- Eliza Randall
- 0 min read
Scholastic vs. Lulu Publishing
Table of Contents
In this article, we will compare Scholastic and Lulu Publishing, two major players in the world of book publishing, but with very different approaches and offerings. Scholastic, a well-established giant in the traditional publishing industry, is renowned for publishing children’s books, educational resources, and popular series like Harry Potter and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Scholastic works with established authors and has a significant presence in schools and libraries, making it a go-to choice for many educators and young readers.
On the other hand, Lulu Publishing is a leading self-publishing platform that enables independent authors to publish and distribute their books on their own terms. Offering print-on-demand services and global distribution, Lulu caters mainly to indie authors, small publishers, and creators looking for control and flexibility.
By comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these two companies, we’ll help you determine which one is best suited to your publishing needs
Key Differences Between Scholastic and Lulu Publishing
- Business Model and Target Audience: Scholastic is a traditional publisher specializing in children’s literature, educational content, and popular franchises, targeting schools and libraries while handling the entire publishing process. Lulu Publishing is a self-publishing platform for indie authors and small publishers, offering on-demand services with full creative and financial control.
- Publishing Process and Author Control: Scholastic uses a traditional model with editorial oversight, controlled marketing, and lower royalties, where authors give up some creative control. Lulu offers a DIY approach with print-on-demand and eBook services, giving authors full creative and financial control, higher royalties, and pricing flexibility.
- Market Reach and Distribution Channels: Scholastic excels in educational markets and physical retail through partnerships with schools, libraries, and book fairs, focusing on institutional relationships. Lulu specializes in print-on-demand and online distribution via platforms like Amazon and its own bookstore, with a stronger presence in digital rather than physical retail.
These differences highlight how Scholastic is more suited to established authors or educational content creators, while Lulu appeals to independent authors seeking more control and flexibility in the self-publishing space.
| FEATURE |  |  |
| ⭐ Customer Experience | High-touch, with support for teachers, librarians, and readers, but more rigid for authors. | Generally positive but mixed reviews; self-publishers often face a learning curve. |
| 💸 Affordability | Costs for authors are not disclosed, but advances and royalties are lower compared to self-publishing. | Free to use for basic services; costs apply for production and additional services like cover design. |
| 💰Royalties | Standard publishing contract, typically 5-15% royalties on print books, with possible advances. | 80% royalties for print books and 90% for eBooks after production costs are deducted. |
| ⏳Production Speed | Longer timeline due to traditional publishing processes (6-12 months). | Fast, with print-on-demand (POD) and eBook publishing usually completed within weeks. |
| 🏢 Marketing Services | Extensive marketing for educational books and major titles; includes school fairs, book clubs, and direct retail promotion. | Limited marketing services; authors are responsible for promoting their own books. |
| 🌎 Distribution | Strong presence in schools, libraries, and bookstores; global distribution via traditional routes. | Global distribution through online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but no direct brick-and-mortar store support. |
| 🧑💻 Support | Dedicated support teams for schools, libraries, and authors, with editorial guidance and services. | Offers customer support, but no editorial services; authors need to handle formatting, editing, and design |
| 📚Formats | Primarily children’s books and educational content, available in physical and digital formats. | Supports both print and digital books in various formats (PDF, ePub, etc.), including print-on-demand and eBooks. |
| 💎 Transparency | Transparent about book contracts, but authors have limited control over pricing and royalties. | Very transparent about fees, royalties, and production costs; authors can set their prices and retain full control. |
Overview of Scholastic
Scholastic is a renowned global publishing company, primarily known for its educational content and children’s books. Founded in 1920, Scholastic has a long history of producing bestselling titles such as Harry Potter, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and The Hunger Games. The company’s primary focus is on creating books and educational materials that engage children and support learning. Scholastic is a leader in the educational publishing space, offering a range of resources including classroom libraries, digital learning tools, and teacher resources.
Scholastic excels at distributing books through schools, libraries, and retail outlets, providing authors with access to a wide audience of young readers and educators. Their marketing support is robust, with school fairs, book clubs, and bulk sales offering excellent visibility for their titles. Authors benefit from a traditional publishing model that often includes advances, editorial guidance, and professional support.
