How Do I Get My Book Published Through Lulu? – A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Are you dreaming of holding your own published book in your hands? The publishing landscape has transformed dramatically, making it more accessible than ever for aspiring authors to bring their stories to life. Self-publishing platforms like Lulu have emerged as powerful tools, democratizing the publishing process and putting control directly into the hands of creators.

Lulu is a leading print-on-demand (POD) self-publishing platform. This means that instead of printing hundreds or thousands of copies upfront and hoping they sell, your book is only printed when an order is placed. This revolutionary model significantly reduces financial risk and eliminates the need for expensive inventory. Authors choose Lulu for its user-friendly interface, global distribution options, diverse range of book formats, and, crucially, because authors retain full control and rights over their work.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of self-publishing your book on Lulu, from preparing your manuscript to navigating distribution and marketing.

Phase 1: Pre-Publication Essentials – Getting Your Manuscript Ready

Before you even think about uploading files, your manuscript needs to be in its best possible shape. This foundational work is crucial for a professional-looking and reader-pleasing book.

The Polished Manuscript: The Foundation of Your Book

Your book’s success hinges on the quality of its content. A well-written, thoroughly edited manuscript is non-negotiable.

Writing & Editing: Once your draft is complete, the real work begins.

• Self-Editing Techniques: Start by reading your manuscript aloud to catch awkward phrasing, repetitive words, and grammatical errors. Utilize grammar checkers like Grammarly, but don’t rely on them solely.
• The Value of Professional Editing: For a truly polished product, professional editing is highly recommended.
  1. Developmental Editing: Focuses on the big picture – plot, character development, pacing, and overall structure.
  2. Copyediting: Addresses grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and consistency.
  3. Proofreading: The final pass to catch any lingering typos or formatting glitches before publication.

• Proofreading and Revisions: After any major edits, conduct multiple rounds of proofreading yourself. Consider having trusted beta readers review your manuscript for feedback on content and clarity.

Formatting Your Interior: Making Your Book Reader-Friendly

The interior formatting of your book directly impacts the reading experience. Lulu has specific requirements to ensure your book prints correctly and looks professional.

• Understanding Lulu’s Requirements: These technical specifications are vital for print-on-demand.
  • Trim Size: This is the final size of your printed book (e.g., 6×9 inches, 5.5×8.5 inches). Lulu offers various standard options. Choose a size appropriate for your genre and content.
  • Margins and Gutter: Margins are the white space around the text. The “gutter” is the inner margin where the pages meet the binding. Adequate margins are crucial for readability, preventing text from being cut off or disappearing into the spine. Lulu provides recommended minimums for interior margins (e.g., typically 0.5 inches on all sides, with an additional 0.125-0.25 inches for the gutter, depending on page count).
  • Bleed: If any elements on your page (like images or background colors) extend to the very edge of the trimmed page, you need to include “bleed.” This is an extra 0.125 inches around the edge that gets trimmed off, ensuring no white lines appear.
• File Formats: For print books, Lulu primarily accepts your interior file as a high-resolution PDF. They may accept other formats initially, but PDF is required for print-ready files.
• Tips for a Professional Look:
  • Consistent Font Choices: Stick to one or two professional, readable fonts for your body text and headings.
  • Chapter Breaks and Page Numbering: Ensure these are consistent and well-formatted. Page numbers are typically at the top or bottom of the page.
  • Image Resolution: If your book includes images, ensure they are at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for clear printing.
  • Using Lulu’s Templates: Lulu provides free interior formatting templates for common trim sizes in programs like Microsoft Word and InDesign. These can be incredibly helpful for ensuring correct margins and other specifications.

Phase 2: The Lulu Publishing Process – A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Once your manuscript is meticulously prepared, it’s time to bring it into the Lulu ecosystem.

Creating Your Lulu Account

Your journey begins with a simple registration. Visit Lulu.com and sign up for a free account.

Starting Your Project

After logging in, navigate to “My Projects” or “Create” to start a new project.

