Printing a novel draft with Lulu?

[miahayson]

Hi Nathan,

I haven't been on the forums in a while but I hope I can get help with this question I have. It's so great to have somewhere to ask and somebody to turn to.

So. I want to print an altered version of my novel for my Grandparents. Having searched around I found the website http://www.lulu.com. It's cheap and would look nice, like a gift. I do not want to sell any. I just want two copies, literally, to give to them and only them.

I'm just wondering, if I print with Lulu (without an ISBN), will it count as self-publishing the book and thus use up the first publication rights? I don't want to if that is the case. I just want to give them each a copy for their own enjoyment.

Would it also make me look unprofessional and make traditional publishing problematic? Or is it not a big deal?

Thanks. I look forward to some direciton on the matter!

:)

[lyndoncr]

You can keep the project completely private, print those two copies and delete the files. This should not affect your chances with anything else in the slightest.

I've actually used them before for printing off drafts. It's a nice way to edit, holding the product in your hand and experiencing the weight and feel of an actual book. I've also used them for a Uni assignment for which I designed a magazine, it worked well.

A not though that I have had trouble with their postage before. My Uni assignment was three weeks late because of them. So if it's a Christmas present I'm not sure what your chances are (I live in Australia).

[miahayson]

Thanks! It's a good site. Great to know I can use it!

[Dakota388]

I've used lulu and liked it. Their formatting can be a little tricky and time consuming to get it right but worth the effort. Like lyndoncr said, make sure you keep it private. I printed up hard covers of my fantasy novel for my family members before I got my current book deal for that novel and it wasn't a problem. Have fun with it.

[Nathan Bransford]

If you're just printing out copies for yourself I don't imagine it will be a problem, but yes, don't use an ISBN and don't make it available for sale.

[trixie]

So, is what I'm understanding that the problem arises if you A) assign an ISBN code, and B) make your work public (in theory, for purchase) on sites such as lulu.com or createspace.com?

I have an ISBN code for my novel, but haven't opened it up for public purchase. Actually, it's sitting in my computer, waiting to be sent to createspace for a private/draft printing. When the time comes, can I print off 5 copies (free for friends/family) and not worry about any troubles down the road, should the book ever get to that stage?

[Nathan Bransford]

So, is what I'm understanding that the problem arises if you A) assign an ISBN code, and B) make your work public (in theory, for purchase) on sites such as lulu.com or createspace.com?

I have an ISBN code for my novel, but haven't opened it up for public purchase. Actually, it's sitting in my computer, waiting to be sent to createspace for a private/draft printing. When the time comes, can I print off 5 copies (free for friends/family) and not worry about any troubles down the road, should the book ever get to that stage?

The reason people advise not to use an ISBN is that it then becomes trackable in Bookscan and the like with your title etc. If there are zero copies sold I don't know that anyone is really going to hold it against you though.