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Post by timothyhemling on Jun 9, 2020 14:59:07 GMT
Good morning all,
Just wondering how involved or complex other self-publishing avenues are in relation to the "New" Lulu site. Especially as it relates to file formats, ease of operation, save and come back later issues . . . Just getting really tired of all the issues with Lulu lately. I've been using them for over ten years, and don't really have a problem with the new site in and of itself, but the lack of control that I have as the originator of content, disconnection from customer service and the processes that determine my book's distribution are becoming frustrating. I'm thinking seriously about stockpiling a bunch of my new release at the best bulk discount I can to tide me over to a new platform. I just don't know if the orders are going through, are they being tracked, etc. ..
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Post by djaychela on Jun 12, 2020 8:15:47 GMT
Hi.
I've been with Lulu for years, publishing a series of music tech books (600 pages), plus a few others for clients, etc. I've got annoyed with them retiring the format I used (comic book) as it's the right size/price balance for me, and I looked elsewhere for my next book (new one) as I'd literally just finished it when they sent out the email which said they were retiring my format.
As a result I've taken a look at using KDP, which I am now publishing this new book via. The sign-up was easy, the upload and proofing tools worked perfectly well for me (I use indesign and upload PDFs to lulu's spec for KDP and it's fine) - in fact, the proofing tools are a lot better than Lulu's old ones as you get a heads up on what's wrong on any given page (being outside the printable area,etc). Proof copies are quick and cheap to order, and the revenue is as good as (if not better than) Lulu. Yes, you're getting into bed with the devil (Amazon), but I found that my sales were much better via amazon when I was with Lulu (and now I see that had I gone via KDP I would have doubled my income per book, so lesson learned).
I think if you've published a book with Lulu previously then you'll find KDP easy enough.
I've not released my book yet (it's going out on Wednesday), but also getting real-time sales info from them looks much better than Lulu's old site (no idea on the new site, I've just given up completely).
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2020 10:10:39 GMT
Hi. I've been with Lulu for years, publishing a series of music tech books (600 pages), plus a few others for clients, etc. I've got annoyed with them retiring the format I used (comic book) as it's the right size/price balance for me, and I looked elsewhere for my next book (new one) as I'd literally just finished it when they sent out the email which said they were retiring my format. As a result I've taken a look at using KDP, which I am now publishing this new book via. The sign-up was easy, the upload and proofing tools worked perfectly well for me (I use indesign and upload PDFs to lulu's spec for KDP and it's fine) - in fact, the proofing tools are a lot better than Lulu's old ones as you get a heads up on what's wrong on any given page (being outside the printable area,etc). Proof copies are quick and cheap to order, and the revenue is as good as (if not better than) Lulu. Yes, you're getting into bed with the devil (Amazon), but I found that my sales were much better via amazon when I was with Lulu (and now I see that had I gone via KDP I would have doubled my income per book, so lesson learned). I think if you've published a book with Lulu previously then you'll find KDP easy enough. I've not released my book yet (it's going out on Wednesday), but also getting real-time sales info from them looks much better than Lulu's old site (no idea on the new site, I've just given up completely). If enough people write to ask, KDP will add all the old Lulu sizes and features. They have an instant feedback top right corner, which is a great thing.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2020 10:11:58 GMT
Good morning all, Just wondering how involved or complex other self-publishing avenues are in relation to the "New" Lulu site. Especially as it relates to file formats, ease of operation, save and come back later issues . . . Just getting really tired of all the issues with Lulu lately. I've been using them for over ten years, and don't really have a problem with the new site in and of itself, but the lack of control that I have as the originator of content, disconnection from customer service and the processes that determine my book's distribution are becoming frustrating. I'm thinking seriously about stockpiling a bunch of my new release at the best bulk discount I can to tide me over to a new platform. I just don't know if the orders are going through, are they being tracked, etc. .. I ordered a book recently and it was business as usual. |
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Post by Deadshot on Jun 13, 2020 14:57:58 GMT
Anyone published with Lightning Source before? I understand it is different to IngramSpark as the latter is not POD service.
