What do you know about Lulu.com? Is it a good idea?

Question

I am an unpublished writer who is finishing his first novel. I will submit to traditional publishers and agents, but a friend recommend that I consider self-publishing. I'd love some feedback.

Answer 1

In this day of publishing, if you are not a previously published writer you won't be considered by most. Those that do consider newbies expect you know how to send your material and understand your genre, amoung other important things.

Agents also are reluctant to take on someone new unless you have exceptional talent or someone they know referred you.

If you self-publish, that gives you the opportunity to sell it on your own, you keep the money and if successful, can show this to an agent or publisher and get their attention.

Do not spend a lot of money on your publishing. I suggest you see Dan Poynter's website at www.parapublishing.com. He is the guru on self-publishing. It is a good way to go, especially if you have no experience in the book market.

Also, do you belong to a group or take writing classes to critique your work? If not, I suggest you do that FIRST, before anything. Often people write and think they have found all the mistakes, grammar errors, story problems, etc., and really haven't. Best to do that before you spend the time and money publishing on your own. Good luck!

Answer 2

It might work.... if you have lots of friends to order you books. I think the traditional way may be better: approach a small publisher, preferably in your town or county. If your book as enough quality I'm sure they will accept printing and distributing it. They will also do some sort of promotion.
The great advantage, even if you don't sell much, is that you will now someone appreciated your book - LULU just prints anything you send to them, provided someone orders it.
Whatever you decide I wish you the best!