10 Alternative Websites to Lulu for Self-Publishing Your Book

Lulu

vs.

Amazon KDP

106

Lulu and Amazon KDP are two self-publishing platforms that offer authors the ability to publish and distribute their books. Both platforms provide authors with a range of services, including book cover design, interior layout, ISBNs, and more. Lulu offers a comprehensive suite of services for authors looking to produce professional-looking books that can be sold through a variety of outlets, including on its own website. It also has integrated distribution options to retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Ingram Book Group. Additionally, Lulu provides several helpful tools like automated copyright registration and Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection for PDFs. Amazon KDP is primarily an ebook platform but can also be used by authors who wish to publish print versions of their books. It is best suited for authors who want to use Amazon as the primary source for sales but still have the option to distribute through other outlets. Authors can set up their own author page within Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and gain access to marketing tools such as free promotional periods or Kindle Countdown Deals. They also benefit from Amazon’s established network of customers and global reach. Overall, both Lulu and Amazon KDP offer authors a range of options when it comes to publishing their work, depending on what kind of format they wish to use and where they plan on selling it.

Lulu

vs.

Amazon

1

Lulu and Amazon both offer customers the ability to create and purchase custom products. Lulu offers customers a wide range of custom products, from books and photo books to calendars, cards, posters, stickers, and much more. The company also provides an easy-to-use online platform for creating custom products. Customers can upload their own files or use design templates provided by Lulu to create unique designs for their products. Amazon offers a slightly different set of services when it comes to custom product creation. While they offer similar customization options as Lulu, such as creating books, cards, and posters, they also offer more complex items such as t-shirts and mugs. In addition to this wider range of products, Amazon also provides a more extensive selection of design tools than Lulu so that customers can easily create high-quality customized items quickly and efficiently.

Lulu

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Commission

67

Lulu and Commission are both online platforms that allow creators to publish, print, and sell their work. Lulu is a self-publishing platform that makes it easy for authors and creators to print physical copies of their books, while Commission specializes in the sale of digital goods such as photos, videos, music, and illustrations. Lulu provides users with access to professional book design tools and templates that make it simple to create high-quality publications. Authors also have the option of utilizing Lulu's editing service for an additional fee. Commission offers a single storefront where users can showcase their portfolio and list items for sale. All sales are tracked via an integrated payment system provided by Commission, allowing creators to receive payments directly from customers without any middleman fees. In terms of pricing, Lulu charges an upfront fee for each printed book plus a royalty on each sale made through its marketplace. Commission does not charge any upfront costs but instead takes a cut of each transaction processed through its platform.

Lulu

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Bonobos

62

Lulu and Bonobos are both online retail stores that specialize in clothing and apparel. Lulu offers a wide range of performance gear, from yoga wear to running apparel. They also provide a selection of casual lifestyle wear for men and women, along with accessories like hats, bags, and backpacks. Bonobos focuses on menswear for casual and professional occasions, including suits, dress shirts, jeans, polos and tees. They offer custom fit options for many garments as well as a curated selection of shoes and accessories like ties and belts. Both websites offer easy returns or exchanges with free shipping on orders over a certain amount. However, Lulu has more options for activewear while Bonobos has more menswear options for everyday style.

Lulu

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Aerie

87

Lulu and Aerie are both apparel websites that offer a range of stylish, comfortable clothing. Lulu is focused on fitness and athleisure wear while Aerie specializes in lingerie, swimwear, sleepwear and loungewear. Both websites provide detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, size guides, and easy returns. On Lulu customers can personalize products with their own designs or logos, while Aerie allows customers to shop for items according to body type and fit. Both sites have social media accounts where customers can share looks or ask questions about products.

Lulu

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Alphalete

11

Lulu and Alphalete are two websites that offer quality apparel for active and athletic lifestyles. Both websites provide customers with a range of clothing items, such as tanks, tees, shorts, sports bras, hoodies, and more. When it comes to customization options, Lulu offers personalized monogramming and embroidery services to quickly add names or logos to products. On the other hand, Alphalete provides custom designs using their in-house design tool featuring thousands of colors and fonts. In terms of sizing, Lulu offers a wide selection of sizes from XS to 4X in almost all clothing items. Additionally, they feature helpful size charts for each product which allows customers to choose the perfect fit for them. Alphalete also has an extensive sizing variety with sizes ranging from XXS - 3XL in many items. For those who are looking for eco-friendly apparel options, Lulu features a range of sustainable fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles and other materials while Alphalete focuses on using high-quality performance fabrics like polyester and nylon. Overall both websites offer high-quality apparel designed for active lifestyles but with different customization and sizing options available.