I am struggling with their login page. It is not working. Not a good start for an alternative to Lulu.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2020 16:20:48 GMT
Anyone published with Lightning Source before? I understand it is different to IngramSpark as the latter is not POD service. I am struggling with their login page. It is not working. Not a good start for an alternative to Lulu. As far as I know they are the same company. Ingram Spark is just the self-publisher branch. I almost used Lightning Source 14 years ago, but it was extremely complicated, with fees everywhere. |
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Post by benziger on Jun 13, 2020 19:01:17 GMT
For IngramSpark is a coupon code until the end of June and again in autumn. INGRAMSPARK2020 coupon code for free setup. Maggie will post later the coupon code for free setup in autumn (I think so).
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2020 19:19:54 GMT
For IngramSpark is a coupon code until the end of June and again in autumn. INGRAMSPARK2020 coupon code for free setup. Maggie will post later the coupon code for free setup in autumn (I think so). Yes. If it follows all previous years, it should be NANO2021 in the fall. Do a quick Google search before you start. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2020 19:20:59 GMT
This is what I found: Differences between Lightning Source and Ingram Spark
One of the most common questions we receive at Ingram is “what’s the difference between IngramSpark and Lightning Source?”
IngramSpark and Lightning Source are both companies at Ingram Content Group that provide print-on-demand services for publishers.
• IngramSpark is for independent publishers or self-published authors looking for the high quality, professional products and services that Ingram provides.
• Lightning Source is for mid to large size publishers seeking a more expansive, hands-on publishing service from Ingram.
In this article, we’ll explain how the two options are similar and how they differ, to help you understand whether IngramSpark or Lightning Source best suits your publishing needs.
Let’s start by discussing what you’ll receive with both companies.
IngramSpark and Lightning Source provide customers with the same:
• Print-on-demand book manufacturing
• Book trim sizes, cover options, interior papers, and interior print options
• Global distribution network of more than 39,000+ retailers, bookstores, and libraries
• File requirements for print interior and cover files
• Access to a customer support team 7 days a week
Now, let’s discuss how they differ.
IngramSpark
• Account Setup: You can activate your account and set up titles all in the same day.
• Ebook Services: Offers ebook conversion and distribution.
• Credit Terms: Accepts credit cards only, and clients must be able to provide digital signatures on contracts and agreements.
• Discount Terms: Allows publishers to offer between a 30% and 55% wholesale discount.
• Fees
o Paperback or hardback - $49 Setup fee
o Paperback or hardback AND ebook (if set up at the same time) - $49 setup fee
o Ebook Only - $25 Setup fee
o Ebook Conversion Services - $0.60/page
o Global Distribution - Free
o Revisions ($25 per file once in production)
All Free with coupon code
Lightning Source
• Account Setup: With Lightning Source, it may take several days before an account is activated, depending on how quickly banks provide references and information.
• Ebook Services: No ebook setup is available through Lightning Source, but is available through Ingram-owned CoreSource for publishers with extensive digital asset management needs.
• Credit Terms: Lightning Source offers both credit card or credit terms to publishers, depending on their business eligibility.
• Discount Terms: Allows publishers to offer between a 25% to 55% wholesale discount.
• Scanning: Lightning Source can scan an already existing book ($75 for the cover and $0.25 per page for BW interior) and create the digital files needed for printing.
• BOLT Pricing: Similar to a loyalty program, opt-in Book Long-Term (BOLT) Pricing is designed to help publishers get the most out of print on demand by providing incrementally increasing printing discounts over the long-term.
• Fees
o Paperback or hardback - $75 setup fee
o Global distribution - $12 yearly Market Access Fee, per title
o Revisions - $40 per file once in production
• Those who would benefit most from Lightning Source typically have an established list and do frequent business or will be establishing consistent business over time.Wow. Thank you for all of this. I meant to dive deep into these two but this summary is sufficient to form a clear idea. I think I remember now why I chose Createspace and then Lulu. The fees are off-putting when you have other services offering free setup. Now, shall I be a bit more patient and wait to see how (if?) Lulu are going to get their act together? I have all my books 'up and running' in bookshops and on every online market despite the fact that my dashboard says they are still under review. Again, thanks and much appreciated. [EDITED] It's all free for over 6 months a year with a coupon code. Lots of benefits. |
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Post by ronmiller on Jun 15, 2020 15:30:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2020 15:53:43 GMT
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