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Do YOU like new fiction? Do YOU like to get your new fiction early? Do YOU like early NEW fiction EARLY and don't mind paying a premium? And do YOU also like marketing materials and samplers of future books? Well YOU'VE come to the right blog post.
In what I shall call An Interesting Experiment, we are making available some books and samplers waaay before publication via Lulu. Yes, Lulu - the self publishing company. I have been on a bit of a roll with them the last few weeks since I discovered that their prices aren't too bad, their quality is very good and they print in runs of one - perfect for proof copies to send to endorsers and key buyers. Since I've created these books and samplers for my own marketing purposes, I thought I'd make them publicly available, in the spirit of adventure. I have even included our 2009 AI pack which I've produced and bound to look beautiful.
Hot foot over to our store front to see our wares. And just think: if you click on the 'buy' button, a fresh new copy will be printed especially for you. It may even still be warm when it lands on your front door mat*.
* No, it won't be. Although if I ever set up my own POD company I shall make sure to ship the freshly-minted copies in strongly insulated packs to make it so.
Comments: 8
Emma, this really is an interesting idea: I'm very keen to know how it turns out for you.
My one consideration is that Lulu has developed a bit of a reputation for being rather expensive, especially for UK buyers. Might there be another more reasonably-priced POD service you could find? Or do they not give you the ability to set up a shop front, as Lulu does?
Posted by: Jane Smith on February 20, 2009 10:31 AM
Good idea - but may I suggest you remove your home address and phone - or is that the business.
Jane - They are much better now they print in Europe. I use them for all my draft copies.
Posted by: Rachel Green on February 20, 2009 11:29 AM
This is a very smart, wonderful idea Emma! Bravo!
Eoin
Posted by: Eoin Purcell on February 20, 2009 11:47 AM
I'm half-tempted to order something just to see the print quality on a book run of 1. Go on, Em, can you tell the difference?
Posted by: RobC on February 20, 2009 01:11 PM
Rachel, that's the company address. I need not fear stalkers (unless they call in business hours). (And I'm working from home all the time anyway. Poor stalkers.)
Glad y'all think it's a good idea! RobC, I'd fork out for The Unbelievers if I was you. It's a lovely edition, as it were. I'd say it's actually higher quality! (don't tell Haynes!)
Posted by: Em on February 20, 2009 01:47 PM
I've been very satisfied with Lulu's quality and service. In fact, I'm just about to order several 'pre-pub' copies of my new novel Corvus for my beta readers.
Posted by: Lee on February 20, 2009 02:16 PM
It's an excellent idea. I am still waiting for things to be finalised for my current book, but my mum wants to read it on holiday, but doesn't want a bulky loose-leaved ms.
So I got it done at Lulu for a very reasonable price, and I can confirm that the quality is excellent.
Posted by: Sarah Stovell on February 20, 2009 04:30 PM
Emma,
I have written an article about this on my site today. At heart, I think it's a great idea. I not sure, no--scratch--I know it's cheaper to do this somewhere else than Lulu for Snowbooks. Got direct to Lightning Source or try York Publishing. If people are goint to buy a hardcopy of something that is a sample, incomplete, or unfininshed, then they are not going to pay the 15 euro Lulu want. Perhaps dowload would be better for the txt fiction books. Regarding the artwork, which is something that caught my eye--thats what I meant in the blog ablog about 4ad and 23 envelope--then lulu may work for calanders and posters etc.
Mick.
Posted by: Mick rooney on February 21, 2009 01:52 AM