What is the greatest weakness of Lulu? http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583/what-is-the-greatest-weakness-of-lulu Posts in the discussion thread "What is the greatest weakness of Lulu?" - Besides the cost of the postage, that is. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:18:21 +0000 http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583#post-10382 Re: What is the greatest weakness of Lulu? http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583/what-is-the-greatest-weakness-of-lulu#post-10382 Sun, 18 Feb 2007 11:19:06 +0000 Peter Rogerson 7143 I know what you mean, Taff. The trouble is the decision to call the first hundred copies first editions came after they were actually uploaded, and I suppose I could change them all now but they would no longer truly be first editions, would they? Silly old me! But the remaining three or four titles I've got to finish editing will certainly bear the First Edition description. So anyone deciding to invest on those already up there will have to take it on trust. But ithe scheme won't really sell many books, if any, so it's likely to end up as an academic matter.

Peter

]]> http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583#post-10377 Re: What is the greatest weakness of Lulu? http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583/what-is-the-greatest-weakness-of-lulu#post-10377 Sun, 18 Feb 2007 10:47:59 +0000 Taffybach 7088 Looks good and reads well.
In my recent dealings with some collectors they are very hot on the numbers of first edition printed and that the book states first edition.
It is common for PoD not to include this so others should note. I will be updating The SPider Gem this year to add a second revision note and will correct the few remaining glitches at the same time. I may even chnage the cover graphic.
Also, book two will carry a 1st edition tag. Both books will have a first edition run of around 1000 and the collectors seemed quite happy with this.

Taff

]]> http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583#post-10244 Re: What is the greatest weakness of Lulu? http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583/what-is-the-greatest-weakness-of-lulu#post-10244 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 13:15:59 +0000 Peter Rogerson 7143 No sooner do I get an idea than I put it into motion. Maybe there is a small market out there for collectors if they can be assured they are buying something that may increase in value as a consequence of having a rarity value. So take a peek at this http://lulu.wikidot.com/first-editions and marvel!

Peter

]]> http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583#post-10232 Re: What is the greatest weakness of Lulu? http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583/what-is-the-greatest-weakness-of-lulu#post-10232 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 12:05:55 +0000 Peter Rogerson 7143 You get an invitation to save it when it is done. I have copies of all of mine, of course. But it doesn't include the cover.

Peter

]]> http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583#post-10229 Re: What is the greatest weakness of Lulu? http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583/what-is-the-greatest-weakness-of-lulu#post-10229 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 11:45:34 +0000 Taffybach 7088 With regards item 1;
Collectors are pretty sharp on this. TYou would have to make some significant change in the second versionas they are wise to these tricks of the trade. Otherwise it is an idea.

The problem I see with Lulu is that you get low cost formatting but I have been amazed at the printing and shipping costs that people have been quoting. That is one reason why I raised the printing question on the forum recently. I think this is an area that needs addressing by Lulu as it really can be a show stopper in selling.

Do you get access to your converted PDF file when using Lulu? If so are you able to take this to a local printer or is the file 'owned' by Lulu. If you do have access why not speak to local printers. Many litho printersare now going with runs as low as 500 copies and of course there are a stack of independent digital printers around and yo may find someone local which will remove the shipping cost to you.

Taff

]]> http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583#post-10214 What is the greatest weakness of Lulu? http://lulu.wikidot.com/forum/t-4583/what-is-the-greatest-weakness-of-lulu#post-10214 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 10:37:53 +0000 Peter Rogerson 7143 I wonder what everyone thinks the greatest weakness of Lulu as a POD publisher is. I'll start this thread by throwing the following observations into the mix.
1. Being POD there is no economy of scale, so the price of individual books is always going to be high. I'm seriously considering making my titles into a limited number edition, say a hundred, and announcing the fact that they will be withdrawn after selling that number, and replaced with a second edition in the hope that collectors will look on the books as an investment. Though I'd prefer it if they were bought to be read. However, collectors are always willing to pay more than are ordinary Joes who just want something to read.
2. There is no editorial rejection so any old rubbish can appear on Lulu storefronts - like mine, for instance. The natural collorary of this is the future assumption that Lulu books are a waste of money because such and such a title was dreadful. This is quite likely because people with a history of rejection (again, lkike me) are the core writers who turn to Lulu, and maybe they've got that history of rejection for a reason. Maybe everyone reasons like me, that I personally like my books, I reckon they're great - and none of my small band of friends and relatives has got the courage to disabuse me.
3. Add the above two items together and you'll never sell a book. Not to a stranger, anyway.

Peter

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