- Eliza Randall
- 0 min read
O’Reilly Media vs. Lulu Publishing
Table of Contents
In the world of self-publishing, choosing the right platform to bring your book to life can be a daunting task. Two prominent players in this space, O’Reilly Media and Lulu Publishing, offer unique services tailored to authors, but each caters to different publishing needs. In this article, we will compare O’Reilly Media, a respected name in technical publishing with a focus on professional development and educational content, against Lulu Publishing, a popular self-publishing platform that caters to authors of all genres with its print-on-demand and distribution services.
We’ll explore their core features, services, pricing structures, royalty rates, and distribution options to help authors understand the key differences between these two companies. Whether you’re a tech writer looking to publish educational content with O’Reilly or an independent author seeking creative freedom with Lulu, this comparison will provide the insights you need to make an informed decision about which platform best aligns with your publishing goals.
Key Differences Between O’Reilly Media and Lulu Publishing
- Target Audience and Niche Focus
O’Reilly Media is highly specialized in technical and educational content. It primarily focuses on books, online courses, and other resources for professionals in fields like programming, data science, IT, and software development. If you’re a technical author or looking to publish educational materials, O’Reilly offers a platform with strong credibility and industry presence.
Lulu Publishing, on the other hand, is a general-purpose self-publishing platform catering to a broad range of authors, from fiction writers to business professionals. Lulu’s flexibility allows authors in virtually any genre to publish print and digital books independently. - Publishing and Distribution Models
O’Reilly Media offers a more traditional publishing model, where authors typically collaborate with O’Reilly’s editorial team to produce highly polished content. Authors may receive royalties based on sales, but they must go through a selection process to be accepted. Distribution is heavily geared towards tech and professional markets, including O’Reilly’s own digital platforms.
Lulu Publishing, by contrast, operates on a print-on-demand (POD) and self-service model. Authors retain full control over the production process, from formatting to cover design, and can distribute their books globally through platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Lulu Bookstore. Lulu also offers higher royalty rates and more control over the publishing process. - Support and Services Offered
O’Reilly Media provides extensive editorial, technical, and marketing support tailored to professional and educational content. Authors benefit from O’Reilly’s established reputation and resources but may have less creative control and flexibility.
Lulu Publishing offers a more hands-off approach with a focus on providing tools for authors to manage their own projects. While there are resources available, such as guides and tutorials, authors must handle the majority of tasks themselves, including formatting, editing, and marketing. However, Lulu’s support is generally more accessible for independent authors, especially those with experience in self-publishing.
These differences highlight the contrast in approach, audience, and level of support, making it crucial for authors to choose the platform that best fits their needs.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | Highly professional, but selective. Offers strong editorial support and technical expertise. | Mixed reviews; users report a steeper learning curve but generally positive feedback on usability once familiar. |
| 💸 Affordability | Not as affordable; costs are often higher due to editorial and technical involvement. | Free to use for basic services, but additional costs for production and marketing services. |
| 💰Royalties | Typically lower than Lulu, as authors earn a percentage after costs | High royalties—80% for print books and 90% for eBooks after production costs. |
| ⏳Production Speed | Can be slower due to the editorial process and technical review. | Fast production, especially with print-on-demand services. Typically takes 6-8 weeks for global distribution |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Comprehensive marketing and promotion support, especially for technical books. | No dedicated marketing services. Authors must handle their own marketing efforts. |
| 🌎 Distribution | Limited to O’Reilly’s platform and some industry partners. | Global distribution through online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Lulu’s own bookstore. |
| 🧑💻 Support | Extensive support, including editorial and technical assistance. | Basic support with guides, video tutorials, and customer service. Limited hands-on support for production tasks |
| 📚Formats | Primarily focuses on eBooks, technical books, and digital formats. | Supports both print (POD) and digital (eBooks) formats with flexible options for customization. |
| 💎 Transparency | Transparent but more rigid in terms of contracts, royalties, and publishing process. | High transparency, especially regarding pricing, royalties, and distribution options. |
Overview of O’Reilly Media
O’Reilly Media is a globally recognized leader in technical publishing, specializing in producing high-quality educational content for professionals in the fields of technology, programming, data science, and business. Founded in 1978, O’Reilly has built a strong reputation for its in-depth, authoritative, and cutting-edge resources that cater to developers, engineers, and IT professionals. Known for its distinctive animal-themed book covers and its strong editorial standards, O’Reilly offers a wide range of formats, including eBooks, videos, and live online training, making it a go-to choice for anyone looking to stay current with the latest industry trends and technologies.
O’Reilly excels in providing expert-level content and has a robust platform for publishing technical books. The company’s content is often updated to reflect new industry developments, ensuring that readers have access to the most relevant information. Authors benefit from O’Reilly’s extensive editorial, marketing, and distribution resources, making it a top choice for industry professionals looking to share their knowledge with a well-established publisher.
However, O’Reilly’s offerings are not suited for all authors. It’s selective, focusing primarily on technical, academic, and professional genres, and does not offer self-publishing options for fiction or general-interest books. Additionally, authors may find the royalty rates lower compared to other self-publishing platforms, and the production process is typically more time-consuming.
O’Reilly Media – Key Features
- Specialized in Technical Publishing: Focuses primarily on technology, programming, data science, and business content.
- High Editorial Standards: Offers professionally edited, in-depth content that appeals to industry professionals and learners.
- Multiple Formats: Provides eBooks, audiobooks, video tutorials, and live online training, catering to various learning preferences.
- Global Reach: Books and courses are distributed globally, reaching a large and diverse audience.
- Expert Authors: Collaborates with industry experts, thought leaders and professionals to create authoritative content.
- Comprehensive Author Support: Provides marketing, distribution, and editorial support for authors to maximize the visibility and impact of their books.
- Subscription-Based Platform: Offers a subscription service (O’Reilly Learning) for readers to access a vast library of books, videos, and courses.
- Author Royalties: Provides competitive royalties for technical authors, though generally lower than some self-publishing options.
- Online Training and Events: Hosts webinars, conferences, and workshops for continuous learning and professional development.
- Limited Genre Focus: Primarily caters to technical and business topics, not ideal for fiction, general-interest, or niche genres.
- Selective Publishing Process: Authors must typically undergo a rigorous vetting process to get published, making it difficult for first-time or less-established authors.
O’Reilly Media – Does Not Offer
- No Print-on-Demand (POD) Services: O’Reilly does not offer print-on-demand options for authors, focusing primarily on digital formats.
- Limited Genre Scope: O’Reilly specializes in technical, business, and professional content, meaning they do not publish fiction, general interest books, or niche genres outside of this scope.
- No Self-Publishing Option: Unlike platforms like Lulu or Amazon KDP, O’Reilly does not cater to self-published authors. It follows a traditional publishing model, meaning authors must be selected by O’Reilly to be published.
- No Marketing Services for Authors: While O’Reilly offers strong editorial and distribution support, it does not provide extensive marketing services or promotional assistance to authors.
- No Direct Rights Retention for Authors: O’Reilly retains some rights over the content, unlike self-publishing platforms that allow authors to retain full control of their intellectual property.
- No Print Distribution in Physical Bookstores: Although O’Reilly distributes digitally, it lacks a robust presence in physical bookstores for print versions of books.
- No Editorial Assistance for All Authors: Authors must have a high level of expertise in their field; O’Reilly does not typically provide the same level of editorial support that self-publishing platforms might offer for those new to writing.
Lulu Publishing – Overview
Lulu Publishing is a prominent self-publishing platform that caters to independent authors, small publishers, and creators looking for control over their publishing process. Founded in 2002, Lulu has grown into one of the most popular print-on-demand and distribution services in the self-publishing industry. The platform is best known for its flexibility, offering authors the ability to publish both print and digital books with no upfront costs. Lulu’s strengths lie in its broad distribution network, which includes major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and its own bookstore, as well as its user-friendly platform that allows authors to easily create and publish their work.
Lulu excels at providing high royalty rates, with authors retaining 80% of the profits for print books and 90% for ebooks, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize earnings. It also offers a range of services like print-on-demand, ebook conversion, and global distribution. However, the platform does have limitations. While Lulu offers a solid base of tools for publishing, it does not provide extensive editorial, cover design, or marketing services. Authors must handle these tasks themselves or hire outside professionals. Additionally, Lulu’s print quality has been critiqued as inconsistent, and its learning curve can be steep for newcomers.
Lulu Publishing – Key Features
- Print-on-Demand (POD) Services: No upfront printing costs, allowing authors to print only when orders are placed.
- Global Distribution: Books can be distributed to major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and more.
- High Royalty Rates: Authors earn 80% royalties on print books and 90% on ebooks after production costs.
- DIY Publishing: Authors retain full control over the publishing process, from formatting to cover design.
- Free to Use: Basic publishing services, such as manuscript upload and distribution, are free of charge.
- eBook Conversion & Distribution: Lulu offers services to convert manuscripts into eBook formats and distribute them to global platforms.
