Help

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:03:49 | Back to top

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:06:00 | Back to top

The table below shows what books are available for GlobalReach and ExtendedReach Distribution packages. Please note that if you bring your own ISBN you will not be eligible for ExtendedReach Distribution.

See Also: Mandatory Requirements for Distribution.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:03:25 | Back to top

The industry requires that your book adhere to certain standards, and it is up to you to ensure your book meets these requirements. If your book is submitted before it meets these requirements, it will be rejected and your book distribution will be delayed while you work to bring your book into compliance.

1. Requirements for all book covers
   1. If including the retail price on the cover, it must exactly match the retail price for the book. Lulu does not add the price to the book cover.
   2. Keep all important text and images at least 0.375" (.25" bleed area + .125" safety area) from all sides (including the spine) of the cover. This area may be trimmed off or obscured by the cover bend.
   3. Keep in mind that B&W 8.5 x 11" books will be printed at 8.25" x 11" through the retail channels, so you may need to increase the distance of any text or images from the edges to take this into account.
   4. Spine text must be at least .0625" away from all edges of the spine. Text that is too close to the edge of the spine will be reduced in size to fit. (This may result in very small text on the spine of the book.)
      1. Additional requirements for one-piece covers:
         1. Use these dimensions.
         2. Cover must have correct 13-digit ISBN/EAN.
         3. Bar codes must be provided in black and white.
         4. Bar codes should be 1.833" wide by 1" high.
         5. There cannot be spine text on books with less than 80 pages.
2. Requirements for book interiors
   1. If providing a PDF it must be distilled using Adobe; if uploading a word processing document, Lulu will distill it using Adobe.)
   2. Embed all fonts (and all font family members used) when distilling the PDF.
   3. Book must have a Title page.
   4. Book must have a Copyright page with your correct 13-digit ISBN/EAN and a copyright notice. The Copyright page must come after the Title page.
   5. Final page of each book must be completely blank.
   6. Margins must be at least .5" on all sides. The left margin must be equal to the right margin, and the top margin must be equal to the bottom margin.
   7. A gutter may be added to the document in addition to the margins. (What does this mean?)
   8. Page numbering must be correct. No page numbers may be skipped. A page can go without a number, but it must be counted and consistent.
   9. All files should be submitted at high-resolution (between 300 dpi and 600dpi).
   10. If any page in the book will have color or images that extend to the edge of a page (full bleed), format the document according to the full bleed specifications.
   11. If the page count is not divisible by 4, the printer adds enough blank pages to the back of the book to make it so.
3. Requirements for the Publishing Wizard
   1. Book Description, Author and Title must use a Latin Character set. We cannot accept Russian, Chinese, Japanese and other non-Latin characters.

See also - Which books are eligible for Distribution?

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:03:30 | Back to top

1. Lulu will provide the printing and distribution of your book to retail channels.
2. Purchasing Distribution through Lulu is non-refundable.
3. You may request your book be removed from distribution at any time. After such request, Lulu will start the process of withdrawing your book from availability in retail channels. It may take 6-8 weeks or longer for your listing to be completely removed.
4. You will be responsible for any orders you place or cause to be placed with retailers for this title.
5. You agree to set your Lulu Marketplace price equal to or greater than your Lulu Retail price.
6. You may not make available to the public a duplicate project with a lower Lulu Marketplace price while the original is active in Distribution.
7. Your book's initial Retail Royalty will be set at approximately $4.00; you may change this at any time prior to approving the book.
8. You accept that any changes made to the book or the book data after approving it for global distribution could incur a revision fee.
9. You agree to purchase a copy of your book for review prior to approving the first copy as well as any future revised copies.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:04:25 | Back to top

Books with Basic Distribution can purchase ExtendedReach or GlobalReach Distribution packages if they meet the eligibility. Check eligibility here.

Go to the Project List and scroll to the title of the book with Basic Distribution. Click the 'Purchase a distribution package.' link, select your distribution package, and follow the checkout process.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:02:40 | Back to top

Here are the steps from purchasing a distribution process to being available online:

1. Purchase a Distribution package
2. Upload your manuscript with the ISBN number in the copyright page and add a bar code to the back cover (for one-piece covers). The book manuscript must meet the Mandatory Distribution Requirements. (If you haven't already)
3. Purchase a proof copy of this newest version of the book.
4. After receiving and carefully reviewing the book, either:
   a. Approve the book on Lulu. Go to Step 6.
   b. Deny the book and make changes. Go to Step 5.
5. Make revisions and upload this new manuscript. Go back to Step 3. See, How do I make changes before approving my book? to learn how to make changes.
6. The book is uploaded to the distribution center within:
   3-5 business days for ExtendedReach distribution
   2 to 3 weeks for GlobalReach distribution.
7. Printer reviews the book to ensure it is up to standards. This can take up to 2 weeks.
   Once accepted for printing, it can take another 6 to 8 weeks before the book is available through online retailers.
   If rejected for not meeting requirements, you will be notified via e-mail that the book must be revised. Go back to Step 2.
8. The book becomes available for listing with online booksellers.
9. Online booksellers like Amazon decide whether or not they would like to list the book. (In our experience, they almost always list it.
   Once a month, online booksellers update their databases with new books. When they update (if the booksellers choose to list your book), you will see the book listed as "currently available." This can take 6-8 weeks.

