoops to jump through to sell through them, but we'll see where that goes.

As far as setting up as a publisher, I'd recommend the book the Well-Fed Self Publisher by Peter Bowerman. Dan Poynter's book, The Self Publishing Manual, has been the gold standard for years on the subject, but in my opinion, Peter's is a little more user friendly for beginners. Poynter's can get overwhelming if you aren't ready for it. His site, parapublishing.com does have tons of info in smaller chunks though.

Another resource for both the how to and printing is booksjustbooks.com. They provide cover/interior design, and short run printing starting at 100 copies up to large runs. They use Lightening Source too and you can go one at a time after the first 100 through their distribution if you'd like.

Just as an FYI, these links are all on my site and I hope you'll stay in touch as I'm working on a book that answers questions just like this :-)

Feel free to contact me if you have more questions/would like to chat more on a particular subject.