• Choosing Your Project Goal: Lulu offers various project types. For most authors, you’ll select “Print Book” or “Ebook.” You can also create magazines, photo books, and calendars.
• Selecting Book Specifications: This is where you define the physical attributes of your printed book.
  • Paper Type: Options include standard or premium paper, and cream or white paper. Cream paper is often preferred for novels as it’s easier on the eyes.
  • Binding: The most common is “perfect bound paperback.” Hardcover options are also available, and some niche products might offer coil binding. Note that certain binding types might limit global distribution.
  • Interior Ink: Choose between black & white, standard color, or premium color, depending on your book’s content (e.g., novels are typically B&W; children’s books or cookbooks might require color).

Uploading Your Interior File

This is where your meticulously formatted PDF comes in.

• Guidance on Uploading: Follow Lulu’s prompts to upload your interior PDF file.
• Importance of Previewing: Lulu will generate a digital proof. Do not skip this step! Carefully review every page to ensure all text and images are positioned correctly, page numbers are accurate, and there are no unexpected formatting issues.

Designing Your Cover: The Book’s First Impression

Your cover is your book’s most important marketing tool. It needs to be professional, eye-catching, and convey your genre.

• Lulu’s Cover Creator Tool: If you’re not a designer, Lulu offers an intuitive Cover Creator. You can upload your own images and text to create a decent-looking cover.
• Uploading a Custom Cover: For a truly professional look, consider hiring a professional cover designer. If you have a custom design:
  • File Format: Your cover should be a single-page integrated spread PDF, including the front cover, spine, and back cover.
  • Resolution and Dimensions: Ensure it meets Lulu’s specific dimensions and resolution requirements (usually 300 DPI). Lulu provides templates for cover design as well.
  • Spine Text Considerations: If your book has enough pages, you’ll need text on the spine (title, author name). Ensure it’s correctly centered.
  • Critical Elements: Make sure your title, author name, and a compelling image are clearly visible. Lulu will automatically place a barcode on the back cover if you use their free ISBN.

Copyright and ISBN: Protecting Your Work

Understanding these elements is crucial for ownership and distribution.

• Understanding ISBNs: An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique 13-digit commercial book identifier. It’s essential for your book to be cataloged and sold by bookstores and online retailers.
• Lulu’s Free ISBN vs. Purchasing Your Own:
  • Lulu’s Free ISBN: Lulu offers a free ISBN, which is convenient. However, when you use a free ISBN, Lulu becomes the “publisher of record.” This means Lulu’s name will appear as the publisher in book databases.
  • Purchasing Your Own: If you want to establish your own publishing imprint and be listed as the publisher, you’ll need to purchase your own ISBNs. In the U.S., these are purchased from Bowker.
• Copyright Page: Include a copyright page in the front matter of your book. This typically states “© [Year] by [Your Name]. All rights reserved.” and may include an ISBN, disclaimers, and edition information.

Project Details and Metadata

Metadata is the information that helps readers find your book. Spend time on this!

• Book Description/Synopsis: Write a compelling, concise summary that entices readers. This will appear on your book’s product page on Lulu and other retail sites.
• Categories (BISAC codes): Select relevant BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications) codes. These are industry-standard subject codes that help categorize your book for retailers and libraries. Choose categories that accurately reflect your book’s genre and content.
• Keywords: Think about terms readers would use to search for your book. Include these keywords in your title, subtitle, and description where natural.
• Contributor Notes: Add your author bio, and any other relevant contributors (e.g., illustrator).

Pricing and Payees: Setting Your Royalties

Determining your book’s price and how you’ll get paid is a critical business decision.

• Lulu’s Pricing Calculator: Lulu provides a tool that estimates your print cost based on your book’s specifications (page count, color, paper type).
• Setting Your Retail Price: Research comparable books in your genre. Factor in your print cost and desired royalty. You want a competitive price that still yields a decent profit.
• Understanding Royalties: Lulu calculates royalties by taking the retail price, subtracting the print cost, and then subtracting their share and any distribution fees. The remainder is your author revenue.
• Setting Up Payees: Lulu offers options for receiving payments, typically via PayPal or direct deposit. You’ll need to link your preferred payment method.
• Tax Information: You will need to submit appropriate tax forms (e.g., W-9 for U.S. residents, W-8 BEN for non-U.S. residents) to comply with tax regulations and ensure proper payment.