Lulu

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American Eagle

24

Lulu and American Eagle are two popular retail websites. Lulu specializes in providing comfortable, stylish athletic apparel for women, while American Eagle offers a variety of clothing styles for men and women. Both sites offer a wide selection of products at different prices. When it comes to customer service, both websites have excellent customer service options. Lulu offers free shipping on orders over $50 and the ability to track your order online, as well as multiple payment methods so customers can easily pay for their purchases. American Eagle also provides free shipping on orders over $50 and offers easy returns if customers are unsatisfied with their purchase. In terms of product selection, Lulu has an extensive collection of activewear, yoga gear, swimwear, and accessories specifically designed for women. American Eagle has a more diverse range of clothing items such as jeans, t-shirts, dresses, shoes and much more for both men and women. Both sites make it easy to shop online with user-friendly search functions that allow customers to quickly find what they are looking for. Customers can also save money by taking advantage of special promotions or discounts offered by either website.

Lulu

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Aritzia

24

Lulu and Aritzia are two online fashion retailers that specialize in women’s apparel. Both sites offer a wide range of fashionable clothing, shoes, accessories, and beauty products. One major difference between the two sites is the overall shopping experience. Lulu features a more curated selection of items while Aritzia offers more options including exclusive collaborations with leading brands. When it comes to shipping, Lulu offers free standard shipping on orders over $50 while Aritzia only provides free shipping on orders over $150. Additionally, Lulu has a 30-day return policy compared to Aritzia's 14-day return policy. In terms of payment options, both websites accept major credit cards as well as PayPal. However, Lulu also accepts Apple Pay whereas Aritzia does not. When it comes to customer service, both companies provide email support and phone lines for customers to get help with their orders quickly and easily.

Lulu

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ASRV

12

Lulu and ASRV are both online shopping websites that offer a variety of products. Lulu offers a wide selection of apparel, accessories, home goods, gifts, and more. Customers can shop for items by category or search by keyword. All orders ship within 1-2 business days with free shipping on orders over $50. ASRV is an online store that specializes in outdoor gear and apparel. They offer a large selection of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, camping equipment, and other outdoor gear. All orders ship within 24 hours with free returns for up to 30 days from the purchase date. Customers can also sign up for their rewards program to earn points for future purchases. Both sites offer easy payment methods such as PayPal and major credit cards, but only ASRV offers international shipping options.

Lulu

vs.

Blurb

56

Lulu and Blurb are both self-publishing websites that allow users to create and market their own books. Lulu provides print on demand services for paperbacks, hardcovers, and magazines, while also offering digital publishing in the form of eBooks. Blurb offers paperback, hardcover, and magazine printing, but they also provide additional services such as layflat photo books. Both sites offer book customization options including uploading files, adding content from external sources such as Flickr and Dropbox, and editing with tools like Adobe InDesign. Both companies offer extensive customer support through online FAQs, tutorials, email support and phone support. When it comes to marketing options for your book or publication, Lulu offers a marketplace where customers can purchase your work directly from the site or by linking to an external website. Blurb has a shop feature which allows you to create a storefront with multiple products within it. Additionally, Blurb provides promotional materials such as posters, postcards and banners for marketing purposes.

Lulu

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BookBaby

25

Lulu and BookBaby are both self-publishing companies that offer authors a variety of services to produce their work in print or e-book formats. Lulu offers authors the ability to create and sell original works, as well as the option to make their books available on Amazon, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers. They also offer a marketplace where authors can promote their books at no additional cost. BookBaby provides similar services, with the added benefit of providing a suite of digital tools to help authors market their work. They offer flexible pricing that allows authors to choose the service level they want without having to pay for additional features they don’t need. Both companies offer professional cover design, ISBN assignment, editing services, formatting for print and digital editions, distribution options in both domestic and international markets, and customer support.

Lulu

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Obsidian

7

Lulu and Obsidian are both publishing platforms designed to help authors share their stories with the world. Both services offer a wide range of options when it comes to book formats and distribution, making it easy for authors to get their work published. Lulu has a user-friendly interface that makes creating and selling your work simple, without requiring any technical knowledge. It offers paperback, hardcover and e-book versions of your work, in addition to promotional materials such as postcards, posters and more. Authors can also customize their pages with widgets like audio previews and book trailers. Obsidian, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive suite of tools to support authors through the entire process of self-publishing — from design and editing to distribution. It also allows for international distributions in print or digital formats, giving authors access to readers around the world. In addition, its interactive dashboard allows authors to track sales and payments in real time.