If the book is revised at this point the process starts over at step 2 with all the work and time involved. See, "How do I make changes after approving my book?", for more information.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:02:23 | Back to top

Go to the "My Lulu" tab. Go to your "My Projects" list. Click the "Purchase a distribution package." link by the book title.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:01:47 | Back to top

• You do not have an ISBN for your book.
• Your book is not eligible for GlobalReach or ExtendedReach Distribution.
• You may only purchase one Distribution package at a time. Clean out your shopping cart and try again.
• In order to purchase Distribution, your book must either be “Direct Access” or “Available to the Public”. Go to your My Projects page and revise the book's access

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:03:46 | Back to top

The GlobalReach Distribution package is available for authors who brought their own ISBN.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:03:43 | Back to top

The proof copy is a last minute check for errors before the final published work is sent into the distribution system. Use this opportunity to read through the entire book again, looking for spelling, grammar, formatting, and page number errors.

If you make any changes to your book you must purchase a copy of this new revised version.

If you have to revise a book after having approved it for distribution it is possible that the book will show up as "unavailable" while it goes through this process again.

NOTE: This copy of your book will vary slightly from the books produced through distribution channels. Lulu has partnered with multiple print on demand (POD) vendors for printing books: some print books ordered through Lulu; others print books ordered through our distribution channels. This proof copy will be identical to all copies of your book purchased through Lulu. Unless you purchase your book through an online retailer you will not receive a copy from a wholesaler's printer. See "Paperback Printing Specifications", for more information about the differences between printers.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:06:26 | Back to top

What books were used in this pilot program?
Lulu uploaded a selection of Publicly available / General Access books that have sold on the Lulu Marketplace.

Does the Amazon Marketplace Pilot cost anything?
The pilot program does not cost anything. Once Lulu has the service fully defined, an end date will be chosen for the pilot and Lulu will communicate in advance any changes to the service and you can decide whether to continue to list your title on Amazon's Marketplace or not.

What Amazon sites does Lulu upload the books to?
At this time Lulu is only uploading to the Amazon.com site, not the international Amazon sites.

What if I don't want my book on Amazon?
To opt out of the Amazon Marketplace Pilot send an email to amazon-opt-out@lulu.com with the Project ID of the book(s) you want to remove.

What if something is incorrect on my book's Amazon Marketplace listing?
On the Email Support Page select the "Help with ISBN/Distribution" option. Enter the email address you created your Lulu account with. Select Published by Lulu or Published by You for the Type of Distribution you need assistance with. In the Describe your problem field, supply the Project ID of the book and the correct information that should be on the Amazon Marketplace listing.

What if my book is already on Amazon.com?
The Amazon Marketplace pilot books will show in the New and Used section of the listing.

What if I change the price of my book?
Lulu is making periodic updates to ensure the correct price on Amazon Marketplace listings.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:03:36 | Back to top

Your book will start to show up on retailers’ sites 6-8 weeks after you approve the title.

See, "How does the distribution process work?", for more information.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:04:08 | Back to top

It can take 6 to 8 weeks after you approve your book for it to hit an online bookshelf. This is because most booksellers only update their database once a month. The overall process and timing is explained in "How does the Distribution process work?". The decision to list a book is up to the individual retailer. In our experience, Amazon will almost always list a book for sale once they have access to it.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:04:14 | Back to top

If the information is accurate on Lulu, but not with retailers, revise the book and immediately approve it again. This will trigger the book's data to be re-sent. Changes can sometimes take 8 weeks.

If information is inaccurate with retailers and Lulu, revise the book on Lulu, fix the mistake, and then approve the book for distribution. This will trigger your book's data to be re-sent. Changes can sometimes take 8 weeks.

If the incorrect information with retailers is not data you provided Lulu, you will need to Contact Support with the appropriate information.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:04:07 | Back to top

Once Lulu submits your book to our distributors it takes 6 to 8 weeks to appear on places like Amazon. The cover art can take a couple weeks longer to appear. If you do not want to wait for it to appear on Amazon, you can submit a customer image.

