Amazon KDP vs Lulu: Which Print-on-Demand Option Fits Your Book?

Both Amazon KDP and Lulu print books on demand, which means you do not pay for a print run or hold stock. They work differently, though, and the better choice depends on where you want to sell and how much control you want. Terms, fees and features change, so check each platform’s current information before you decide.

Marketplace reach

KDP connects your paperback to Amazon’s store, which is where many readers already shop. Lulu has its own marketplace and offers distribution options to other retailers, but it does not give you Amazon’s built-in audience in the same way. If most of your readers buy on Amazon, that matters.

Selling from your own website

Lulu offers tools, including a print API, that let you connect your own store so orders are printed and shipped by Lulu. That is useful if you want to sell signed or bundled copies from your author website and keep the customer relationship. KDP is designed mainly around selling through Amazon.

ISBNs

Both platforms can provide an ISBN in some cases, and both let you use your own. Using your own gives you more control over who is listed as the publisher and makes it easier to move between platforms. In the UK, ISBNs are issued by the Nielsen ISBN Agency.

Formats and options

Trim sizes, paper, binding and colour options differ between the two, and they change over time. Compare the options for the format you want, because the right trim size and paper for your genre affect both quality and cost.

Pricing and royalties

Your royalty is what is left after printing costs come out of the retail price, and printing costs depend on format and page count. Use each platform’s own calculator for your exact book rather than relying on general figures.

Print quality and proofs

Quality can vary between print locations and over time, so order a proof copy from whichever platform you use. A proof is the best way to check margins, colours and binding on paper.

Can you use both?

Many authors do, for example KDP for Amazon and Lulu for their own store. If you do, check each platform’s terms, plan your ISBN approach carefully and keep your files and metadata consistent.

Questions to help you decide

• Where do most of your readers buy?
• Do you want to sell directly from your own website?
• Do you need your own ISBN and publisher name?
• Which formats and trim sizes do you need?

Need help setting up?

We can prepare your files and set up your book on Lulu. See our Lulu print-on-demand set-up service. BzLogics is an independent agency and is not affiliated with Lulu or Amazon.