Publishing your book feels exciting, but it also takes some guidance. Lulu gives you a platform where you can upload, print, and sell your work without needing a traditional publisher. Many new authors start here because it’s flexible and simple to use. You can print paperbacks, hardcovers, or eBooks, and your readers can order directly from Lulu or through partner stores.
I used Lulu when I wanted a physical copy of my first draft. The platform let me order just a few books without spending too much. Holding that copy gave me confidence to move forward. You can use Lulu the same way, either to test how your book looks in print or to start building sales channels right away.
On this platform, you handle the creative choices, from size and binding to pricing. Lulu doesn’t control your rights. Your work stays yours, which is something many authors value. That freedom allows you to shape your book exactly how you want it.
What Is Lulu Publishing?
Lulu works as a self-publishing platform that focuses on print-on-demand. Instead of printing hundreds of copies and storing them, you upload your files, and books only get printed when readers place orders. This cuts down costs and risk, which helps both new and experienced authors. You can publish novels, poetry, memoirs, guides, or even photo books.
The company started in 2002 and quickly became a trusted name among independent writers. Over the years, Lulu built strong partnerships with major distributors, making it easier for authors to reach readers worldwide. I remember setting up my first project on Lulu and feeling surprised by how many formats I could choose from. Having those options gave me more control over how I wanted my book to appear.
Many authors use Lulu because it offers different services beyond printing. You can buy ISBNs, choose professional cover design help, or stick to the basics and upload your own. This flexibility allows you to match your budget and goals. For someone like me, that choice mattered, since I wanted to start small before spending on extras.
Why Authors Choose Lulu Over Other Platforms
Many writers pick Lulu because it offers a mix of formats that other platforms may not provide. You can create hardcovers, coil-bound books, and photo albums in addition to standard paperbacks. That variety gives you more creative freedom. For example, I once tested a spiral-bound edition for a workbook project, and it turned out better than expected.
Another reason is global distribution. Lulu connects with Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram’s network, so your book can appear in online catalogs worldwide. Authors who want reach beyond one marketplace often see this as a big advantage. While Amazon KDP has more visibility on its own site, Lulu gives you a chance to spread across different stores.
Printing a proof copy helps you spot colors that look different in real life compared to a screen.
Customer service also stands out. Lulu has responsive support channels, which is important if you run into formatting or order issues. I’ve sent questions about file settings before, and the team answered quickly. That kind of help makes the publishing process smoother, especially if you’re new to self-publishing.
Is It Free to Publish a Book on Lulu?
Yes, Lulu allows you to publish your book for free. You can upload your manuscript, design your cover, and make your book available for sale without paying upfront fees. The main cost comes when a copy gets printed. This print-on-demand system means you don’t need to invest in large batches.
What you spend depends on your choices. Factors like book size, page count, color or black-and-white printing, and binding style all affect the price. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Paperback printing – lower cost per copy compared to hardcovers.
- Hardcover printing – higher cost but more durable and professional.
- Color interiors – more expensive than black and white.
- Distribution services – free to access, but you may need to purchase an ISBN if you don’t already own one.
I used Lulu to print five copies of my draft before sending it out for editing. The price was fair, and I only paid for the books themselves. This made the process less risky and let me check how the layout looked in real life. You can use the same approach to test your book before committing to wide distribution.
How to Publish a Book in Lulu (Step-by-Step Guide)
Publishing with Lulu takes a few clear steps that you can follow without stress. Start by signing up for a free Lulu account. Once you log in, you’ll find a dashboard where you can create a new project. I remember feeling nervous when I clicked that button the first time, but the guided process made it easier.
Prepare your manuscript before you upload it. Lulu accepts PDF and DOCX files for print and EPUB for eBooks. Make sure your margins, fonts, and images look clean. I learned early that skipping formatting checks can lead to awkward page breaks. Taking time here saves you money and frustration later.
Next, upload your cover file. You can design it yourself or use Lulu’s built-in cover tool. Choose the right book size, paper type, and binding. Options include paperback, hardcover, and coil binding. I once tested both matte and glossy covers for the same title to see which one I liked best. Having those options gave me a stronger sense of control.