However, Scholastic primarily caters to authors of children’s books and educational content, which means that it’s not the best option for authors looking to publish outside of these genres. Additionally, the company offers limited flexibility when it comes to royalties and creative control, as authors typically sign contracts that bind them to the company’s terms. Scholastic does not offer self-publishing services, making it unsuitable for authors looking for full autonomy over their work.
Scholastic – Key Features
- Focus on Educational and Children’s Books: Scholastic specializes in publishing books for children, including educational materials and fiction for young readers.
- Wide Distribution Network: Books are distributed through schools, libraries, book fairs, and major retailers, providing access to a broad audience.
- Traditional Publishing Model: Authors typically receive advances, editorial support, and professional marketing services, with the company handling most aspects of production.
- Extensive Marketing Support: Scholastic organizes book fairs, book clubs, and bulk sales to promote titles and increase visibility.
- Reputation and Brand Recognition: Known for publishing bestselling children’s series like Harry Potter, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and The Hunger Games.
- Access to Schools and Libraries: Scholastic has strong relationships with educational institutions, offering unique opportunities for authors to have their books stocked in schools and libraries.
- Professional Editing and Design Services: Authors benefit from high-quality editorial and design services to ensure their books meet industry standards.
- Limited Genre Scope: Primarily focuses on children’s books and educational content, not ideal for authors of other genres like adult fiction or non-fiction.
- Traditional Royalties and Contracts: Authors generally receive royalties, but the terms are often fixed, and the company holds more control over distribution and pricing.
Scholastic – Does Not Offer
- Self-Publishing Services: Scholastic does not offer self-publishing options for independent authors. It primarily operates through a traditional publishing model.
- Print-on-Demand (POD) Options: Unlike self-publishing platforms, Scholastic does not provide print-on-demand services for authors looking to print books as needed.
- Flexible Royalty Structures: Authors are subject to fixed royalty rates based on traditional publishing contracts, and there’s little room for negotiation compared to self-publishing platforms.
- Global Distribution Without a Traditional Contract: Authors must secure a traditional publishing deal to access Scholastic’s distribution network, meaning they can’t independently distribute their books.
- Full Creative Control: Authors generally do not retain full creative control over their work. Scholastic’s editorial and design teams have significant input in the final product.
- Direct Author Marketing Tools: While Scholastic provides marketing through book fairs and institutional sales, it does not offer direct-to-consumer marketing tools for authors to promote their own books.
- Ebook-Only Publishing: Scholastic primarily focuses on physical books and doesn’t have a robust platform for publishing ebooks independently.
- Simplified Submission Process: Unlike some platforms, Scholastic’s submission process is more competitive and difficult for authors without literary agents or a prior publishing history.
Overview of Lulu Publishing
Lulu Publishing is a popular self-publishing platform that empowers authors to publish and distribute their books globally without the need for traditional gatekeepers. Founded in 2002, Lulu has become well-known for its print-on-demand services and flexibility, providing authors with control over every aspect of the publishing process. It caters mainly to independent authors, small publishers, and creators who want to self-publish without upfront inventory costs. Lulu offers both print and digital publishing options, allowing authors to distribute their books globally on major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. One of its standout features is the high royalty rate, with authors keeping 80% of the profit from print books and 90% from eBooks.
While Lulu excels in providing authors with the tools and freedom to publish and distribute their work, it does have limitations. The platform lacks extensive production services, such as professional editing, cover design, and marketing support, meaning authors need to manage these aspects themselves or outsource them. Additionally, while Lulu’s print-on-demand system is cost-effective, the print quality can be inconsistent, and its marketing tools are basic, leaving authors to drive most promotional efforts themselves. Despite these drawbacks, Lulu remains an ideal platform for authors looking to retain control over their work and maximize earnings through self-publishing.
Lulu Publishing – Key Features
- Print-on-Demand (POD): Authors can print copies only when needed, reducing the need for upfront inventory costs and waste.
