There are a lot of good platforms where you can publish your books. Let me tell you more about these companies and which between these two is better for self publishing Lulu vs Blurb.
Today's question has three answers and the third one is a secret you're going to want to stick around for. Because I'm going to tell you which of these two companies is the right one for you.
So, let's get into it. The question that was sent into me was, self publishing Lulu vs Blurb? Now, this is a very common question. Usually, it's not involving the company Blurb.
What Your Readers Want
It might be Ingram Spark or it might be Draft2Digital or one of these other options. This is a common one which is you see all of these different self-publishing companies out there that will help you with your books.
But you're not sure which one is going to be right for you. Today, we're going to be looking at Lulu vs Blurb. But before we get into the answers, check out my free Self-Publishing Checklist if you would like to jumpstart your self-publishing career.
Where should we get started self publishing Lulu vs Blurb? Let's start with my story. When I first started, I started on Amazon KDP or Kindle Direct Publishing.
Check out this related article: Self Publishing Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?
I used CreateSpace for my paper book which was KDP Print. And I used ACX to do audiobooks which then pumped it out to Audible, iTunes, iBooks, and other locations. So that was where I started.
Then, I discovered I could put my books in the form of an EPUB onto another platform which would be onto Smashwords to get them distributed that way. Then somebody pointed out that some readers only like hardback books.
But then I tried to figure it out, where should I do the hardback books? And therein is the key issue which is where can you have them done cheap and high-quality? So that your readers are going to be able to get them in the hardback if that's what they want.
Lulu For Hardback Books
Lulu for me was the clear winner at the time. I have never heard of Blurb and Ingram Spark, I was not using it at the time. I had not heard about these different available options, so that was the route that I went to.
I've been very happy with the sales that have gone on Lulu for my hardback books. It's funny because people just have a preferred format they like. So, that was the one that I found.
But what about this Blurb thing? Self publishing Blurb vs Lulu Press? Let's get into the answers. The first thing is both of these companies offer very similar services.
Now, Lulu is the more popular and better-known one. But Blurb self publishing is also an option if you're looking to self-publish your books out there, either hardback or softback.
But based upon my initial research of the two, I still see Lulu is giving higher commissions. And maybe easier initially in getting your thing set up.
You can hire people to do the full service for you and put everything together. But I would highly recommend against going that route because you really should learn how to do it yourself. You don't want to give up control on what's going on.
Lulu self publishing is the best for hardback books. There is no need to do the softback with them. Ingram Spark and KDP Print is the way to go for the softback books.
But you're definitely going to do your hardback books with Lulu since they do not require you to supply an ISBN. So, that is a very important point you're going to want to keep track of.
You Can Win With Lulu
The second thing with Lulu self publishing is that you can use the same PDF format, the same document for your book as you used for KDP Print and Ingram Spark. So you don't have to redo anything, aside from the cover which is a little challenging.
But there are tricks to figure this out using free software like GIMP. You can use their template and put your cover in there. Then the only thing you have to pay for on Lulu with your book is just ordering one proof.
You order a proof, it sends it in the mail, you approve the book, and we are done. You have that book now, forever out. But let me tell you the secret answer of today that is which one of these things, Lulu or Blurb Self Publishing is better for you?
The answer is it's going to be one of the better more familiar with these 2 brands. We do not want to deal with a company that may or may not go out of business at some point and/or be bought up and suddenly your books have to be redone.
Lulu has been around for a crazy long time. It is one that is very well known. It's going to continue to be around a long time.
Check out this related article: Is Lulu Press Self Publishing A Good Idea?
Conclusion
I would definitely stick with it. I also don't know anybody personally who's gone the Blurb route. That is something I would be interested in hearing maybe there are some advantages there.
But it's not clear even on their website, they do not tell you what is clear about going the Blurb route. So I would highly recommend stick with Lulu, I'm sure you'll be much happier with that.
In general, it is a good idea to stick with whatever format you're more familiar with. That's going to be the way you're going to win. In the end, if you're familiar with Blurb and you know people have had great success, well then maybe it is a good idea for you though.
So, self publishing Lulu vs Blurb? Why don't you tell me below in the comments what you have found as the best option for you? Check out my other blogs and video for more answers to your self-publishing questions.