How to publish a book to Lulu

Step 1: Create an Account on Lulu

Visit the Lulu website and click on "Get Started" or "Sign Up" to create a new account. Fill in the required details and verify your email address.

Step 2: Prepare Your Manuscript

Ensure your manuscript is properly formatted. Lulu provides templates for various book sizes and formats. Download the appropriate template for your project and follow the guidelines for formatting your text, images, and layout.

Step 3: Design Your Cover

Use Lulu's Cover Creator tool to design your book cover. You can choose from pre-made templates or upload your own design. Make sure the cover meets the required dimensions and resolution. I imported the template and a free ISBN from Lulu to www.canva.com.

Step 4: Upload Your Manuscript and Cover

Once your manuscript and cover are ready, go back to your Lulu account and start a new project. Upload your manuscript file and cover design. Lulu will check for any formatting issues and provide feedback.

Step 5: Choose Your Book Type and Pricing

Select the type of book you want to publish (e.g., paperback, hardcover, eBook). Set your pricing based on your production costs and desired profit margin. Lulu will provide a suggested retail price.

Step 6: Review and Approve Your Proof

Before finalizing your book, order a proof copy to review the physical product. Check for any errors or formatting issues. Make necessary adjustments and re-upload your files if needed.

Step 7: Publish Your Book

Once you are satisfied with the proof, go back to your Lulu account and click on the "Publish" button. Your book will be made available for purchase on Lulu's platform.

Step 8: Set Up Your Direct Sales Website

To sell your book directly, you can create a website using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. Follow these steps:

• Choose a Domain Name: Select a memorable domain name that reflects your book or brand.

• Build Your Website: Use website builders to create a simple and user-friendly site. Include sections like "About the Book," "Purchase," and "Contact."

• Integrate Lulu: Use Lulu's direct sales option by linking to your book's purchase page or using their API for seamless integration.

Step 9: Market Your Book

Utilize social media, email newsletters, and book promotion sites to market your book. Engage with potential readers and share updates about your book launch. In my case, we also created a podcast to help with book sales, showing a few of the monologues and helping create buzz relating to what they were about.

Step 10: Monitor Sales and Gather Feedback

After your book is published and marketed, monitor your sales through Lulu’s dashboard. Gather feedback from readers to improve future editions or projects.