Review and Approval

The final checks before your book goes live!

• Proof Copy (CRUCIAL!): For print books, always order a physical proof copy of your book. This is the only way to catch subtle errors in formatting, color, or print quality that aren’t visible on a digital screen. Review it meticulously.
• Final Confirmation: Once you’re satisfied with your proof copy, return to your project on Lulu and give your final approval for publishing and distribution.

Phase 3: Distribution and Marketing – Getting Your Book in Readers’ Hands

Publishing your book is a huge accomplishment, but it’s just the first step. To reach readers, you need to distribute and market your work.

Distribution Options on Lulu

Lulu offers several avenues to get your book to market.

• Lulu Bookstore: Your book will automatically be available for sale directly on Lulu’s own online bookstore. This is a good starting point for direct sales.
• Global Distribution Network: This is where Lulu truly shines. By opting into global distribution, your book will be made available to major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through Ingram, which supplies thousands of bookstores and libraries worldwide.
  • Lulu Direct vs. Global Distribution: Understand the difference between Lulu Direct (their own platform) and how global distribution extends your reach.
  • Timeframes: Be aware that it can take several weeks for your book to propagate through all global distribution channels and appear on retailer websites.
• Lulu Direct (for E-commerce Stores): If you have your own website or e-commerce store (e.g., Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce), you can integrate Lulu Direct to sell your books directly from your site, with Lulu handling the printing and shipping.

Marketing Your Book

Even with global distribution, your book won’t sell itself. Marketing is an ongoing effort.

• Beyond Publishing: Understand that publishing is merely the logistical hurdle. The real work of connecting with readers begins now.
• Essential Marketing Strategies:
  • Building an Author Platform: Create a professional author website and establish a presence on relevant social media platforms where your target readers spend their time.
  • Email List Building: Start an email list from day one. Your email subscribers are your most dedicated fans and the best audience for new book announcements.
  • Book Launch Strategies: Plan a launch day or week with promotions, social media buzz, and outreach to your network.
  • Leveraging Online Reviews: Encourage readers to leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other retail sites. Reviews are crucial for discoverability and building trust.
  • Using Social Media Effectively: Engage with readers, share insights about your writing process, and promote your book authentically.
  • Collaborations and Cross-Promotion: Partner with other authors or relevant influencers in your genre.
  • Consideration of Paid Advertising (Optional): Once you understand your audience, platforms like Amazon Ads or Facebook Ads can help boost visibility, but require careful budgeting and strategy.

FAQs About Publishing with Lulu

Here are some common questions authors have about using Lulu:

1. Can I publish an ebook and print book on Lulu?

Yes, you can create separate projects for the print version and the ebook version of your book on Lulu.

2. How long does it take for my book to appear on retail sites?

After you approve your book for global distribution, it can take 6-8 weeks for it to appear on major retail sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

3. Can I make changes to my book after it’s published?

Yes, you can revise your manuscript and cover files on Lulu at any time. However, any changes will require resubmission to distribution channels, which will incur the same propagation time.

4. What are the main differences between Lulu and other platforms like KDP?

While both are print-on-demand, Lulu offers a wider variety of book formats (e.g., coil-bound, more paper options) and can be more flexible for authors who want to sell directly from their own websites. KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is Amazon’s platform and often offers faster integration with Amazon’s ecosystem.

5. Do I need an ISBN for a private book?

If you are only printing copies for personal use or to give away, an ISBN is not required. It’s only necessary if you intend to sell your book through commercial retail channels.

Conclusion: Your Authorial Journey Continues

Publishing your book through Lulu is an empowering journey that puts you in the driver’s seat of your literary career. By diligently preparing your manuscript, navigating Lulu’s intuitive platform, and embracing the crucial steps of distribution and marketing, you can transform your dream of becoming a published author into a tangible reality.

Remember, self-publishing is an ongoing endeavor. The moment your book goes live on Lulu is not the end, but a fantastic new beginning for your authorial journey. Take the leap, embrace the process, and share your story with the world!