Lulu is a platform where you can publish and sell your books to anyone anywhere in the world. It’s also possible for you to use the website to connect with people with similar interests as yourself. Publishing your own book is very easy and simply involves uploading your text and artwork. You can then choose a number of different things, including different types of binding, and also customize the cover art work. If you don’t want to write your own book then you might still be interested in creating a photo book of all of your favorite photos. It’s also possible to get an ISBN number for your book through the service. Lulu can handle everything, rather than having to stock books the site will print and dispatch the books every time one is sold. If you want to sell it on other sites and in book stores then you will need an ISBN number, if you just want to sell the book on Lulu then you don’t need to get one. Lulu was founded in 2002 by Bob Young who was also one of the cofounders of Red Hat. It has become a very popular website thanks to its memorable domain name. Although there are a number of similar services this one does not require a download. Lulu has offices throughout the world which makes them a bigger concern than many other online businesses, especially book publishers. However most types of books are still made in the USA which means international customers may have to pay high postage costs. No download is required; everything can be done by uploading your files to their website. The application is very easy to use and fairly quick to get used to. You can easily create your book; you are guided through naming it, and then uploading all of your documents. You are then guided through a number of different options including choosing the type of paper, and type of binding. Everything is really easy to do, and there are helpful links explaining everything just in case you’re not sure. It’s possible to upload a wide variety of different files including PDF, word, images, and works files. They do not support password protected PDF files. Once you have uploaded your files you can then convert it to a print ready document, it’s then a good idea to download and check that the PDF looks how you want it to. It’s a little disappointing that there don’t seem to be any editing features should you want to change anything, but it does seem to work very well. There are professional editing services if you require them. Once you have uploaded the body you can then customize your cover design. If you want to order books then you will need to sign up. This is very easy and it’s just a matter of filling out the signup form. You will also have to choose a store name, this is the address t your personal lulu website where you can sell books. Creating your account is completely free and very easy Actually using the application is completely free; you only have to pay if you want to order any of the books. The cost of the books depends on the number of pages, quality of paper and type of printing among other things. Lulu is ideal for anyone wanting to publish their own book without having to try and find a publisher to take them on. There are professional packages where you can apply for your own ISBN number so that you become the publisher of your book.

• Print your own books
• Sell your books online
• Distribute your books
• Next day and international shipping available.

http://www.lulu.com/