Booksurge

[tlm]

I am almost finished with a MS that I have written for a friend--as a gift--for a family with a foundation for a severely injured child.

I want to keep the e-book rights to print on Lulu to recover the money for my copyright, but wish to give the book rights to my friends to self-publish. I was afraid if we both print through Lulu, then money might go to the wrong person and cause confusion and perhaps, a sense of friction between us. I was trying to find another printer who was as writer-friendly as Lulu--someone who doesn't want money up front and who has an easily method for the lay out the work. We also want someone who won't demand a large amount of books to be printed per order.

Anyway, I saw an ad for Booksurge, through Amazon, I believe. I think I have heard of them on this forum once before. I checked the threads and didn't see one with the title Booksurge, so it may have been on another forum.

Does anyone have any info.? Can anyone name any companies, like Lulu, that do a good job and ask for no "up front" money? I do appreciate your help. There is always such good information on this forum.

[tlm]

After doing a Google search, I also looked at Cafepress. Can someone in the know give me some feedback? I don't want to steer this person in the wrong direction. I know from experience how devastating that can be.

I did think that one of the binding options that Cafepress offered would be perfect for this small book.

[David Meigs]

400 out of the 500 Booksurge books I ordered were pure garbage. I wish I were kidding, but I’m not. I’ve seen misplaced chapters, uneven cuts (back of book ¼ inch wider than the front), covers falling off, and poorly centered covers. They burn nice though.

Steer clear!

I wish you and your friend the best of success.

[tbafs]

A friend of mine has had three out of her four books published by Booksurge (she printed the first herself).

She's been mostly pleased with them and would use them again, but was quick to tell me that working with them took a lot of prayer and constant vigilance on her part. I was encouraged by her recommendation and signed up with them to publish my novel.

My package included a professional edit, and although that part of the process was bungled at first, they eventually came up with the goods; the guy did such a thorough job, I had to go back practically re-write the entire novel. But I was very satisfied with his work. They've since merged with Amazon.com, and I'm not sure if what they're like now (I'm still working on my MS).

Their sign up charges start from about $499, so if you're looking for a no-fees upfront, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Hope this helps.

tbafs

[tlm]

Thanks for the info. It doesn't sound like what my friends need. They have too many medical expenses to invest in anything.

Perhaps someone knows about the other, Cafepress. Any takers?

[kriswrite]

I published a book through CafePress and I recommend them. The book (a paperback) turned out lovely, the process was easy, and I've made many sales through their website.

You can see the book at: http://voicestudio.kristinaseleshanko.com/SingingSecrets.htm

Kristina

[tlm]

Kristina,

I could not pull up your book site.

I like the style for the small book. This is a one year biography, about 100 pages. It is mostly written for the child's benefit, so he can know--when he is older and full of doubt--that God has a purpose in his life. If the book makes some money for his foundation--that's cool, too.:) I just don't want the family to risk losing any money.

My biggest question is this, does Cafepress ask for a fee up front, or are they like Lulu, and take a portion of the book sales as they are made? I couldn't find that info on their site.

Thanks again for all the input!

[lindenbooks]

I used Cafe Press a couple of years ago when I was just starting out. They didn't ask for an up front fee. If you're going to have a limited number printed up, and you want people to have a link to order with, they are like Lulu.

They would also be helpful for a pre-advanced reader's copy. Like when you need a copy in book format for a review.

Cami

[tlm]

Great news! Thanks for the input!