Finding The Right Publisher For Me

I give my "thank you" to Gabriella for gifting me with this merit badge.

Finding The Right Publisher For Me

I write mostly poetry. I have never considered myself to be an accomplished poet. When I decided that I wanted to get some of my poems in print strictly for myself and my family I sought out a POD publisher (print on demand publisher). I had read enough about traditional publishers to know that my chances of getting a poetry manuscript published through them was next to zero. If not zero. I was an unknown writer to begin with. I had never published anything before joining WDC. After being a member here for almost a year, I felt I was ready to take the next step with my writings - find a publisher.

I did all the research myself making sure to find the right one for me.

I found it through Lulu.com. I completed every task that was asked of me. That included formatting and uploading my own pdf files onto Lulu's servers. I set my binding type, color, specification, pricing and whatever else was required of me. I was even able to create and use my own covers, which was a big plus for me because I felt that it made my books so much more attractive and personal.

I recommend Lulu for the following reasons -

1. There are no contracts to sign. Only a member agreement for terms of service.

2. You retain the full copyrights of your work if you self publish. That way if some other publisher is interested in your work they would have to deal directly through you and not any other publisher.

3. There are no fees to publish your books. Whenever you want more copies, you simply order them through Lulu.com at the printing cost without any other fee. You will be promptly paid any royalties for books ordered by someone other than yourself through them.

4. You have the option to buy the ISBN services they offer. Published by Lulu or Published by You. (I chose the latter so that I will be the registered publisher of my book.)

5. Once you've purchased an ISBN service your books are made available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Target , and any other major outlets. Bookstores and libraries can order and stock your book if they choose to.

6. Publishing is instant. Getting listed on Amazon.com can take up to eight weeks, however.

7. You can publish your book in different sizes and binding types - textbook, trade,
perfect, coil, stitched.

8. Printing quality is high with glossy covers.

9. Instant availability. You can publish, revise, and order your book anytime.

10. You have the option to format your own PDF file at no charge to you. Or you can buy any of Lulu's Formatting Services which are offered. I chose to format my own files.


Publishing through Lulu can mean a lot of work for some. You have to do everything yourself! I found that this was something I was willing to do. The bonus for me was getting my poetry in print and published.

Using Lulu's printing service has been a real pleasure for me. The satisfaction of knowing that my family really appreciates my work in print and bound in a book for their coffee table is truly rewarding.

You can find my storefront here - http://stores.lulu.com/shishad