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Permalink Reply by Terri L. Atkins Febuary on June 30, 2010 at 11:37am

Sherelle, looks like you didn't get any response to your question. I was not involved in the formatting or publishing with Lulu.com, but I had a monologue in an anthology that they published. Each writer was responsible to write and edit the monologues themselves. Other than that, I can't help. The paperback copies were very nice.

Seems that you should find a website or software that would be helpful. This makes me want to check out what is available.

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Permalink Reply by Sherelle Wallace on July 13, 2010 at 9:41am

Terri;

I'm so sorry I'm just responding to your note. I've been awaiting my proof copy from Lulu, and so proud to report that I have worked out my formatting issues! It was very frustrating, and after making an attempt to hire help, which fell through, I got back on it, and tried and tried until I got it right. I'm so proud of myself. That's what I also love about SHEWRITES; even though we may not get a response or help on every issue we have, when we hear the frustrations of women in the same boat, we feel we're not alone. It's so encouraging.

Thanks for your input, it was much appericiated.

Ciao!

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Permalink Reply by Stacy-Deanne on July 13, 2010 at 12:12pm

I've never self-published but I've heard from authors who started using Lulu years ago that it's really gone downhill. Lately I've heard nothing but bad things about it. I'm not saying it's all bad, but I used to hear such wonderful things about Lulu but even the faithful people who used Lulu in the past said they now use Createspace because of Lulu's policies and their customer service issues. If I were you, I'd email some of the recent Lulu authors and ask them their opinions. That's the best way for you to know for sure. Most folks I know these days are using Createspace.

Best Wishes!

http://www.stacy-deanne.net

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Permalink Reply by Sherelle Wallace on July 13, 2010 at 1:19pm

Stacy;

Thanks for your advice. I looked into Createspace awhile back, and from what I remember, the taxing of my income with books published with them was an issue. Can't remember if it was this company or LighteningSource :-( In the Bahamas we're not taxed on our income, so that will take some getting used to. Also, we don't use Social Security accounts, or PayPal, nor do I have a US address where statements can be mailed. All of the above made Lulu the only option in my budget for the niche market I'm in right now. Lulu's customer service leaves much to be desired, and my research has found them more a source of frustration for the most part. However, as my options are limited, it forces me to work harder to have a professional product, and I feel I'm really having to 'earn' my wages in the hands on work. I'm one of those people who printed and binded my books myself and went on the road to sell to anyone interested in buying. With the cost of ink, Lulu is a more effecient publisher.

I'm always looking for options that suit my current situation. But I'm learning, and this is half the reward.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Stacy-Deanne on July 15, 2010 at 10:26pm

Sherelle,

Glad I helped. You ever thought about just epublishing? This might be something you'd wanna look into as well and you might not have so many issues. I'm in the US though, so I can't be positive how even that would be for you. I guess it depends on the company but if you wanted to self publish an ebook, or think about it, you can look up Smashwords. I am researching them now because I want to put together a free ebook on writing for aspiring writers, providing tips, etc.

Best Wishes!

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Permalink Reply by Sherelle Wallace on July 16, 2010 at 3:46am

Hello Stacy;

Epublishing is an option, but it would have to be after I've made some serious sales in print. My sister has gone the epublishing route and her royalties are nothing to brag about, but I understand it gets her name out there and people can see the quality of her work. She writes paranormal. My interests now are even more of a niche market. However, when I've completed something more in the general romance market, after my name is out there in the publishing world, I will epublish.

Another issue for me is that I simply love holding books in my hand. The only time I read books online is while listening to something else on the computer, like a local talk show or SHEWRITES radio. Other than that, I prefer to read in bed at night or lying on the beach. Thank goodness everybody isn't like this or epublishing wouldn't be what it is today! The majority of my target market however, demand to actually see the book, and flip through it before they purchase.

I wish you luck as well with your publications, thanks for the feedback. I think a free ebook is a wonderful idea.

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