Compilations
How are they produced?
These are Print On Demand, just like custom photographic prints. Unlike photographs, they are printed by a different process that works better for books. (You can get photo books printed with photo print processes, but they mostly cost $100 or more.) I did dozens of proofs to figure out how to make the best looking books possible. It’s been an interesting learning process. I am looking into bulk printing options that are of similar high quality.
If I order from you, how long do they take to print and ship?
They can take only three days, but allow three weeks – two weeks to print, and about another week for shipping.
How much is shipping and other costs?
Shipping is $8 no matter how much you order. I will pay whatever sales tax there is. I can only take orders in the US.
If you order directly from Lulu, shipping is a bit less but they will charge sales tax. They have printers in other countries.
If you order directly from Amazon, they also charge sales tax, and shipping will vary depending on if you have Prime or not, and they have printers in still more countries.
Why do some people call items like these books, and some people call them zines?
I suspect that since they’re not monographs – hardcovers with 80 or 100 pages (or more!) and costing often $80 or $100 (or more!), that some people don’t like the term books for them, but I don’t think zines fit either – either the DIY idea of zines or like versions of magazines.
These are softcover books, not printed at home and not like magazines, and so I call them books.
Where are they printed?
Lulu is a Certified B Corporation, so they have high social and environmental impact standards (their words) and have printed millions of books (overall, not just for me). I am not sure how many print locations or printers they have. Their shipping is not super fast – up to three weeks – but their print quality is great and their packaging so far has been very protective.
To keep costs down, I don’t have an inventory, and books will be printed to order and sent directly to you from Lulu.
Are there other order options?
There are two: you can order directly from Lulu:
Or, I proofed the books originally through Amazon:
- I think they are using the same kind of printer Lulu is using
- the Amazon book pages are ever so slightly thinner and less shiny. We are talking 5/1000th of an inch thinner
- if you have strong overhead lights and you want something less reflective, this is the way to go
- these are eligible for Prime shipping, if you have that
- Amazon packaging seems to be a bit thinner than Lulu’s – they are likely to use envelopes when Lulu uses boxes
- my Amazon author page is here. The author page includes a book I was a photographer for in 2010 (that is not my photo on the cover although it matches my style) and a thing my dad made in the 80s. Ignore those
Can I help?
If you like what you see, please share with a friend. If you see a tech problem here, please let me know.
What’s with the dodgy product photos?
Sorry about that. I didn’t realize the LED bulbs I was using flicker so badly or that they would show every bit of dust on Earth. Someday I may try to redo them.
Other questions?