Self Publishing at Lulu.com

[Direct Ebooks]

Hi Guys.

Just came across an article which spoke about Lulu.com, I hadnt heard of them before, but it looks interesting for those wishing to self publish - http://www.lulu.com/publish/ebooks/?...hp5_ebk_110209

On a side note, I'm curious to know what kind of encryption they are using if they can apply it to many differnet types of documents - word/rtf/epub/pdf?

[pdurrant]

I think their encryption option is only for PDF and ePUB.

And while no doubt Lulu are taking a bit off the top, I suspect that the $0.99 fee PER SALE for adding DRM means that big publishers must be paying Adobe at least $0.50 per sale for the DRM.

DRM - bad for customers, publishers and authors.

Originally Posted by Direct Ebooks

Hi Guys.

Just came across an article which spoke about Lulu.com, I hadnt heard of them before, but it looks interesting for those wishing to self publish - http://www.lulu.com/publish/ebooks/?...hp5_ebk_110209

On a side note, I'm curious to know what kind of encryption they are using if they can apply it to many differnet types of documents - word/rtf/epub/pdf?

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I think their encryption option is only for PDF and ePUB.

And while no doubt Lulu are taking a bit off the top, I suspect that the $0.99 fee PER SALE for adding DRM means that big publishers must be paying Adobe at least $0.50 per sale for the DRM.

DRM - bad for customers, publishers and authors.

From Adobe...

• A permanent license gives the user access to the signed content forever. For each permanent license, you are charged $.22.

• An expiring license lasts between 0 and 60 days, after which time the content is no longer available to the end user. For each expiring license, you are charged $.08.

That's on top of the $6,500 for Content Server 4, plus $1,500 a year, after the first year, digital signing service fee.

[pdurrant]

Wow - then either Lulu don't expect to sell many encrypted ebooks, or they're looking to take a much larger cut from anyone foolish enough to pay for the DRM.

I would suggest that they're trying to discourage DRM use, but in the options pages, the default setting is with DRM checked on.


Even $0.22 seems an awful lot for DRM. Mind you, since I think that DRM is positively detrimental to all parties, including publishers, any cost would be too much.

[DaleDe]

There are lots of POD companies that support self published books and eBooks. Mine came from a company called AuthorHouse but there are plenty more Lulu doesn't seem much different.

edit: The focus on ePUB does make them better for eBook use.

Dale

[pilotbob]

Is encryption there new? I have bought a few books at Lulu and they were DRM free PDFs.

BOb

[igorsk]

Yes, looks like the DRM is just in:
http://lulublog.com/2009/11/03/new-l...ooks-are-here/

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by igorsk

Yes, looks like the DRM is just in:
http://lulublog.com/2009/11/03/new-l...ooks-are-here/

Thanks... I read this:

Concerned about losing sales when you make unprotected digital content available in the marketplace? You can now apply DRM to your eBook, and sell a licensed version which can’t be freely copied and distributed.

....and I think it should really say:

Concerned about losing sales when you make unprotected digital content available in the marketplace?

Don't be. There is no proof or correlation to a reduction off sales if you don't protect it with DRM. DRM only pisses off your readers and legitimate customers.

But, if you want to be draconian you can now apply DRM to your eBook, and sell a licensed version which can’t be freely copied and distributed.

BOb

[CleverClothe]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Thanks... I read this:



....and I think it should really say:

Concerned about losing sales when you make unprotected digital content available in the marketplace?

Don't be. There is no proof or correlation to a reduction off sales if you don't protect it with DRM. DRM only pisses off your readers and legitimate customers.

But, if you want to be draconian you can now apply DRM to your eBook, and sell a licensed version which can’t be freely copied and distributed.

BOb

I think a better endorsement would be this:

Concerned about making too much money from unprotected digital content available in the marketplace? You can now apply DRM to your eBook, and lose sales while losing profit.

Or maybe...

Yo dawg, I heard yo like lower sales, so I put DRM in yo eBook so yo can lose while yo lose.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by CleverClothe

I think a better endorsement would be this:

Concerned about making too much money from unprotected digital content available in the marketplace? You can now apply DRM to your eBook, and lose sales while losing profit.

Or maybe...

Yo dawg, I heard yo like lower sales, so I put DRM in yo eBook so yo can lose while yo lose.

Imma let you finish... but Adobe DRM is the best DRM evar!!!

BOb