- Global Distribution: Distribution is available through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Lulu bookstore, along with bibliographic databases for wider reach.
- High Royalties: Authors retain 80% of the profit from print books and 90% from eBooks, one of the highest royalty rates in the self-publishing industry.
- No Minimum Orders: Authors can print as few or as many copies as they need, offering flexibility.
- eBook Creation and Distribution: Converts manuscripts into various eBook formats for distribution on platforms like Amazon Kindle and Apple iBooks.
- Author Control: Authors maintain full rights to their work and have control over pricing, distribution, and royalties.
- Free to Use: Lulu’s platform is free to use for book creation and distribution, with costs only incurred for printing, additional services, and optional marketing.
- Comprehensive Support: Offers a wide range of guides, tutorials, and customer service to assist authors with the publishing process.
- Customization Options: Authors can customize print and eBook versions with multiple format options and sizes.
- Pricing Transparency: The pricing model is clear, with costs associated with printing, distribution, and optional additional services such as professional cover design.
Lulu Publishing – Does Not Offer
- Professional Editing Services: Lulu does not provide professional editing or proofreading services, leaving this task up to the author.
- Comprehensive Marketing Support: No built-in marketing services; authors must handle their own promotional efforts, with only basic promotional tools provided.
- Advanced Production Tools: Lulu offers only basic publishing tools for formatting and cover design; authors seeking more advanced production features will need external help or software.
- Physical Bookstore Distribution: While global online distribution is available, getting books into physical bookstores can be difficult due to the print-on-demand model and lack of partnerships for in-store sales.
- Built-in Community Features: Lulu lacks a social or networking platform for authors, which may limit opportunities for community building or author collaboration.
- Audiobook Creation: Lulu does not offer services for audiobook creation and distribution, which could be a limitation for authors seeking to expand into this format.
- Pre-Designed Templates or Design Services: There are no pre-designed book templates or professional design services provided by Lulu for creating the book’s interior or cover.
Comparing Affordability/Costs
Scholastic and Lulu Publishing differ significantly in pricing and affordability.
Scholastic: Scholastic follows a traditional publishing model, offering comprehensive services like editing, design, and marketing, but this comes at a cost. Authors typically earn 5-15% royalties, with advances available for established authors. However, the lack of flexibility in pricing and the smaller royalty percentage makes Scholastic less affordable for new or self-published authors.
Lulu Publishing: Lulu offers a free-to-use platform with no upfront costs. Authors only pay for printing when copies are ordered or sold, and can choose additional paid services like cover design or editing. High royalties (80% for print books, 90% for eBooks) make Lulu highly cost-effective, especially for independent authors.
Who is More Affordable?
Lulu stands out as the more affordable option. With no upfront fees and higher royalties, it’s ideal for authors looking for flexibility and low-cost publishing. Scholastic, while providing more services, is more expensive and offers lower royalties, making it less affordable for independent authors.
Comparing Publishing Timelines
Scholastic Publishing Timeline
Scholastic follows a traditional publishing model, which involves several stages: manuscript submission, review, editing, design, and marketing. The process can take 6 months to 1 year (or longer) from submission to publication. This extended timeline is due to the traditional review process, extensive editorial work, and the need to align with marketing strategies. Authors also have to wait for approval and negotiate contracts, which can add to the timeline.
Lulu Publishing Timeline
Lulu offers a more streamlined self-publishing process. Once an author has a finished manuscript, the steps for uploading, formatting, and selecting distribution options are relatively quick. On average, it takes 1-2 weeks to get a book listed on Lulu’s platform after uploading the manuscript, with global distribution usually approved within 6-8 weeks. The timeline is shorter because Lulu operates on a print-on-demand model and doesn’t require the extensive editorial and marketing processes of traditional publishing.
Which Has a Faster Timeline?
Lulu offers a much faster timeline compared to Scholastic. While Scholastic can take many months to publish a book due to its traditional publishing process, Lulu’s self-publishing platform allows authors to go live in a matter of weeks, making it an excellent choice for authors seeking quicker publication.