- Global Retailer Access: Books can be sold worldwide through major bookstores and online retailers.
- Optional Paid Services: Authors can choose paid options for additional support, like cover design, editing, and premium distribution.
- Author Support: Extensive self-help resources, video tutorials, and customer service to guide authors throughout the publishing process.
- Lulu Bookstore: A dedicated marketplace where authors can sell their books directly.
Lulu Publishing – Does Not Offer
- Professional Editing and Proofreading: Lulu does not provide professional editing or proofreading services, leaving authors to handle this on their own or hire third-party professionals.
- Marketing and Promotion: The platform offers no built-in marketing or promotional tools beyond basic listing and global distribution. Authors are responsible for their own marketing efforts.
- Advanced Formatting Tools: Lulu only provides basic formatting tools, which may not meet the needs of authors looking for more sophisticated design features.
- Bookstore Distribution: While Lulu offers global online distribution, getting books stocked in physical bookstores is challenging due to the print-on-demand model.
- Comprehensive Customer Support: Although customer support is available, some users report difficulty with inconsistent or slow responses to issues.
- Comprehensive Branding/Design Services: Lulu does not offer advanced services like logo design, custom book layouts, or advanced cover design, which can be important for authors seeking a more professional finish.
- Exclusive Deals/Partnerships: Unlike some larger publishing houses, Lulu does not offer exclusive publishing deals or partnerships with large media or literary agencies.
Comparing Affordability/Costs: O’Reilly Media vs. Lulu Publishing
When it comes to affordability, Lulu Publishing and O’Reilly Media take very different approaches to pricing, each catering to distinct author needs.
Lulu Publishing stands out as the more affordable option, especially for self-published authors and small publishers. The platform offers free basic publishing services, including tools for formatting, design (to some extent), and distribution. Authors only pay for printing costs when ordering copies, and they retain a high percentage of royalties — 80% for print books and 90% for eBooks. While there are additional costs for optional services like cover design or editing, Lulu’s pricing structure is transparent, and the basic services are free to use, making it a cost-effective choice for authors on a budget or those willing to manage the publishing process themselves.
In contrast, O’Reilly Media tends to be more expensive, particularly for authors seeking professional content or technical resources. O’Reilly focuses on providing highly curated, niche content, often through paid subscriptions or licensing fees. The costs associated with publishing through O’Reilly Media can include fees for professional editing, distribution, and access to specialized platforms, which can add up over time. While the service may be invaluable for authors writing within specific industries like technology, the pricing structure is not as flexible or accessible as Lulu’s, making it less affordable for authors seeking more control over their work and budget.
Conclusion:
Lulu is the clear winner in terms of affordability, especially for self-publishing authors who want to retain control over their book’s production and distribution. O’Reilly Media, while offering valuable services, is generally more expensive and better suited to authors looking for professional, industry-specific publishing with a larger budget.
Publishing Timelines: O’Reilly Media vs. Lulu Publishing
O’Reilly Media Timeline:
O’Reilly Media is known for its high-quality publications, particularly in the fields of technology, business, and programming. However, this dedication to excellence comes with a longer publishing timeline. Typically, the process can take 3 to 6 months, or even longer, depending on the complexity of the project.
Why it’s longer:
- Editorial and Peer Review Process: O’Reilly’s books go through multiple stages, including content development, technical review, and peer review. Authors collaborate with expert reviewers to ensure the book’s technical accuracy, which extends the timeline.
- In-depth Editing: Unlike self-publishing platforms, O’Reilly provides professional editing and thorough content revisions. This process ensures that the final product is polished, but it also adds significant time to the publishing schedule.
- Production and Integration: O’Reilly also takes time to integrate the book with additional resources, such as digital formats, eLearning content, and other supplementary materials. This comprehensive approach ensures that the book is available in multiple formats and optimized for the tech-savvy audience O’Reilly caters to.
For authors working with O’Reilly, the longer timeline is a trade-off for a more structured and professionally handled publishing process. It’s ideal for authors in technical or professional fields who want their work to meet high standards, but those looking for a quicker path to market may find this timeline to be a disadvantage.
Lulu Publishing Timeline:
In contrast, Lulu Publishing offers a much quicker and more flexible publishing timeline. Once a manuscript is uploaded and all required materials (such as cover design and formatting) are finalized, the book typically takes 6 to 8 weeks to be approved for global distribution. However, this timeline can vary depending on factors such as the completeness of the submission and the selected distribution channels.
