Print-on-demand (POD) means a copy of your book is printed only when someone orders it, so you do not pay for a large print run or store boxes of stock. Lulu is one of the established POD platforms, offering formats such as paperback and hardcover and the option to sell through its own marketplace or through your website.
Getting a book print-ready involves details that are easy to get wrong: trim size, margins, fonts, bleed, spine width and ISBN choices. BzLogics helps authors set up their books on Lulu correctly and, if you want, connect print-on-demand to your own website store. Prices, formats and shipping options change over time, so we check Lulu’s current requirements at the start of every project.
What our Lulu set-up covers
- Account and project set-up in your name
- Advice on trim size, paper and binding to suit your genre and budget
- Checking or preparing your interior file: margins, fonts, page count and bleed
- A full cover wrap with the correct spine width from Lulu’s template (see our book cover design service)
- ISBN options: use one provided through the platform or your own. In the UK, ISBNs are issued by Nielsen ISBN Agency
- A pricing check that compares your retail price with print cost and royalty
- Ordering and reviewing a proof copy before you publish
- Publishing and distribution settings
Sell through your own website
Beyond Lulu’s own store, you can sell on your author website. Where it suits your plans, we can build a WooCommerce store and connect it to Lulu’s print API, so orders placed on your site are sent for printing and shipping. This is custom development, so we scope and quote it separately. If you prefer a simpler route, we can link your website to your Lulu product pages instead.
Good to know
Lulu prints and ships to many countries. Delivery times and costs depend on the destination and print location, so we help you set expectations for readers in the UK and overseas. Lulu’s terms, fees and royalty rates apply and are set by Lulu. BzLogics is an independent agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lulu. If you plan to publish on other platforms such as Amazon KDP, we can advise on their requirements too.
How the set-up works
- Brief: you tell us about your book, format and goals.
- Check: we review your manuscript file and agree what needs preparing.
- Prepare: we prepare the interior and cover files to Lulu’s specifications.
- Proof: we help you order and review a proof copy.
- Publish: once you approve the proof, we complete the publishing settings and, if agreed, the website integration.
Lulu set-up FAQs
Does it cost anything to publish on Lulu?
Setting up an account is free, and Lulu charges for printing and shipping when copies are ordered. Check Lulu’s website for current prices. Our fee is separate and is agreed in your quote.
Can you turn my Word document into a print-ready file?
Yes, where the manuscript is final and edited. Layout changes after that point can affect page count and spine width and may need extra time.
Can I use my own ISBN?
Yes. You can choose between an ISBN provided through the platform and your own. We explain the differences so you can decide.
Why order a proof copy?
A printed proof shows how margins, fonts, images and the cover look on paper. It is the best way to catch problems before readers do.
Can readers order from my website and have Lulu ship the book?
That is possible with a custom integration between a WooCommerce store and Lulu’s print API. We scope it with you and quote it separately.
Ask about Lulu set-up
Tell us about your book, its format and where you want to sell it. We will reply with next steps and a quote.
Prefer email? Write to info@bzlogics.co.uk. See all author and book services.