Comparing Royalties
Scholastic Royalties
Scholastic offers royalties typically ranging from 5% to 15% for books sold through traditional distribution channels. However, these royalties are based on the net price (the price after discounts and fees), which often means the actual percentage authors receive is lower. Authors may also receive advances against royalties, but these advances are often recouped through sales.
Royalties are paid quarterly (every three months), and the process can be slower compared to self-publishing platforms. For authors, the payout process can be complex, as it involves working through agents or contracts, and they have to wait until a book is fully published and sold.
Lulu Royalties
Lulu offers significantly higher royalties compared to traditional publishers, with authors keeping 80% of profits for print books and 90% for eBooks. These royalties are based on the sale price minus production and distribution costs. Lulu allows authors to set their own prices, meaning they have more control over how much they earn per sale.
Royalties are paid monthly, and payouts are relatively straightforward as long as authors meet the minimum payout threshold. Authors can choose from a variety of payment methods, such as PayPal, direct deposit, or checks, making it easier to access earnings.
Which Company Offers Better Royalties?
Lulu stands out with its higher royalty rates and more frequent payouts. Authors on Lulu can earn up to 80% to 90% of the sale price, which is a significant advantage over Scholastic’s 5% to 15% royalty range. Additionally, Lulu’s monthly payouts are much more frequent and accessible than Scholastic’s quarterly payments, making it a more attractive option for self-published authors who want to retain a larger portion of their earnings and receive them quickly.
Comparing Marketing Services
Scholastic Marketing Services
Scholastic provides limited marketing support to authors, especially those who publish through traditional routes. The company is known for its educational books, so its marketing efforts are often focused on promoting books to schools, libraries, and educational institutions.
- Target Audience: Scholastic has a built-in network that helps authors reach teachers, schools, and children, which is a major strength for children’s authors.
- Marketing Services: They do offer some promotional tools, including inclusion in catalogs and the potential for book fairs or school visits. However, these opportunities are generally reserved for authors who are signed through Scholastic’s traditional publishing routes.
- Cost: Marketing services at Scholastic are generally part of the publishing contract, but they are not comprehensive and authors will not have the same level of individual promotion or support they might find with a self-publishing platform.
- Comprehensiveness: The marketing support is minimal for self-published authors, leaving much of the promotional work up to the authors themselves.
Lulu Marketing Services
Lulu, being a self-publishing platform, offers no direct marketing services beyond basic distribution and online listing.
- Target Audience: Lulu helps authors by providing access to a global distribution network, including major platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books, but the marketing effort falls largely on the author.
- Marketing Services: Lulu provides tools like ISBNs, cover design, and an online bookstore where authors can list and sell their books. However, they do not offer professional marketing services, such as advertising campaigns, press outreach, or social media promotion.
- Cost: Marketing is not included in Lulu’s services, and there are no paid marketing packages offered. Authors will need to budget separately for marketing if they want professional help.
- Comprehensiveness: The platform is primarily designed for authors to manage the publishing process independently, so authors must rely on personal efforts or external services for promotion.
Which Company Offers Better Marketing Services?
Scholastic provides some built-in promotional support for authors, especially those with educational or children’s books, but their marketing services are relatively limited and generally part of traditional publishing contracts.
In contrast, Lulu offers no marketing services, making it clear that authors will need to handle their own promotion. However, it does provide a vast distribution network, allowing authors to reach global retailers, which is a significant advantage for self-published authors.
Ultimately, Scholastic may be a better choice for authors looking for specific marketing support within educational markets, while Lulu provides more control and distribution opportunities but leaves authors fully responsible for marketing.
POD & Distribution Comparison
Scholastic operates in a traditional publishing model and focuses on distribution within the children’s and educational markets. Its distribution network is extensive but limited to schools, libraries, book fairs, and Scholastic’s own online channels. Authors must go through Scholastic’s traditional publishing process, meaning bulk printing is used rather than Print-on-Demand (POD). This means authors don’t have control over the printing process or inventory management. While Scholastic’s distribution channels are strong, they cater mostly to the educational sector and don’t offer POD or broad retail distribution.
