Lulu Reviews

Lulu.com provides a Pricing Calculator that allows users to view print costs, distribution eligibility, potential revenue, and download custom design templates. The cost of printing a book depends on various factors such as book size, page count, binding type, interior color, and paper type. Users can choose between premium and standard options for black & white or color interior, as well as glossy or matte cover finishes. The calculator also displays the estimated price per book, which includes bulk discounts and shipping, though tax is not included. For those interested in ebooks, Lulu.com offers digital publishing services. The platform emphasizes quality book printing at a reasonable price and provides a range of format variations. Additionally, Lulu.com offers a Book Printing API for businesses and publishers, which allows for professional printing and shipping of books at scale without upfront costs.

Lulu.com's popular products and services include a variety of self-publishing options. Users can create print books with choices like hardcover, paperback, coil bound, or saddle stitch, and photo books that feature high-quality paper and rich color ink. Custom notebooks, journals, and planners are available, as well as wall calendars that can be personalized with images and events. For comic enthusiasts, there are options to print comic books or graphic novels, and for those in academia or business, magazines and yearbooks can be produced. Cookbooks with high-quality ink and paper options are also offered. On the digital front, Lulu.com supports the creation of ebooks ready for ereaders, tablets, or smartphones. Additionally, the platform provides a Book Printing API for businesses and publishers, which allows for professional printing and shipping of books at scale. Users can sell their books internationally using various platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, leveraging Lulu's Print-On-Demand network.

Lulu.com accepts a variety of payment methods to accommodate users globally. Customers can pay using major credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal, Google Pay, Shopify Pay, Apple Pay, and country-specific payment methods depending on the shipping address. However, it is important to note that Lulu.com does not accept personal checks, money orders, cash, or wire transfers. For creators receiving payments, Lulu.com offers two options: PayPal in five different currencies or a paper check in USD. The platform ensures that all transactions are secure and encrypted, providing a safe environment for users to conduct their business.

The quality of Lulu.com's printing is generally well-regarded. Customers report high-resolution covers, thick pages, and well-aligned text that doesn’t bleed through. The company suggests a resolution of 300 PPI for images to achieve optimum print quality, which is the standard for high-quality printing. For books with color, Lulu uses the sRGB color space for the best results. The platform offers various customization options, including premium color, premium black & white, standard color, standard black & white for interiors, and different paper types and book bindings. These options allow for a high degree of personalization and can affect the overall quality of the printed product.

Lulu.com offers a Global Distribution service that makes your book available for purchase on major online retail sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others. This service also includes a listing with the Ingram Book Company, enabling brick-and-mortar bookstores to order your book. To qualify for Global Distribution, your book must have an ISBN, and it must meet certain requirements regarding book size, binding type, and language. For ebooks, they must be in English and in EPUB format to be eligible. Once approved for distribution, your book will be listed on various online retailers worldwide within 6-8 weeks, and brick-and-mortar bookstores can order and stock your title through Ingram. Sales made through Global Distribution are credited to your account approximately 6-8 weeks after purchase, with payment distributed according to the settings in your Lulu.com account.