Not happy with lulu
By Lena Kovadlo
@lovebuglena (52144)
Staten Island, New York
July 19, 2022 6:20pm CST
So I went ahead and published a book on lulu for someone I know. I've done all his previous books and he wanted me to do this one as well.
When I was done, I realized that I should've added the copyright information for the book on the site, which I didn't do. I went to revise it only to have to go through the entire publishing process again to change that info, which resulted in version 2 of the book.
Once done, I noticed that the book is in private access and not in general access. I went ahead to change that info only to have to go through the publishing process yet again, which resulted in version 3 of the book.
This shouldn't have to happen. A new version should be created only when uploading a new cover or manuscript or changing title and author of the book. Editing/updating any other book information, including price, should not result in a new version of the book. I wonder if it is a bug of some sort or if this is the way lulu intended things to be.
In order to approve books for distribution the latest version of the book has to be purchased. If the latest version must be purchased each time a change is made that means the author has to fork over more money and that is just wrong.
4 people like this
3 responses
@LadyDuck (502484)
• Italy
21 Jul 22
@lovebuglena This is also my opinion, you would be allowed to edit and modify what you need to modify ithout going through the whole publishing process.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Jul 22
No, it doesn't. And I wonder why that is. I should just be able to change any piece of info without going through the whole publishing process, which essentially republishes a book.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
21 Jul 22
@LadyDuck I bet if I went ahead and changed the pricing of his book it would have me do the whole process again and would result in a new version and would say a new proof purchase would be required to approve for distribution. And that is not OK.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Jul 22
I can potentially email support. I would just have to figure out how to do it.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Jul 22
My friend already ordered a proof copy. He had to pay over $10 in shipping to have it come to him in Canada. I really hope the book will turn out good and we won't need to fix anything and republish. And I hope he won't decide to change the price I set for his book. What he is going to make per book is a joke but he said make it as low as possible even if it means he will make nothing. I didn't want him to make nothing but with the price I set may as well be nothing. He won't even make $1/book, if bought anywhere online. Bought directly from lulu then he makes good royalties per book. But people don't really go to lulu to search for books to buy.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
20 Jul 22
Ouch I hope it is, because that makes no sense.
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Jul 22
Recently, they had authors approve/confirm the book pricing for their books. After I did that it said my books are in draft more and distribution is pending or some such thing. I had to contact support to get it resolved and contact them again so I don't have to buy another proof copy.
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
20 Jul 22
After they upgraded their site and publishing process things are not as they should be. Things should get better with upgrades. It doesn't seem like it's that way now.
