Official Website
Lulu is a publishing and distribution platform for printing and selling books (print and other formats) outside of Amazon.
🔗 Visit Official Website — Lulu
Domain: www.lulu.com
What This Website Is
Lulu is a publishing and distribution platform for printing and selling books (print and other formats) outside of Amazon. For the 📚 Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP side hustle, it can be used to expand distribution and create higher-quality print options depending on your strategy.
How to Apply It to 📚 Self-Publishing on Amazon KDP
Use Lulu as your “non-Amazon distribution option” when you want to diversify.
Step-by-Step Implementation:
- Phase 1: Decide which titles you want to distribute outside Amazon (and check exclusivity rules).
- Phase 2: Format your print files to Lulu specs and order a proof copy.
- Phase 3: Publish and market using your own channels (email list, website, social).
Common Use Cases for this Side Hustle:
- Scenario A: If you want diversification, distribute beyond Amazon.
- Scenario B: If you want better print options, compare Lulu print quality and costs.
- Scenario C: If you want direct sales, connect Lulu to your storefront strategy.
When to Use This
- You want distribution outside Amazon.
- You’re not locked into exclusivity (or you’ve checked rules).
- You want to test print quality and formats.
- You want more control over sales channels.
Best Tasks to Use It For
- Print-on-demand distribution
- Proof copy ordering
- Non-Amazon storefront expansion
- Premium print formats
- Diversifying revenue channels
Getting Started Steps
- Create a Lulu account.
- Pick a book format and review specs.
- Upload interior and cover files.
- Order a proof and review quality.
- Fix formatting issues and re-upload.
- Publish and set pricing.
- Market through your list/website/social.
Good Beginner Search Terms
- Lulu vs KDP print quality
- distributing books outside Amazon
- POD proof copy checklist
- book cover and interior specs
- ISBN and distribution basics
- direct sales for authors
Monetization Angle
Diversifying distribution can add revenue and reduce dependency on one platform. Lulu can support direct sales and broader availability when marketed well.
Pros
- Distribution beyond Amazon
- Proof copies and print options
- Useful for diversification strategy
Cons
- Requires marketing to move copies
- Formatting/spec compliance work
- Margin and costs vary by format
Who Should Use This
KDP publishers who want diversification and are willing to manage additional distribution and marketing steps.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you only want the simplest Amazon-only workflow and don’t plan to market outside Amazon.
Practical Applications
- Compare Lulu’s current formats and fulfillment options with your publishing goals.
- Prepare a separate print file to the selected product specifications.
- Order a proof before offering a new print format or distribution route.
Important Considerations
- Lulu is a separate publishing service, not a KDP account tool; verify costs, distribution terms, and file requirements independently.
- Review rights and any KDP Select ebook exclusivity before distributing the same digital edition elsewhere; print and ebook arrangements differ.
Related Resources
Adobe InDesign — Supports professional print interiors for Lulu and other publishing platforms.
WordPress.com — Gives authors a direct-sales or marketing home beyond marketplace listings.
Related Side Hustles
Blogging: Build an Online Brand and Earn from Your Words — Helps build an author platform and drive traffic to books.
Freelance Writing: Get Paid to Write Online — Writing skills directly support stronger books and author marketing content.
Copyediting & Proofreading: Get Paid to Polish Words — Book quality depends on editing, proofreading, and consistency checks.