Why Lulu's?

[Sandy1234]

Hello,

I am trying to publish my articles for free or $0.99 just to make it look like it's worth value.  I'm not trying to make profit, but really publicize my work and brand.  Can someone please tell me why I should choose Lulu over Smashwords, FastPencil, Scribed, or Publish Green!?  

Thank You!

[AdventureWriter]

They have the best revenue split in the industry (90/10), a fantastic community, excellent support, no charges to the author (free ISBN, conversion, distribution, etc.), and the utmost professionalism. Not to mention the publishing process is quite straightforward, and so simple, one might fear they're doing it wrong for lack of difficulty.

[Sandy1234]

Thanks so much for your input!  I've been reading up on all of these ebooks and I think it's come down to Smashwords or Lulu.  I guess the only major difference between them is that Smashwords also distributes to Sony, Kobo, and Stanza.  

I've read somewhere that it's better to buy your own ISBN directly from Bowker so you aren't locked into a service if there is any dissatisfaction.  What is the benefit besides cost, of having a free ISBN?  

[AdventureWriter]

A pleasure to assist.

It is really dependant upon the author's level of involvement.

Often, there's no worthwhile reason to purchase an ISBN and on Lulu it may actually pose a disadvantage (it may limit distribution options). Lulu complimentary ISBN's are automatically indexed in bibliographic databases and need not be bothered with again, unless there is something you wish to do with them apart from the standard process.

[Morganist]

Are these articles you had published elsewhere. Can you publish articles you had published at newspapers websites etc.

[AdventureWriter]

If it's solely your original content, you own the rights, and do not need another's permission, then you certainly may republish articles.

[kilithesoda]

Yes, I prefer Lulu to any of the others. Lulu is, as the guy above says, completely straightforward, ad the staff are easy to work with. It does, again, give you free ISBN numbers, which is very good Go Lulu!