Lulu, on the other hand, excels in Print-on-Demand and global distribution. Authors can print books as orders come in, eliminating upfront costs and inventory concerns. Lulu offers distribution through major online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble and allows authors to sell via the Lulu bookstore. While it doesn’t provide physical retail distribution in stores, Lulu’s global reach through online platforms makes it ideal for authors who want flexibility and control over their publishing process.
In summary, Lulu is more flexible and offers global POD and distribution, whereas Scholastic is best suited for authors in the educational sector with a traditional publishing model.
Support Services Comparison
Scholastic offers comprehensive support for authors through its traditional publishing process. Once accepted, authors typically have a publishing production manager who guides them through every step, from manuscript review to final edits. They also provide editorial support, marketing assistance, and distribution management. Scholastic’s support is hands-on but mainly available for authors who go through their traditional publishing route, making it less suitable for independent authors looking for self-publishing support.
Lulu, in contrast, operates as a self-publishing platform, where authors are mostly on their own. While they provide online resources such as guides, video tutorials, and calculators to help with formatting and pricing, there’s no dedicated project manager. Authors can reach out to Lulu’s customer service team for troubleshooting, but the support is more reactive rather than proactive. Lulu’s approach gives authors more control, but it also means authors need to take on the responsibility for formatting, design, and promotion.
In short, Scholastic offers high-touch support for traditionally published authors, whereas Lulu provides more self-service resources for independent authors, leaving them to handle much of the process on their own.
Customer Experience and Reviews
Scholastic enjoys a strong reputation in the publishing industry, particularly for its traditional publishing services. Authors who are accepted into Scholastic’s catalog often report positive experiences with the editorial and production process. The company’s reputation for quality control, support from publishing managers, and professional marketing services are frequently highlighted. However, some authors have expressed frustration with the competitive submission process and the lack of personal autonomy in terms of creative control. Scholastic does not have a major presence on review sites like Trustpilot, but feedback from authors tends to be overwhelmingly positive when discussing the experience once their book is accepted. For those seeking a traditional publisher, Scholastic offers a structured but rewarding experience.
Lulu, as a self-publishing platform, has a mixed reputation. On Trustpilot, Lulu holds a 3.9/5-star rating, with some authors praising its affordability, ease of use, and global distribution options. Many users appreciate the high royalty rates and flexibility of print-on-demand services. However, Lulu has faced criticism for inconsistent print quality, occasional issues with customer service response times, and the complexity of the platform for first-time users. Authors on Google Reviews have also pointed out the lack of comprehensive marketing services and the need for greater transparency in pricing.
In summary, Scholastic is praised for its traditional publishing services but can be tough for independent authors to break into. Lulu, on the other hand, offers a flexible and affordable self-publishing platform but struggles with customer service and print quality issues. Both have their strengths, but customer experiences vary widely depending on the level of service and support needed.
Scholastic vs. Lulu Publishing: Which is Right for You?
When choosing between Scholastic and Lulu, the right fit depends on your specific needs as an author.
Scholastic is ideal for authors looking for traditional publishing support, including editorial guidance, marketing services, and the chance to reach large audiences through established retail channels. If you’re a first-time author who wants professional backing and the prestige of a renowned publisher, Scholastic is a solid choice. However, the submission process is competitive, and you’ll need to be prepared to give up creative control to some degree.
On the other hand, Lulu is perfect for independent authors who prefer to self-publish and retain full control over their work. Lulu offers high royalty rates, print-on-demand, and global distribution, making it an attractive choice for authors who want more flexibility and a hands-on approach. However, Lulu lacks marketing services and requires authors to manage their own promotions. It is best suited for authors who are comfortable with the DIY publishing process.
If you’re specifically seeking marketing services, Scholastic offers more in terms of promotion and distribution to mainstream channels. If you’re more concerned about affordability and self-publishing, Lulu provides a more cost-effective, independent approach.
For more in-depth looks at Scholastic and Lulu check out our reviews for each of them right here on Top10! For more specific details, visit their respective websites to explore services and pricing tailored to your needs.
For more detailed information, you can visit their respective websites: