- Clara Barr
- 0 min read
Lulu Publishing: Pros, Cons, Features and Insights
Table of Contents
In this article, we take a comprehensive look at the services offered by Lulu Publishing, providing a detailed review of what makes this platform a popular choice for independent authors and small publishers. We’ll break down the range of tools and resources Lulu offers, highlighting their strengths and the areas where they fall short.
Whether you’re looking to understand how their print-on-demand and distribution services work or considering if their approach fits your publishing needs, this article will guide you through the key advantages and potential pitfalls of using Lulu Publishing. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Lulu Publishing
Lulu is an online print-on-demand, self-publishing, and distribution platform founded in 2002. By 2014, Lulu had issued approximately two million titles, establishing itself as a significant player in the self-publishing industry. The platform’s mission is to empower authors to publish and distribute their work globally without the need for traditional gatekeepers, offering greater control and accessibility to independent creators. Lulu primarily targets independent authors, small publishers, and creators who seek to sell their books both online and in physical stores, catering to various publishing needs and preferences.
✅ Pros of Lulu Publishing
Affordable Self-Publishing Option: Lulu is free to use for book creation and distribution.
High Royalties: Authors retain 80% of gross profits for print sales and 90% for ebooks.
No Minimum Orders: Allows authors to print as few or as many copies as needed.
Global Distribution: Books can be made available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers.
Retain Rights: Authors maintain all rights and copyrights to their work.
⛔ Cons of Lulu Publishing
Only Basic Production Tools: While Lulu offers effective distribution and print-on-demand services, they provide only very basic publishing production tools such as formatting, cover design, or proofreading.
No Marketing Services: Lulu does not provide any marketing services, leaving promotion up to the authors.
Learning Curve: New users may find the platform complex initially.
Inconsistent Print Quality: Some authors have reported inconsistent print quality.
Limited Brick-and-Mortar Presence: Difficult to get books stocked in physical stores due to print-on-demand economics.
Overview of Services
Ultimately targeted at ready-to-print authors, Lulu provides tools for authors to create and publish both print and digital books themselves. This includes tools and guides to formatting and cover design, and DIY step-by-step publishing instructions. However, there are no real production services available. Every step of the production process from formatting and cover design to editing and proofreading needs to be completed before being able to utilize Lulu’s distribution services.
Print-on-Demand Options
Allows authors to print books only when orders are placed, eliminating the need for large upfront printing costs and inventory management. This service is cost-effective and ensures that authors are not left with unsold copies.
eBook Creation and Distribution
Offers services to convert manuscripts into eBook formats and distribute them globally. This includes distribution to major eBook retailers like Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, and more.
Marketing and Promotional Services
Limited to basic tools such as listing on the Lulu bookstore and optional global distribution. Significant marketing and promotional efforts are required from the authors themselves, as Lulu does not provide extensive marketing services.
Author Support and Resources
Provides various guides, calculators, and customer support to assist authors throughout the publishing process. This includes detailed help articles, video tutorials, and access to a support team for troubleshooting and guidance.
Pricing and Packages
Lulu’s platform is free to use. Printing fee costs are based on a base price that covers raw materials and printing. Authors earn a profit from their book sales after these production costs are deducted.
- Overview of different packages available: The platform is free to use for basic publishing services, with optional paid services available for authors who need additional support such as cover design, editing, and enhanced distribution.
- Comparison of costs for various services: Costs include printing fees, distribution fees, and any additional services authors may choose to purchase. Authors can use the cost calculators provided by Lulu to estimate their expenses.
- Additional fees and hidden costs: While Lulu’s pricing is generally transparent, authors should be aware that costs can accumulate based on the services and distribution options they select.
Lulu offers high royalty rates (80% for print books and 90% for ebooks) and free basic services, which provide good value for independent authors looking to maximize their earnings while maintaining control over their publishing process.
Publishing Timeline
The publishing process on Lulu involves several steps, starting with the upload of the manuscript, followed by formatting and design. Authors then select distribution options and finalize the book details before the book undergoes review and approval. Typically, it takes 6-8 weeks for a book to receive global distribution approval, though this timeline can vary based on factors such as manuscript preparation, the efficiency of approval processes, and the schedules of distribution partners.