Set your price and choose where you want to sell your book. Lulu lets you sell directly through its bookstore or through partners like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. After setting your royalty, order a proof copy. Holding that first print copy helps you spot design flaws that are hard to notice on a screen. Once you’re happy, approve it for sale, and your book goes live.
How Does Lulu Pay Authors?
Lulu pays you through royalties based on sales. Each time a book sells, you earn money after printing and distribution costs are subtracted. Payments happen once a month, usually around the end of the month. You can choose PayPal or direct deposit, depending on what works best for you.
Royalties differ depending on where your book sells. A copy sold directly through Lulu’s store gives you a higher share since there are fewer middle steps. Sales made through Amazon or Barnes & Noble include distributor fees, which lower your earnings. For example, I once priced a paperback at $12.99. When sold on Lulu, I made more than $5 per copy, but on Amazon it came out closer to $3.
Authors also need to meet a minimum payout threshold. Lulu holds earnings until they reach that amount. Keeping track of sales in your account dashboard helps you know when the next payment is coming. I checked mine often when I started, and it felt motivating to see even small amounts add up. This payment system gives you a steady way to earn from every copy sold.
Is Lulu Good for Self-Publishing?
Many authors see Lulu as a strong option because of its flexibility. You can publish in different formats, from paperbacks to photo books, and you don’t need to order in bulk. That saves money and lets you test projects without financial risk. I once printed a short poetry book just to see how it would look, and the freedom to order only a few copies made the process stress-free.
The print quality is another reason writers use Lulu. Pages come out crisp, and binding feels solid. Having that professional finish matters when you want readers to take your work seriously. On the downside, Lulu doesn’t handle marketing for you. You have to build your own audience and promote your book, which can feel tough at first.
Pricing can also be higher compared to Amazon KDP. Printing costs add up, especially for longer books or color interiors. That said, Lulu offers wider distribution and more format choices. If you value creative control and global reach, Lulu gives you tools to succeed. From my experience, it works well for authors who like independence and don’t mind taking charge of their own promotion.
Lulu Distribution Channels Explained
When you publish on Lulu, your book doesn’t just stay on their store. It can reach major retailers and library suppliers through Lulu’s global distribution network. This includes Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ingram, and other channels that give your work wider visibility. Once approved, your title gets listed in catalogs that bookstores and libraries can order from.
The process takes some time. After you submit your files and approve a proof copy, Lulu reviews the book before sending it to distribution partners. In my case, it took about two weeks before my book showed up on Amazon. Seeing it listed felt surreal and motivating. That experience alone made me appreciate the reach Lulu provides.
Your work stays yours, which is something many authors value.
Authors who want to control where their book appears can adjust settings in the dashboard. You can keep sales exclusive to Lulu or open them to other stores. This flexibility helps if you want to test direct sales first. The ability to choose your channels gives you a stronger sense of control over your publishing plan.
Lulu Book Formatting & Cover Design Options
File preparation plays a big role in how your book turns out on Lulu. The platform accepts DOCX and PDF for print projects and EPUB for digital editions. Clean formatting matters, so check margins, font sizes, and image placement before uploading. I once ignored a margin issue and ended up with text running too close to the binding. Fixing it took time, but it taught me to always double-check my file.
Cover design options give you freedom to create a professional look. You can upload a custom cover file or use Lulu’s Cover Designer tool. The tool works well for basic layouts, but a custom design often looks sharper. Lulu also provides templates that match different book sizes and binding types. I tried both routes and found that using the template saved me from alignment mistakes.
Authors who care about presentation often test multiple designs before deciding. Printing a proof copy helps you spot colors that look different in real life compared to a screen. A glossy cover may shine more, while a matte finish can feel smoother in your hands. These small choices matter because they shape the reader’s first impression of your book.
Marketing Your Lulu Book After Publishing
Publishing your book is only half the work. Once it’s live, readers need to know it exists. Lulu doesn’t handle promotion for you, so building visibility becomes your job. Social media, author websites, newsletters, and book events can help you spread the word. When I launched my first Lulu project, I made simple posts on Facebook and Instagram, and a few friends ordered right away.
Running ads can push your book further. Facebook Ads and Amazon Ads give you tools to target specific readers. You don’t need a large budget to start; even small campaigns can bring attention to your work. I once tested a $20 ad for a short eBook, and it gave me enough clicks to confirm that readers were interested.
