Repost:
06-15-2006, 05:46 PM
redplum
Esteemed New Member
Niche non-fiction publishing start-up seeks advice on LSI/printing
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Hi, folks! I've read many, many threads about the POD world, but none that *quite* deal with my question. Please do forgive me if I'm inadvertently repeating information found elsewhere.
My situation: I edit a popular online trade magazine. We publish non-fiction articles, and have a pretty substantial reader base. Our creative director is also a well-known expert in the field and has an established platform, including regular speaking engagements and several popular books published through a traditional publisher. I also edit technical and business books as a freelancer for a good-sized publishing house.
We are in the process of planning an expansion from online magazine publishing to (print) book publishing in the same professional niche. (We'll be publishing shorter and more narrowly focused books than the big houses in our field tend to publish, and I believe that we have the platform required to succeed.) We already work with authors, book designers / compositors, copyeditors, and proofreaders, and we're not complete dunderheads when it comes to business. Readers in our niche are used to paying prices that seem excessive to me (quite a bit pricier than fiction), so we won't be at quite as much of a price disadvantage as some.
My question(s): I am researching LSI (Lightning Source) now. Do those of you who've worked with LSI have any particular cautions or suggestions for us as we begin this process? We'd prefer to deal with fulfillment as little as possible (we're running three other branches of this business), and we'd obviously prefer to avoid warehousing, so POD appeals to us as a start-up option.
The collective brain here at AW is pretty astonishing, so I wanted to throw myself on your mercy before I started talking to actual sales reps at LIS or elsewhere. Anyone want to warn me about specific pitfalls I may have overlooked?
Many thanks,
Erin
06-16-2006, 01:22 PM
judithmoose
Esteemed New Member
I started out using Lightning Source but am now with three different printers as I have yet to find one that can supply everything needed in my authors' books. Of the three, Lightning Source definitely has the fastest turnaround time but the quality on photographic material isn't up to par. I've had books that are predominently photographic that when they're delivered look as if someone ran out of ink halfway through the printing process. That was why I started scouting for additional print houses. That said, if you're looking for speed then Lightning Source is the winner. If you're looking for photo quality try Net Publications in Poughkeepsie, New York. Their setup fees are extremely reasonable and their pricing is very competitive. The only drawback is that it takes about four weeks to get anything done.
Hope this helps and that you have a wonderful weekend!
06-17-2006, 11:27 AM
redplum
Esteemed New Member
Thanks, judithmoose, that's good to know. Has LSI been OK for black and white text printing for you, or have you seen quality problems with that as well?
Happy rest of weekend!
Erin
06-17-2006, 03:30 PM
Medievalist
Dawnolite Bovine Admiration
I've used LSI for computer documentation, and they've been fine. You do have to know something about printing and paper stock, and naturally, the typesetting and design are crucial. They print what you send, so do a rough print first, and do talk to them about what your needs are.
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Lisa L. Spangenberg | Digital Medievalist
06-17-2006, 06:44 PM
judithmoose
Esteemed New Member
Hi Erin,Quote:
Originally Posted by redplum
Thanks, judithmoose, that's good to know. Has LSI been OK for black and white text printing for you, or have you seen quality problems with that as well?
Happy rest of weekend!
Erin
Black and white text printing is absolutely fine. The paper is a little thin but that's about the only complaint I have with the straight text material.
All the best,
Judith