Articles tagged "books"

by AJ
August 31, 2010
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Focus: Books That’ll Make You Grin

In Author Spotlight, Lulu Blog — Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Working at Lulu can introduce a person to tons of new books and authors, as you’d probably imagine.  Since I have been here, I have hoarded some of my favorites from the rest of the office at my desk.  They are the ones that have caught my eye walking by as they peek out from our bookshelves. Some are about music, some about food, but mostly, ones that make me laugh.  Below are just a few recommendations for anyone looking for a grin.

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Never Iron When Your Are Naked
by Trevor Perry

Advice your mother should have given you, but never did. Trevor Perry has a gift for taking the complicated things in life and turning them into good advice.  While ironing naked may be dangerous, Perry also reminds us to live with passion, to laugh often, and to constantly stand in awe of life itself.

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The Things Your Don’t Know You Don’t Know
by Harland Williams

Get ready to laugh yourself silly, scratch your head in wonder, and perhaps even cry as you delve into the hilarious and often bizarre mind of renowned actor/comedian Harland Williams.  Here, Williams shares his ridiculous and sometimes poignant observations on…well…everything. Some are things you may have overlooked, others you just not have cared to notice.  But with Williams unique spin on life and the things we interact with, you’ll start second guessing how you take things in.

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The Torture Device Coloring Book
by Erik Ruhling

You might feel slightly guilty as you snicker at this coloring book clearly not intended for children.  This coloring book’s irreverent humor is reminiscent of artwork by one of my favorite artists Brandon Bird. In Ruhling’s book, colorers can explore all sorts of historical torture devices, each with an accompanying rhyme. Stay within the lines or you will be punished.

by AJ
August 12, 2010
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Feedback: Newsletter Revamp

In Lulu Blog — Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

At Lulu, we realize it’s a two way street – we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. That’s why our main goal is to help you succeed. We want to give you all the tools you need to enable your success. We’re all part of this greater movement – creating published authors from dreamers and enabling them to connect and build relationships in ways that haven’t been possible until recently. You have made this place remarkable, and your voice is invaluable as we continue to grow.

Lately, we’ve been thinking about how we could make the monthly newsletter better, how we can use it to help you reach your goals. What is it that interests you? Do you want to see more Lulu Author success stories? Would you like tips on how to use Twitter and Facebook, advice on how to best market your book, industry news updates? We want give you more of what you need to help you be as successful as you’d like to be.

Tell us what you think in the comments section below. We’d love your feedback to help make the Lulu newsletter better than ever.

by Carol
August 4, 2010
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What We’re Reading

In Uncategorized — Tagged: , , , , , ,

It started off simple enough. I sent a company-wide email to my fellow Lulus asking two very simple questions.

I just finished reading a screenplay written by a friend of mine and was looking for some suggestions from my friendly Lulus as to what I should read next. Having worked here for four years, I should have known what to expect. CHAOS. There’s two things about us Lulus that you have to understand, we love books and we’re very opinionated. I made a rookie mistake, and I admit that. I received so many replies to my email that I’ve decided to take each Wednesday in August to highlight just a select few of the books that my fellow Lulus are currently reading.

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by AJ
July 2, 2010
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Focus: Independence Day Books

In Holiday reading material, Lulu Blog — Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Between grilling, watching fireworks, and visiting with family this weekend for the Fourth of July, I thought I recommend a few titles that are great reads to get you into the spirit of celebrating our nation’s independence.

Born on the Fourth of July

By Ron Kovic

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This classic, New York Times Bestseller details the author’s life story (portrayed by Tom Cruise in the Oliver Stone film of the same name) from a patriotic soldier in Vietnam, to his severe battlefield injury, to his role as the country’s most outspoken anti-Vietnam War advocate, spreading his message from his wheelchair. Ron Kovic served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. He was paralyzed from his chest down in combat in 1968 and has been in a wheelchair ever since. Kovic’s powerful and moving new introduction sets this classic antiwar story in a contemporary context.

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100 American Flags

By Kit Hinrichs

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This vibrant collection of 100 Stars and Stripes artifacts ranges from Civil War-era banners and Native American braided moccasins to an early 20th-century “friendship” kimono and original flag art by several of the world’s leading designers. Destined to captivate folk-art aficionados, history buffs, and collectors, this book provides a stunning visual history of America’s most treasured symbol. A timely, patriotic full-color book presenting 100 American flag artifacts from one of the world’s most eminent collectors, designer Kit Hinrichs.