Building long-term marketing means growing your author brand. A personal website makes you look professional and gives readers a place to learn more about you. Collecting emails through a sign-up form helps you stay connected with fans. Over time, this direct line of communication becomes more valuable than one-time ads. It gives you control over how and when readers hear from you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Publishing on Lulu
Skipping formatting checks is a mistake many new authors make. A file that looks fine on your computer may print with awkward spacing or cut-off text. Always preview your PDF before uploading. I once rushed through this step and ended up with page numbers sitting in the wrong spot. Ordering a proof copy saved me from releasing a flawed version.
Another common issue is ignoring cover design. A plain or blurry cover can make readers pass on your book. Lulu’s templates help keep dimensions accurate, but you still need a sharp, clear image. I learned this when I tested an early design with a low-resolution picture. The printed copy looked unprofessional, so I had to redo it.
Some authors also forget to adjust pricing. Setting the price too high may turn buyers away, while going too low cuts into your royalties. Checking what similar books cost gives you a better idea of where to set yours. It’s better to strike a balance between profit and reader appeal. Taking time to get these details right saves stress later.
Alternatives to Lulu Publishing
Amazon KDP is the most common alternative for self-publishing. It gives you direct access to Amazon’s massive customer base and offers simple tools for uploading your book. I used KDP for a short story collection and noticed faster visibility compared to Lulu. The trade-off is less variety in binding and print styles.
IngramSpark stands out for its wide distribution reach. Many bookstores and libraries prefer ordering through Ingram’s catalog. The platform charges setup fees, which can be a barrier for new authors. Still, if you want strong placement in retail and libraries, it offers a solid path.
Blurb is another option, especially for image-heavy projects like photo books or art collections. Its print quality works well for visual projects. I once tried Blurb for a photography zine, and the colors came out sharp. Choosing between these platforms depends on your publishing goals. Lulu works best when you value format variety, but other options may serve you better for certain niches.
FAQs About Lulu Publishing
What types of books sell best on Lulu?
Books with unique niches, workbooks, and art-focused projects often do well. Lulu’s wide range of formats makes it popular for photo books and guides. I once tested a poetry book with custom binding, and it stood out because of the format.
How long does it take to publish a book on Lulu?
The setup process only takes a few hours if your files are ready. Distribution approval and listing on partner sites can take one to three weeks. My own book appeared on Amazon about two weeks after I finalized it.
Does Lulu distribute to Amazon?
Yes, Lulu distributes to Amazon through its global network. Your book gets listed after passing Lulu’s review process. This makes it possible for readers to find your work in one of the largest online marketplaces.
Can I publish both eBooks and print on Lulu?
Yes, Lulu allows both. You can upload EPUB files for eBooks and PDF or DOCX for print editions. Having both formats increases your chances of reaching more readers.
Do I keep my copyright when publishing on Lulu?
Yes, Lulu does not claim rights to your work. You maintain full ownership of your book. This control helps you stay in charge of your content and brand.
Lulu connects with Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram’s network, so your book can appear in online catalogs worldwide.
What percentage does Lulu take?
The share depends on the sales channel. Direct Lulu sales give you a larger royalty, while Amazon and other partners take a cut. I noticed the difference when comparing payouts from Lulu’s store and Amazon sales.
Can I order author copies from Lulu?
Yes, you can order copies at print cost. This is useful for book signings, giveaways, or personal stock. I often order small batches for events, and the quality has stayed consistent.
Why Lulu Deserves a Spot in Your Publishing Plan
Publishing on Lulu gives you freedom to create the book you want without pressure from traditional publishers. You control the format, price, and distribution, and your work stays in your hands. That level of control matters, especially if you want to grow as an independent author.
From my own experience, Lulu works best for writers who enjoy testing ideas and experimenting with different formats. The platform feels flexible, and that makes it less stressful compared to systems that lock you into strict rules. Ordering a proof copy of my first book through Lulu gave me a rush that reminded me why I started writing in the first place.
My view? Lulu may not fit every author, but it gives you real options. If you value independence, variety, and global reach, it’s worth using. I believe it’s one of the strongest tools for writers who want to publish on their own terms.
