Create Space vs. Lulu

Createspace is newer and it offers less options (no hardbacks, etc.)

I went with cs over lulu myself and have been quite satisfied. The royalty payments are paid on a prompt monthly basis too, which I like.

Well, it looks like CS has an up front cost, which Lulu doesn't, unless you want distribution.

CS does not have an upfront cost, but you can opt to buy into the ProPlan, which is $40 and lowers the price of the title to you, in addition to raising your royalty.

But you can publish for free, and they give you and ISBN and get you onto Amazon for free.

However, they don't get you on Barnes and Noble or any other outlets. Just Amazon.

But does Lulu get you on any outlets other than Amazon and their own marketplace, anyway?

Yes, Lulu does, but you have to pay for it. Last I checked, it was like $100 or so? I'm not sure. Someone else here who uses lulu could probably give you a better idea.

This is good to know. I keep reading minor horror stories about Lulu.

I'm working with Lulu on a project, for which I plan to make copies privately of works I have... as far as ease of uploading and formatting... I found it to be simple simon!! They have templates and I found them to be dead on accurate. I've never used Create Space, so I can't compare... just wanted to comment how easy Lulu was for uploading and formatting. I love that I had do hardbacks with Lulu.

Question

I'd like to know how the whole cost thing relates between the two.

Suppose you prepare a book through Lulu. Let's say it costs 8$ to produce. Now here's the question: When it goes on Amazon, isn't it true that they take a cut of the price, like 45%? So in other words, if your book costs 8$ to produce at Lulu, one must also subtracts another 4$ of profit (Amazon's cut)? Therefore, if you want to make money, you have to price the book over 12 dollars.

Is that correct?

I'm planning to use CreateSpace when I self-publish my books. I heard great things about Lulu years ago, but lately it seems like everything I hear about them is negative. I've been impressed with the books I've seen from CreateSpace, and the Amazon connection is useful.

CreateSpace did an offer last year to print a free copy of your NaNo book, so I'd imagine they'll do that again this year.

I must have been looking at some other package. Well, it looks like CS is a much better deal than LULU. Cheaper fixed costs per book, and a cheaper distribution to Amazon.

Actually, that's even cheaper than some small press printers I've inquired...but is the rub in the shipping and handling? I couldn't find shipping and handling rates. Can anyone tell me what they charge (or provide a link to charges) for shipping?

Shipping's horrible internationally--like $20+ I hear.

In the U.S., though, it's like $3.50.

skylarburris said:

Actually, that's even cheaper than some small press printers I've inquired...but is the rub in the shipping and handling? I couldn't find shipping and handling rates. Can anyone tell me what they charge (or provide a link to charges) for shipping?

Click to expand...

For shipping directly to me for sale from my website I pay $0.51 per book, I have only ordered shipments of 30 each and they come in one box .... I am in Florida and the books are printed in S. Carolina so that may effect the rates, but overall, for bulk orders it's not bad....