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John Adams

By David McCullough

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In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life-journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot — “the colossus of independence,” as Thomas Jefferson called him — who spared nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution; who rose to become the second President of the United States and saved the country from blundering into an unnecessary war; who was learned beyond all but a few and regarded by some as “out of his senses”; and whose marriage to the wise and valiant Abigail Adams is one of the moving love stories in American history.


by Carol
April 16, 2010
Comments (2)

April 19 Lulu U Class: Tricks to Sell More Books

In Howto, Lulu News, Marketing Tips, Tips and Tricks — Tagged: , , , , ,

Be sure to sign up for the next Lulu University class on April 19th @ 7PM: Red Hot Web 2.0 Tricks to Sell More Books! You’ve heard the term “Web 2.0” but can it really help you sell more books? You bet it can and this class will show you how. Packed with tons of information and super simple things anyone can to do get themselves into the Web 2.0 marketing world, you’ll walk away with fun ideas, simple tricks, and tons of helpful advice.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Creating “feeder” sites that feed traffic into your web site!
  • Using book videos to sell more books
  • Using Wikipedia to market yourself
  • Why linking to other web sites is a bad idea
  • How to get more web site traffic right away!
  • Got blog? The one thing you should NEVER do with your blog!

Don’t miss this class! Sign up today!

by AJ
November 13, 2009
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Lulu Takes Manhattan! – Sponsors Self Publishing Book Expo

In Events, Lulu Blog — Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

November 7th Lulu sponsored and attended the first annual Self-Publishing Book Expo (SPBE) at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers.  While the event drew a modest crowd, SPBE offered a great chance for Lulu to speak with the community both one on one and through our various workshops and executive-led panels.  All of the Lulu staff involved were proud to be a part of something that inspires creativity while informing authors of all their options.  Even our CEO Bob Young made it out to the event to discuss Lulu’s exciting transition into open-publishing!

Lulu had a great presence at SPBE.  We had a sizable booth space, and passed out reusable tote bags.  At one point, people in the hotel lobby asked where they could get one of the “cool orange bags”.  We had a contest and gave away some bose in-ear headphones and a Primer Publishing Pack.  From 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Lulu staff manned the booth to field questions, educate people on the Lulu process, and offer demonstrations.  Nick and Harish gave a well-attended panel on how social networking will change self-publishing.  I think everyone learned a lot from the experience on both ends.

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For me, the event reinforced why I work at Lulu.  At its core, Lulu is about sharing ideas and spreading knowledge.  We understand that you’ve worked really hard to get your content out there and you want to get it in front of as many people as possible.  Things like Lulu’s non-exclusivity and extensive distribution options are things that should go hand-in-hand with self-publishing.  When I explained all the things we currently do and plan on doing to help make an author’s self-published book more visible, people’s jaws honestly dropped! It was a great feeling, and I look forward to more opportunities to interact with customers face-to-face.

We got some great ideas in New York while introducing people to the idea of open-publishing.  Lulu hopes to continue to be a part of events like SPBE that give us the opportunity to just talk with people.  If you have suggestions of events or community gatherings you think Lulu should be a part of, please don’t hesitate to send them in!

by Carol
July 22, 2008
Comments (10)

Coming to Fruition: A Manifesto

In Author Spotlight, Howto, Lulu Blog, Walkthroughs — Tagged: , , , , ,

The Blog Team here at Lulu doesn’t usually have the opportunity to share such a story with our readers, but when Lisa Haneberg sent us her account of helping our elders become published authors we knew we had to share it. It is truly remarkable how much one person can make a difference in the lives of others, and I hope that Lisa’s story will inpsire others to follow in her path.

We here at the Lulu Blog team commend Lisa for taking the time to help Ruth, Mike, Carol, and Marwayne publish their books on Lulu.

The Four Authors

Coming to Fruition: A Manifesto
By Lisa Haneberg

Five months ago, Ruth, Mike, Carol, and Marwayne were senior writers, and tonight they became book authors, too. If I had not shown them my father’s book, my mother’s book, and one of my books—all done in the same way we planned to do theirs—they would not have believed the dream could come true for them. I assured them we could get past any barriers they might encounter with the technology. I told them we would recruit volunteers to help and I asked them to allow me to guide them through the process to create their own books. Although they did not understand how it would all happen, they placed their faith in me and the process that I had outlined for them. I promised them we would cap off our successful work together with a group reading event.

The reading at the West Seattle Senior Center ended two hours ago. It was scheduled for 4:00 pm so that the seniors in attendance would not have to drive home in the dark. Over 50 people came to hear the four new authors read and to celebrate their achievements. I was the proud emcee. As the authors sat up at the head table in the front of the room, their smiles and sparkly eyes beamed and told me that it was worth all the work. This day—this triumph—was a big deal for them and the audience responded warmly. It was a big deal for me, too, and I am sure I will remember this experience as one of my best of 2008.

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