New to Lulu

[bursprung]

Hello.  I'm brand new to Lulu and have some questions before I even get started.  I am wanting to create a poetry book, calendar and maybe a few other things but am not sure how it works after creating it.  I'm talking cost prior to selling.  How does this work?  I've scanned the site but can't really figure out if you have to pay out-of-pocket first or what.  Maybe I should have perused longer but I am a little impatient.  LOL  Thanks for any help.

[Ken Anderson]

All the answers are there if you spend a little time.

In the meantime have a look at this thread where someone asked the same question.  

By the way this is a User 2 User Forum so you are not addressing Lulu Staff. 

[VanessaKittle]

It will not cost anything unless you buy some of your own printed books.  You can also make and download ebooks for free.

[bursprung]

Thanks for the quick reply.  I know this is a user-to-user forum which is why I posted my message.  I would have been more formal in my wording otherwise.

I checked out the link you offered and it has a lot to do with UK authors.  I didn't get too far (about 6 posts) as it was all UK based.

I'll keep looking when I get a little more time.

[kevinlomas]

It matters little where you are from, just think logically and you will find most things apply in general.

I often wonder if people come here even before they have written anything! When I first came here it never occurred to me to ask in here! I found everything I needed to know by reading the site and then sticking my existing text files through a Project Wizard to see how it worked. That showed me that there was far more to just sticking a text file through it! But it is how I learned because the Wizards actually have Help links and advice in them, no, really, they do. It took a few months to get to grips with it.
Suck It And See.
Not wishing to offend anyone, I will still state that to be a self-publisher, from start to finish and beyond, needs intelligence.

[bursprung]

Kevin,

I'm not offended.  Normally I would just dive right in but I don't have all that much time to really fiddle with the site for a few months.  I've got a few dozen poems written that I'm looking at putting into book form and calendar form as well.  Full-time job, several pets, 14-yr-old daughter, typical husband (LOL) and being one who needs sleep makes it difficult to find time to just play with things until I figure them out.  Guess I'm getting too old for that... LOL

I appreciate any advice, tips, tricks and notes anyone can spare.  I only take offense if it was meant as an insult.  Sometimes not even then.

[kevinlomas]

Unfortunately you will have to find the time, or pay to get it all done. Unless you are in no rush, unlike so many who come here!

http://connect.lulu.com/t5/Publishing-Process/Tips-for-formatting-documents/ta-p/33493

http://connect.lulu.com/t5/Interior-Formatting/Editing-Checklist-for-Books/ta-p/31395

there's a start ^^^ :-)

[bursprung]

Thanks!!!!!  You're great.

[arabataylor1956]

It takes patience - I have done a poetry book full of pictures,  an e book and a motivational book. You can tailor make them to your taste and where you get stuck you can make use of their services for a fee then all will be done for you.  If you are cash starved then you do a bit daily.  Make sure you have a fast server which makes the work easier.  Good luck

[kevinlomas]

Yes, a fast internet connection (which I assume is what you mean by Server) is a big help, so is your own fast PC, but it can slow down for many reasons between you and Lulu and once it gets to Lulu, their servers (PCs full of mass storage etc) are very slow and can get 'stuck'. If it does, just try later.