To expedite the publishing process, authors should ensure their manuscript is polished and error-free, adhere closely to Lulu’s formatting and submission guidelines, and respond promptly to any queries or issues that arise during review and approval.
Royalties
Lulu’s royalty structure is designed to benefit authors by allowing them to earn a significant percentage of the profits from their book sales. After production costs are deducted, authors receive 80% of the profit for printed books and 90% for ebooks. This structure provides higher royalty rates compared to many traditional publishers, who often offer significantly lower percentages.
To calculate royalties on Lulu, the formula is Profit = Sale price – Production costs – Lulu’s commission. For printed books, Lulu takes a 20% commission on the profit, while for ebooks, the commission is 10%. The remaining profit is what the author earns.
To maximize royalties, authors should consider setting competitive prices that attract buyers while still covering costs. Utilizing Lulu’s global distribution options can increase sales by making the book available on major online retailers. Additionally, effective promotion is crucial; authors should leverage social media, author websites, and other marketing channels to boost visibility and drive sales.
Distribution
Lulu’s distribution network includes major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, allowing authors to reach a broad audience. The platform supports both print and digital distribution channels, making it possible to distribute physical books and ebooks. Lulu offers global distribution, ensuring that books can be purchased internationally. Authors are also able to sell their books on the Lulu Bookstore. Partnerships with bookstores and online retailers enable books to be listed on major bibliographic databases, increasing visibility and availability. While the distribution fees are transparent, it is important for authors to understand the cost structure associated with different distribution options to make informed decisions.
Customer Experience and Reviews
Lulu receives mixed customer feedback, reflected in its 3.9/5 star rating on Trustpilot. While some users appreciate reasonable prices and highlight the platform’s effectiveness through positive case studies and testimonials, others report significant issues. Common complaints and issues reported by users include hidden fees, poor customer support and services, inconsistencies in print quality, and a lengthy and confusing distribution process.
Additionally, the platform can be complex for new users to navigate, which adds to the frustration for some authors. Despite the praise from some users, the trend of similar concerns indicates a varied user experience.
Is Lulu Publishing for You?
Lulu Publishing is well-suited for independent authors and small publishers who already have a polished, print-ready book and are primarily seeking print-on-demand (POD) and distribution services. Its flexibility and affordability make it an attractive choice for those who prefer to maintain control over the publishing process and have the skills or resources to handle tasks like cover design, formatting, and editing independently.
One of Lulu’s main strengths lies in its extensive distribution network, which allows authors to reach a global audience through various online retailers. The platform is also user-friendly, providing straightforward tools for setting up projects and offering a cost-effective solution for quickly getting books into the market.
However, Lulu might not be the best fit for authors who require more comprehensive production services, as it lacks support for professional cover design, editing, and formatting. For those focused primarily on physical bookstore sales or in need of strong marketing support, Lulu’s offerings may fall short.
Before choosing Lulu, it’s essential for authors to have a solid marketing plan in place and to feel comfortable managing the publishing process independently.
For the most up-to-date information on services, pricing, and publishing timelines, it’s crucial to visit Lulu’s website directly.
Best Alternative to Lulu Publishing…
For authors seeking a self-publishing alternative that delivers exceptional value, Spines stands out. Spines provides a self-publishing platform that integrates advanced technology with human expertise, supporting eBooks, audiobooks, and print-on-demand formats. It offers global distribution, marketing tools, and 100% royalty retention, with three pricing packages and a monthly payment plan. Read our in-depth review here to find out more.
FAQ: Lulu Publishing
Q: Is Lulu a completely free service?
No. Lulu offers a free self-publishing platform, but publishing with Lulu is not entirely free in every situation.
Authors can upload their manuscript, create a book, and list it for sale without paying an upfront publishing fee. Lulu uses a print-on-demand model, meaning books are printed only when someone places an order.
However, there are costs authors should consider. These can include:
Printing costs, which are deducted from the retail price of each book sold
Distribution fees if the author wants the book available through retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Optional professional services, such as editing, cover design, or formatting
In practice, many authors can publish a book on Lulu without paying upfront, but the platform earns revenue through printing, distribution services, and optional publishing assistance.
