Like thousands of writers, I’m a published POD author. Knowing very little about the self-publishing industry, I published my first book with Xlibris back in 2003. In 2006, I came across a little website called Lulu.com. I used lulu to create a newer cheaper paperback and E-book version of my Xlibris book. It hasn’t made me rich, but the increase in exposure was quite gratifying. And after investing quite a bit of money in my Xlibris publication package, it was a relief not to have to invest anything in Lulu but time.
For years, I’ve been part of the great debate of POD vs. Traditional Publishing. Thanks to the internet these days, a writer’s publication possibilities are endless. Reaching the right audience and getting them to read your work is what has its limitations. POD tends to be frowned upon because let’s face it, writers can be snobs. Unless you’ve already got a bestselling book in Oprah’s hands or on the NYT’s Bestseller list, then we are all struggling to reach the same goal. So, there’s no reason why we wouldn’t snarl at our competition.
There’s nothing like bound pieces of paper and cardboard found on a shelf and held open in your hands. Oh the places the ink on that paper can take you! But as technology advances and more of us get wired and download to our computer desktops, our I pods, and our Amazon Kindles, I believe the POD world will finally get its time in the limelight that it’s due.
There are lots of great sites out there that continue the POD debate today, some for it and some against it. Sites like PODdy Mouth do a great job of keeping writers informed of all the different POD publishers and what each has to offer. Floyd M Orr runs a great site for reviewing books published through iUniverse, as do others who donate time to reviewing nothing but POD books such as the long running POD People.
And so, I’ve started this site today to give Lulu.com authors the spotlight. This blog is devoted solely to Lulu work, any genre, with or without an ISBN. My reviews of Lulu books will be thorough. Some good (I hope lots of good), but I’m sure there will be some that are bad. But above all this, I just want to give POD authors two things that we all desire from our writing…(1) honest feedback and (2) the delight in knowing someone took the time to read their work.
Best of luck with your new review blog. I’ve appreciated the work of Floyd Orr in reviewing books published by iUniverse. Having seen some nice stuff coming out of Lulu, I thought it would be great to one day see a site spring up to honor the best of those authors.
I’ll look forward to some interesting reviews.
Malcolm
I do not have a working knowledge of blogging and I do not have any experience with it, but I do understand the importance of honest and complete reviews, especially to the unknown author.
This is a service that can make or break a writer. It can be that ‘push’ the countless talented unknowns who think about publishing need, the ‘kick in the butt’-so to speak-that gives them the courage to take one more step forward and actually “do it.” Also, know this, I appreciate and feel very fortunate-that you, Shannon Yarbrough, took the time…made the effort to review my book.
It has been my reward and although it is not selling as well as some think it should, I have no regrets…after all writing is a whole lot more fun than publishing; and publishing (as easy as LULU seems to make it) is a whole lot more thrilling than trying to sell.
Sincerely, Paul Jr
What a great idea. As someone who is seeking feedback for his work I will be hassling you (politely of course) for a review soon. It’s not only publishing houses that are snobs but also reviewers too. I have come across a lot of places that will not review POD books. I understand why, but POD authors need reviews more than those who have a publishing contract, because the stereotype of self published work is that it is sub-standard and in a lot of cases that is true. Maybe my work is too, but I love it, I believe it’s strong stuff and I want good feedback to have it stand above the crowd. I hope you’ll help with that.
all the best,
Matt
Shannon,
What are your thoughts on the relationship between Borders and lulu?
Looks like through Borders, an ISBN can be purchased for $49 but not sure how the distribution works out.
Thoughts?
Just read your intro and would like you to know how grateful I am for your contribution to writers. I’m very glad to have found your review site.
What else is possible?
Stephen
Shannon,
I would like to invite you to send me a list of 30 to 50 titles, for inclusion in my new POD on-line book catalog. To see the format and details please use the links below.
Thank you,
Best wishes,
Charles Berry
http://podcatalog.wordpress.com/
http://hberlioz.wordpress.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/berrycomposer
Hi Charles-
Thanks for the invite, but I am only a book reviewer, not a book promoter. We have twenty great books that have been reviewed here so far, and at least another twenty upcoming this year. I suggest contacting the authors directly so they can have the privilege of knowing about the fine work you are doing.
Best of Luck,
LLBR