When I finished my first book, Journey to Life, there was only one choice on who to self-publish with. I chose LULU. Here is why:
- No Upfront Fees. Many authors like just having a book published. Something with their name on it. They do not want to be the next Stephen King. So laying out a lot of money on editing, design, marketing, and such seems like a waste of time. Café Press does not charge upfront fees either, but it will cost you more in the end.
- Easy design layout in multiple sizes and online PDF conversion. When you used one of Lulu’s design templates, the process was easy. You just insert your content, make sure it is correct, and then upload it. The system then walks you through publishing the book. You can use one of their covers or provide one of your own. The system automatically converts the information into a PDF file, and then allows you to preview you.
Café Press gives you a basic template, but anything else you have to provide. You have to provide the covers, PDF, etc. The template is really just a guide for margins and placement.
- Cost. Both were more expensive than going to a printer, but less than Café Press.
Lulu costs around $5 base, while Café Press was $10. For a 70 page memoir that seemed a little much. Keep in mind that with a regular printer there is generally a minimum amount that must be ordered.
- Lulu is a book publisher unlike Café Press which is predominately a seller of customized T-shirts, mugs, etc.
- Payment: Lulu will send out your commissions through PayPal or Check at an amount you declare, while Café Press sends out checks monthly.
Similarities:
No upfront fees
On Demand Publishing, which means you only pay for the book that is ordered.
Differences:
Lulu has full marketing department. It can run you anywhere from $20 for some cards to hundreds for distribution through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books in Print. They also allow you to be the publisher (fee) or them. ISBNs can be obtained by either party.
Café Press does not offer this, but does offer you the opportunity to have an online store to market your books and other merchandise. However, if you have more than one book, you have to purchase their Premium service which costs about $4.99 per month. The ISBN must be purchased elsewhere. With Café Press you are the actual publisher.
Both have detailed pages on how to publish, sort of a Learning Center of sorts.
Both companies handle all the transactions, printing and shipping. Lulu allows you to create a Thank-you card to send to purchasers.
Commission:
Lulu not only charges you for the book design, but does charge a commission for the sale. That commission is based on your fee. If you charge nothing for the book, but their costs then there is no commission. In this case, Café Press is a little better. They charge more, but you set the price, and whatever is over the cost is yours.
Café Press requires you to be technically savvy with book design in order for it to work. Lulu is great for the person who has no idea how to do anything, but write. You can also make your book available by download. This is not an option for Café Press.
Another difference is that with Lulu you can promote online in their forums, have the book reviewed, and have a preview for your customers.
Let’s Do the Math:
Let’s say we are publishing a 100 page perfect bound 6×9 book.
Lulu Price Café Press Price
$6.53 $10.00
The price at Lulu goes down the more that is ordered. They also make wholesale pricing available if you get into a large chain. 100 books at Lulu run $393.00. Those same 100 books at Café Press cost $1000.
The cost for ISBNs and general marketing to online booksellers usually runs around $250 for Lulu and is not available from Café Press.
For a first time author Lulu is the clear choice for ease, variety, and costs. There is a variety of help through online operator chat and forums.
