The publishing process can be a lot to absorb. Our services provide detailed instructions on what you need to provide to us. As the author who is self publishing, you are the publisher. This means you will have to prepare your files for Lulu's team of experts to work on. We will work with your manuscript content, exactly as you provide it to us.
Your project coordinator will help to keep every project on track. That includes coordinating the individual creative team members (i.e. cover designers, editors, formatter, etc.) working on your book. As the publisher, you are the main contributor to the project, so we will expect that you will attend to your project accordingly. The time you take to respond back to our questions, approve files and make decisions is included in the overall time-line. See each individual service or publishing package for a more detailed estimate on an expected length of each service, as each service is different.
Typically it takes 1-2 weeks for the cover design and this can be started simultaneous to the Editorial Quality Review. The Editorial Quality Review takes about two weeks. Once we have the publishers OK to move forward on the edit, the edit can take 3-8 weeks and depends on the length of the manuscript. Formatting takes 1-2 weeks and once the publisher approves the format the project coordinator will have the book assembled and published.
If you have a deadline, please contact one of our publishing consultants prior to purchasing a service to see if we can meet your needs. If you have already purchased your service and have a deadline, or your time-line has changed, please let your project coordinator know immediately. We cannot guarantee we can meet your deadline. We will do everything we can to accommodate your needs.
Yes. A careful edit will ensure your text conforms to the rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation and will correct potentially embarrassing errors. An edit could also reduce the number of formatting alterations that are necessary as a result of typographical errors or other overlooked editorial issues.
All publishing packages include one galley copy of your book. Our a la carte services do not include books. Our basic publishing packages include one galley copy of your book, once you have approved the project’s files. Our Laureate Package (US only) includes 100 paperback copies and 25 hard cover copies with a 6 x 9 book size, printed in black & white.
The full cost of the edit is optional and in addition to the cost of the Best Seller pack. Editing fees range from $.02-.05 per word, depending on the level of editing recommended for the manuscript. If you are looking for a package that includes editing, please review our Laureate Publishing package.
Perhaps. Check with your project coordinator at Lulu for availability before selecting an editing service other than the one that was recommended. If you'd like to get a lighter edit than the recommended level, not all issues addressed in the review will be resolved. If you've made revisions since your Editorial Quality Review, you can purchase a second Editorial review pass at a lower price. Ask your project coordinator about this option.
Our template-based services (i.e. formatting, cover design, etc.) are well thought-out, allowing for a publisher to visualize the final product, while still providing the flexibility for the publisher to create a professional and marketable product. We will provide you complete instructions on what you can and cannot make changes to for each service you select. Template examples are provided along with each service in the box above. Please check if the template meets your needs prior to purchasing the service.
No. We require that the entire manuscript and all chapters be assembled in one document. You can simply copy and paste the files into one document. Please review our manuscript submission guidelines for more details.
No. Images are not required, but if you want them, you must supply them. Ask us for a consultation if you need illustration services.
No. This package is designed for short books (under 75 pages) with lots of pictures (more than 15). If this doesn't sound like your book, you may need a different or upgraded package. This package can be used for any type of book, as long as it's fewer than 75 pages in length and has lots of images. Please request a free consultation with a Sales representative to learn about other options.
Our Masterpiece and Laureate packs come with an EPUB file and project assembly. If you’d like an eBook added on to a Best Seller, you can use your formatted .doc file in our converter at no cost. You can also purchase an EPUB conversion service if you need assistance.
Yes, you can publish for free. Our professional publishing services are available to anyone in need of assistance with pre-publishing (i.e. editing, formatting, cover design, etc.). If you want you can do your own pre-publishing and then upload your files in your Lulu account and publish the book. You will be entirely responsible for meeting all formatting requirements associated with distribution. The Lulu Professional Services team is trained to make all books retail and distribution ready. If you decide to take on your own editing, formatting and cover design, check back with us when you're ready to start marketing your book, we offer a variety of marketing services for any budget.
Our professional publishing team is available Monday - Friday from 9am-5pm ET. You can expect to hear from your project coordinators in 1-2 business days.

I must tell you, as humbling as it has been, the young lady who did the edits on my book did an unbelievable job.
She surpassed my expectations beyond words. The cover looks perfect and exactly how I envisioned. Your team is amazing and I am so happy I followed my instinct in going with Lulu.
What services work
best for you?