Q: Are there any deductions from my earnings with Lulu?
Yes. Lulu deducts certain costs before calculating the author’s final earnings.
When a book is sold, the author’s revenue is generally calculated after subtracting:
Printing costs, which depend on the book’s page count, format, and paper type
Retailer discounts, if the book is sold through external stores such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Distribution fees associated with Lulu’s global distribution network
For example, when a book sells through Lulu’s own bookstore, the author typically keeps a larger portion of the sale price because fewer third-party fees are involved. When the same book sells through external retailers, those stores take their standard retail margin before royalties are calculated.
Because these costs vary depending on the book format and distribution channel.
Q: How does Lulu pay authors?
When a book sells, Lulu calculates the author’s earnings based on the book’s retail price minus printing costs and any applicable retailer or distribution fees. The remaining amount becomes the author’s royalty.
Authors can track their sales and royalties through their Lulu dashboard. Payments are typically issued monthly, once earnings reach the platform’s minimum payout threshold.
Lulu generally processes payments through common digital payment methods such as PayPal or direct deposit, depending on the author’s location and account settings.
Because retailers report sales on a delay, royalties from third-party stores may appear in the dashboard several weeks after the sale occurs.
Q: What publishing services does Lulu offer?
Lulu provides a range of tools and services designed to help authors publish and distribute books independently.
At its core, Lulu offers a self-publishing platform with print-on-demand production. This allows authors to upload their manuscript, design their book files, and make the book available for sale without ordering large print runs.
The platform typically includes tools for:
Book formatting and file preparation
Print-on-demand book production
ISBN assignment
Global distribution to online retailers
Sales tracking and royalty reporting
In addition to its core publishing tools, Lulu also offers optional professional services such as cover design, editing, marketing assistance, and formatting support for authors who want additional help preparing their book for publication.
This combination of publishing software and optional services makes Lulu a common choice for authors who want to maintain control over their book while using a platform to handle printing and distribution.
Q: Is Lulu publishing legitimate?
Yes. Lulu is a legitimate self-publishing platform that has been operating since 2002. The company was founded in Raleigh, North Carolina and provides print-on-demand publishing tools for independent authors, businesses, and organizations.
Over the years, Lulu has become one of the more established platforms in the self-publishing space, allowing authors to create books, print them on demand, and distribute them through online retailers and bookstores. The platform is widely used by independent writers, educators, and small publishers who want to publish books without going through a traditional publishing house.
Like most self-publishing platforms, Lulu operates as a service provider rather than a traditional publisher. This means authors typically retain the copyright to their work and use Lulu’s tools for printing, distribution, and optional publishing services.
As with any publishing service, authors should review the platform’s pricing structure, distribution terms, and royalty calculations to ensure it aligns with their publishing goals.
Q: Is Lulu better than Amazon KDP?
Lulu and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) are both popular self-publishing platforms, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Amazon KDP is optimized for selling books on Amazon, which is the largest online bookstore in the world. Publishing directly through KDP usually provides the best availability and fastest shipping for books sold on Amazon.
Lulu, on the other hand, focuses more on print-on-demand publishing tools and distribution flexibility. Lulu is often used by authors who want additional control over printing options, direct sales, or distribution through Lulu’s network of retailers.
Many independent authors choose the platform based on their publishing goals:
Authors focused primarily on Amazon sales often prefer KDP.
Authors looking for flexible printing and alternative distribution options sometimes choose Lulu.
Some experienced self-publishers even use multiple platforms strategically, depending on where they want their books to be sold.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the author’s priorities, including distribution reach, printing options, pricing structure, and how they plan to market their book.
Q: How much does it cost to publish a book with Lulu?
Publishing a book on Lulu can be free in terms of platform access, but the total cost depends on the services an author chooses.
Authors can upload their manuscript, format their book, and make it available for sale without paying an upfront publishing fee. Lulu uses a print-on-demand model, meaning books are only printed when someone orders them.
The main costs typically come from:
Printing costs, which depend on the book’s size, page count, and paper type
Distribution fees if the author wants the book listed on major retailers
Optional services such as editing, formatting, or cover design
Because these factors vary, the final earnings for each book depend on the retail price set by the author and the printing and distribution costs associated with that edition.