Which Format?

[llyocum]

I have a 10x8" 32-page childrens picture book that I'd like to print landscape, full color, with a hard cover. I can change the size and format if needed. I'd prefer to upload its PDF file. What template should I use? I've been through all of them.

[Ken Anderson]

Why use a template?

Design it yourself from square 1. 

[llyocum]

Great! I have the book cover and pages in InDesign and as PDF. How do I upload it and get it printed as I'd like it?

[llyocum]

The problem seems to be that I don't understand Lulu's paradigm. Photo books don't seem to let you upload PDFs. Books do but restricts either the paper, color vs b&w, or the format. Portfolio requires a minimum of 108 pages (!!?). Wedding books, year books, they all have their limitations. I should be able to ignore categories and just upload the PDF, spec my output needs, and be done. I haven't found that option yet.

[Ken Anderson]

The starting point is Publish, then Books, the Start Publishing.

 Then choose the size, binding and colour options.

Photobooks and the like are for dummies who only nee to upload pictures. 

[llyocum]

I really appreciate your help. Unfortunately, I get the same results.

I select the publish tab at the top of the page, click the "Book" button on the left, then the orange "Start Publishing" button.

Next I select "Make a Hardcover Book." I give the project a name, enter my name, and click on "Make it public" and "Save and Continue."

The next page will only let me select "Standard" paper and "US Trade 6x9" size. It also says the page minimum is 108 pages, and won't let me lower that number. I also cannot select other than these options: "Binding Jacket Hardcover" and "Black and White Printing." Unable to change these, I hit "Save and Continue," choose an ISBN, and download the barcoade.

Then comes the "Before you upload..." page. Here I can upload the PDF but the instructions warn me to make sure the book is 6x9 and at least 108 pages.

At this point I give up.

[Ken Anderson]

That's right.
The book size options are very limited for hard covers.

You need to read the FAQs and Knowledgebase or search the Forums as it's been discussed many many times.

[llyocum · Accepted solution]

Hmm. I stumbled on it!

On my "Projects" page I see a "hardcover book" option on the left, so I click it. This allows me to choose the options I want, revising my existing project. I am now able to upload. Thanks much!

[llyocum]

The best answer for you here would be: Lulu has a programming bug. It gives you a very limited set of color, case, and size options until after you've created a 6x9 b&w book. At that point you have to re-choose your options on the "my projects" page, then your paper, color, size, and case options will open up.

Thanks again for your time! Looking forward to seeing my Lulu book!