To upload your own cover art, click the "Share your own customer image" link on your book listing and follow Amazon's instructions.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:04:22 | Back to top

A book may appear on a bookseller's site as "Currently Unavailable" or "out of stock" while it is being processed. If it is unavailable for longer than 8 weeks after you have approved your book, please contact us here.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:05:21 | Back to top

To remove your book from the distribution channels, you must retire your book:

1. Go to your "Project List".
2. Click on the red X next to the book to attempt to delete it. A distribution book can't be deleted so the system will retire it.
3. This will remove your book from our distribution channels.

Note: It will take another 6 to 8 weeks before your book's status changes on online retailers' sites. It is possible that your book will not be removed entirely from retailers' sites, but instead be marked "out of print." Please keep in mind that used books or copies that were sold through distribution before you canceled your title will still be available for sale.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:03:30 | Back to top

Go to the "My Lulu" tab, click on the "My Projects" tab and then click on the "Show retired projects". Find and click on your project. Scroll down to the "Availability/Project Status" section and you will see a link to un-retire.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:04:09 | Back to top

When you un-retire your distribution book, it will return to whatever state it was in before it was retired. You will not be charged anything to un-retire a distribution book.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:05:24 | Back to top

Lulu's Terms and Conditions

By purchasing Published By You - UK & Republic of Ireland distribution service you are agreeing to the terms below:

1. Lulu, in liaison with the UK ISBN Agency, will provide a single ISBN prefix and corresponding set of 10 ISBNs. ISBNs are typically processed and assigned within 5 business days.
2. Lulu will ensure that all information on your application is correct and includes all necessary contact information. Lulu will send your completed application form to the UK ISBN Agency for verification and processing.
3. Purchasing the ISBN prefix and distribution through Lulu is non-refundable. Either party may terminate this agreement with 30 days notice.
4. The first ISBN in numerical order within the set of 10 will be assigned to your book and the publisher name that you have provided will be listed as the publisher in all bibliographic feeds.
5. The remaining 9 ISBNs will be allocated to you for later use. Please contact Lulu at distro@lulu.com (quoting your publisher name and ISBN prefix) when you wish to use any of these remaining 9 ISBNs. A charge of £ tbc for processing and setting up distribution will apply to each of the remaining 9 ISBNs when required.
6. By signing this agreement you confirm that you are the official, registered publisher of this book(s) and have the necessary authority to use ISBN(s); that you have the necessary rights and permissions in the content of this book(s), and that you have world distribution and sales rights. Lulu holds no liability for any infringements of these rights and permissions.
7. Lulu will function as an agent providing distribution, promotional and/or marketing services.
8. You will be responsible for any orders you place or cause to be placed with retailers for this title.
9. Lulu, on behalf of you, the publisher, will be the prime source of bibliographic data on your book. Lulu will feed data to the UK ISBN Agency (Nielsen Book Services) and R. R. Bowker in the US, and other industry databases. These companies will in turn feed other companies within the industry. The data will identify you as the publisher.
10. You have the responsibility to inform Lulu of any changes to your registered publisher information (address; contact telephone number, etc.). If you withdraw your book from Lulu’s Published By You service then it becomes your sole responsibility to update the Agencies with information on publisher, book and availability.
11. You agree to purchase a copy of your book from Lulu for review prior to approving the first copy as well as any future revised copies.
12. (tbc) You agree to set your Lulu Marketplace price equal to or greater than your Lulu Retail price.
13. (tbc) A book’s listing may be withdrawn from distribution channels at any time. You may request your book be removed from distribution at any time. After such request, Lulu will start the process of withdrawing your book from availability in retail channels. It may take 6-8 weeks or longer for your listing to be completely removed. Lulu reserves the right to remove your book from distribution at any time for any breach of this agreement or our general Membership Agreement.

UK ISBN Agency's Terms and Conditions

1. You agree that any ISBN prefix assigned to you, and the ISBNs associated with that ISBN prefix, can only be used to identify your publication(s) and must not be used for any publications by any other publisher.
2. You understand that an ISBN prefix or individual ISBNs cannot be transferred or reassigned to another publisher except in the case of one publisher being wholly acquired by another.
3. You confirm that you will only assign ISBNs to appropriate products namely books, as stipulated in the ISBN Users Manual 5th edition (downloadable from http://isbn-international.org/en/manual.html).

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:04:56 | Back to top

Information on Published by You Germany is available here.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:04:10 | Back to top

Information on Published by You Dutch can be found here.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:02:04 | Back to top

Information on Italian Distribution can be found here.

Last updated: 2009-11-10 11:01:47 | Back to top