Borders/Lulu Partnership Needs Fine Tuning

After gushing about the new partnership between Borders and Lulu yesterday, I decided to do some further research. At present, the publishing process is still too dependent upon the Lulu system for my taste.

In addition to the problems I mentioned yesterday, Lulu shipping ranges from incredibly slow to exorbitant in cost. The cost also is a little high for short books.

Some present options as well as plans for the near future will address some of my concerns. I have no idea if the program will be less dependent on the Lulu site in the future.

Customers currently are able to purchase books on Digital Center Kiosks or place special orders through local Borders stores. Plans for 2008 include displays in designated sections of local Borders stores for authors who pay the $299 editorial evaluation fee. The $499 package includes editorial evaluation, ISBN registration, interior design and formatting, a proof copy, and a self-publishing guide.

On the positive side, the Borders system will allow publishers to sell through other online retailers. Amazon.com’s Create Space limits sales to its site and eStores, which allow those who sign up to sell products from their own websites through widgets that are connected to Amazon.