Lulu

Lulu is a pioneer in self-publishing and print-on-demand books. It allows authors to create, print, and sell physical books, eBooks, and photo books globally. Lulu distributes to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and its own bookstore.

Creators can also use "Lulu Direct" to sell books directly from their own Shopify or WooCommerce site, keeping 100% of the profit over print costs. It is a legitimate platform for authors who want high-quality print options (like coil binding or hardcover) that KDP doesn't offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. specific upfront cost?

No, Lulu is free to use to upload and publish your book. You only pay for the printing cost when you order copies for yourself, or the printing cost is deducted from the sale price when a customer buys.

2. How much are royalties?

For sales on the Lulu Bookstore, you earn 80% of the profit (Revenue minus Print Cost). For global distribution (Amazon, etc.), you earn 80% of the profit after the retailer takes their cut.

3. What is Lulu Direct?

Lulu Direct connects your Lulu account to your own e-commerce site. When a customer buys a book on your site, the order is sent to Lulu to print and ship. You keep all the customer data and the full profit margin.

4. Can I print just one book?

Yes, Lulu has no minimum order quantity. You can print a single copy of a book for yourself or as a proof before publishing. This makes it great for personal projects.

5. How is the print quality?

Lulu is known for offering more premium print options than Amazon KDP, including linen-wrap hardcovers, high-quality color photo paper, and landscape formats.