Why it’s shorter:
- DIY and Self-Paced: Lulu offers a largely DIY approach, meaning that authors are responsible for all aspects of the publishing process, including formatting and cover design. While this allows for more control, it also enables authors to move through the process more quickly if they’re ready.
- Print-on-Demand Model: Lulu operates on a print-on-demand (POD) model, which means that books are only printed when ordered, cutting down on production time. Once the book passes the initial review process, it’s available for sale almost immediately.
- Fewer Review Stages: Lulu does not offer in-depth editorial or review services as part of its standard package, which speeds up the overall publishing timeline. However, this means authors need to have a polished manuscript and cover ready before submission.
While Lulu’s process is faster, it also relies heavily on the author’s preparation. If authors have their manuscript, cover, and formatting ready, the timeline can be quite short. However, delays can occur if there are issues with the submission or if additional review and editing are needed.
Conclusion:
- O’Reilly Media: Offers a longer publishing timeline (3-6 months or more) due to the extensive editorial process, peer reviews, and thorough content development. It’s ideal for authors in technical fields who require a polished, professional product and have the time to work through multiple review stages.
- Lulu Publishing: Offers a faster publishing timeline (6-8 weeks) due to its DIY, print-on-demand model. It’s best suited for authors who are ready to publish and distribute quickly but who can manage the editing, formatting, and design independently.
If speed is crucial to you, Lulu provides a quicker path to market. However, if you prefer a more structured, professionally handled process with a higher level of editorial oversight, O’Reilly is the better choice, though the timeline will be longer.
Royalties: O’Reilly Media vs. Lulu Publishing
O’Reilly Media offers royalties that generally range from 10% to 20% for print books and 20% to 30% for eBooks, depending on the agreement. Royalties are based on net sales, meaning the author receives a percentage after production and distribution costs are deducted. Payments are made quarterly, but authors must meet a minimum earnings threshold, which can make smaller payouts difficult to access. This model is more suited to authors expecting steady, long-term sales.
In contrast, Lulu Publishing offers significantly higher royalties, with authors keeping 80% of the profit for print books and 90% for eBooks. Lulu’s royalties are calculated on gross profit, so authors receive a larger share of the sale price after deducting production costs. Lulu pays royalties monthly and does not have a minimum payout threshold, which makes it easier for authors to receive earnings more frequently, even for smaller amounts.
Overall, Lulu stands out with its higher royalty rates and monthly payouts, making it the more favorable choice for self-publishing authors looking for higher profits and quicker access to earnings. O’Reilly, however, may be preferred by authors seeking traditional publishing benefits, despite the lower royalty share and longer payout cycle.
Marketing Services: O’Reilly Media vs. Lulu Publishing
O’Reilly Media provides limited marketing support, primarily focused on leveraging its established reputation and customer base. Authors can benefit from visibility on O’Reilly’s platforms and may have opportunities for inclusion in their email newsletters and online events. However, authors are largely responsible for their own marketing, and there are no dedicated marketing packages. Authors may need to invest in external promotion for more comprehensive efforts.
Lulu Publishing, on the other hand, offers basic marketing tools, such as book listing on the Lulu bookstore and the option for global distribution to online retailers. However, no extensive marketing services are included, and authors are still required to handle the bulk of the promotion. Lulu’s distribution options (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) help with visibility, but authors may need to pay extra for services like advertising or professional promotional support.
Overall, neither company offers robust marketing packages, but O’Reilly may give authors a slight edge due to its established brand. Both platforms require authors to take a proactive role in marketing, with Lulu offering slightly more distribution reach at no additional cost.
POD & Distribution: O’Reilly Media vs. Lulu Publishing
O’Reilly Media primarily focuses on distribution, rather than full-service publishing, which is where they excel. Their platform offers a wide range of global distribution options, particularly for technical books. O’Reilly distributes through major online retailers such as Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, and its own site. While POD (Print-on-Demand) is available, it is not their core offering. Authors can leverage O’Reilly’s network for distribution to reach businesses, enterprises, and developers, but the distribution service is typically not free and may involve setup fees or percentages of royalties.
Lulu Publishing is well-known for its Print-on-Demand (POD) services and robust global distribution network. Authors can use Lulu’s platform to distribute both print books and eBooks to a variety of online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. POD is included in the initial service, and authors only pay for the printing costs when an order is made. Lulu’s POD option is flexible, allowing authors to print as many or as few copies as needed, with no minimum order. Distribution options are generally included in the service, but authors can choose additional distribution channels for a fee.
In comparison, Lulu excels in POD and offers more comprehensive, integrated distribution options with fewer additional fees. O’Reilly, while strong in distribution, is more limited in its overall publishing services and may not provide as much flexibility or reach as Lulu in the POD space.
Support Services: O’Reilly Media vs. Lulu Publishing
O’Reilly Media provides a range of author support services, but they are more focused on technical resources. Authors benefit from access to O’Reilly’s editorial and technical teams for feedback, especially for those writing in specialized fields like technology, business, or programming. However, O’Reilly doesn’t offer a dedicated publishing production manager or one-on-one support in the traditional sense. Authors typically manage the publishing process themselves, and while self-service tools are available, there is no extensive hands-on guidance beyond editorial and technical review.
On the other hand, Lulu Publishing offers comprehensive support for authors through a mix of DIY tools and customer service. While Lulu doesn’t assign a personal publishing manager to each author, it provides extensive resources, including step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and customer service that can assist with issues related to formatting, design, and distribution. Authors can also access detailed help articles on the Lulu website to troubleshoot problems. For those needing more tailored support, Lulu offers paid services such as professional design or formatting support, but the platform is largely self-service for authors who are comfortable managing their own production.
In comparison, Lulu offers more structured support, especially for independent authors managing their publishing process solo. O’Reilly provides targeted support for technical authors but doesn’t offer the same level of customer service or personalized guidance that Lulu does, particularly for general publishing tasks.
Customer Experience and Reviews: O’Reilly Media vs. Lulu Publishing
O’Reilly Media generally receives positive feedback from its authors, particularly those writing in technology, business, and programming fields. The company is praised for its high-quality editorial support and professional expertise. Authors appreciate the thorough technical review their books undergo before publication, ensuring the content is of a high standard. However, some reviewers note that the process can be slow, and communication with the editorial team can sometimes be less transparent. O’Reilly also does not provide as much direct guidance throughout the process, leaving authors to manage most of the publishing steps independently. This can be a drawback for those looking for more personalized support.
In contrast, Lulu Publishing has a mixed reputation. It holds a 3.9/5 rating on Trustpilot, with a mix of positive and negative reviews. Many authors appreciate Lulu’s affordability, print-on-demand options, and high royalty rates, but complaints are common about customer service issues and inconsistent print quality. Some users find the platform’s interface to be difficult to navigate, especially for beginners. While Lulu provides a good range of DIY tools, the lack of marketing and production services leaves authors to handle much of the process on their own. Issues like hidden fees and delays in distribution approval also contribute to mixed feedback.
O’Reilly Media stands out for its editorial quality and technical focus, while Lulu Publishing is favored for its affordability and flexible distribution but faces criticism for inconsistent support and service quality. Authors should consider these factors when choosing between the two platforms.
O’Reilly Media vs. Lulu Publishing: Which is Right for You?
When choosing between O’Reilly Media and Lulu Publishing, the decision largely depends on your experience level, publishing needs, and the type of support you’re seeking.
If you’re a first-time author, Lulu Publishing is likely the better option. It offers a user-friendly platform and easy-to-use DIY tools that guide authors through every stage of the publishing process. From formatting to distribution, Lulu’s system is designed for authors who want to take a hands-on approach to publishing without the steep learning curve. O’Reilly Media, however, caters more to experienced authors, particularly those creating technical, business, or academic content. O’Reilly’s focus is on high-quality editorial support and distribution, but it may require more work on the part of the author, especially when it comes to handling the marketing and promotion independently.
When it comes to marketing services, neither company excels in this area. O’Reilly Media does offer some editorial and technical review services that can help an author gain credibility in a niche market, especially within technical fields. However, it does not provide extensive marketing support, which means authors must take an active role in promoting their own work. Similarly, Lulu Publishing offers basic promotional tools, like listings on the Lulu bookstore and distribution to global retailers. But again, marketing efforts are largely left to the author, with no premium marketing packages or strategies offered as part of the service.
For authors looking for wide distribution and print-on-demand (POD) services, Lulu Publishing stands out as the more flexible and affordable choice. Lulu allows you to print books as needed, with no minimum order requirements—ideal for those who want to avoid upfront costs or inventory management. It also has a vast distribution network, making it easy to get your book from major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. O’Reilly Media, while offering high-quality printed books, focuses primarily on specialized content and offers a more limited distribution—especially when compared to Lulu’s global reach.
Ultimately, Lulu Publishing is the better fit for independent authors who are looking for a cost-effective, flexible publishing solution, while O’Reilly Media is better suited for experienced authors in niche markets seeking professional editorial support and willing to manage their own marketing and distribution. For more info, you can visit their respective websites.