Lulu

vs.

ABC

11

Lulu and ABC are both websites that offer a range of services to help with self-publishing. Both sites enable authors to upload their work, customize the cover design, and print copies of their book. However, Lulu offers more robust design options for book covers as well as additional marketing features such as royalties and analytics. Authors using Lulu can also purchase ISBNs and barcodes directly from the site while ABC does not provide these services. ABC offers more distribution options than Lulu, enabling authors to sell on multiple e-commerce sites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. It also provides authors with automated tools for creating digital versions of their books for Kindle or iBook formats. Overall, Lulu is a great choice for authors who need guidance through the publishing process and want access to additional marketing tools such as analytics and royalties. Meanwhile, ABC is ideal for authors who want to make their books available on multiple online platforms quickly and easily.

Lulu

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Fabletics

36

Lulu and Fabletics are both websites that offer athletic and casual clothing for women. Lulu has a variety of tops, bottoms, bras, and accessories in bright, bold colors and designs. They also offer a selection of performance shoes and the latest innovations in technological fabrics. Fabletics focuses more on athleisure styles that transition from the gym to everyday life, with leggings and tops in a wide range of sizes. Additionally, they carry an innovative line of activewear with built-in sun protection. Both sites have easy returns policies so customers can feel confident making purchases online.

Lulu

vs.

Girlfriend Collective

3

Lulu and Girlfriend Collective both specialize in high-quality, sustainable activewear for women. Lulu offers a variety of tank tops, shorts, leggings, sports bras, tees, and accessories. Girlfriend Collective focuses on leggings and sports bras made from post-consumer plastic bottles and fabric waste. Both brands prioritize ethical manufacturing practices and use eco-friendly materials whenever possible. Lulu's offerings feature technical fabrics with sweat-wicking properties designed to keep you cool while working out and four-way stretch to move with your body comfortably. Girlfriend Collective is committed to using the most sustainable materials and processes available by sourcing deadstock fabric from textile mills, foregoing traditional packaging and using low impact dyes for their garments. Both brands offer returns on unworn items within 30 days of purchase.

Lulu

vs.

Gap

60

Lulu and Gap both offer online shopping experiences for their customers. Lulu specializes in custom printing, photo books, calendars and cards, while Gap sells clothing, accessories, shoes and home goods. Both websites feature reviews of products from customers as well as easy search functions to help customers quickly find what they are looking for. Additionally, both sites offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Lulu also provides an online design tool that allows users to create personalized items with their own photos and designs, making it a great choice for creating unique gifts or keepsakes. Gap offers an extensive selection of styles in sizes ranging from petite to plus-size, so shoppers can find the perfect fit for them. In addition to its traditional brick-and-mortar stores, Gap also operates a loyalty program which offers members exclusive discounts and rewards.

Lulu

vs.

Halara

28

Lulu and Halara are both websites that offer a wide selection of print-on-demand services. Lulu is a well-known self-publishing website, while Halara offers many of the same features but specializes in graphic design and photo products. When it comes to features, Lulu offers a comprehensive suite of services to help authors self-publish their books, including editing, marketing, and book formatting. They also provide ebooks for sale on digital retailers such as Amazon Kindle and Apple iBooks. In addition, authors can create their own physical books using Lulu’s wide range of paper types and binding options. Halara is geared towards creating custom graphic designs and photo products such as calendars, posters, mugs, cards, mouse pads, coasters and more. Its main focus is on quality printing for photos which can be used for personal or commercial purposes. It also offers customization options with the ability to add text or graphics to any product. Unlike Lulu’s ebook availability, Halara does not offer any digital downloads; all orders require physical shipping. In short, both sites allow you to create your own unique products with an emphasis on quality printing; however they differ in terms of product offerings and availability of digital downloads.

Lulu

vs.

Amazon KDP

34

Lulu and KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) are two popular platforms for authors to self-publish their books. Both offer similar features, including a cover designer, formatting tools, ISBNs and distribution networks. However, there are some differences between the two services. Lulu provides authors with templates to help create a professional-looking book cover while KDP offers an extensive range of cover design options with easy customization tools. Lulu allows authors to distribute their books through major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple Books while Kindle Direct Publishing is only available on Amazon. In terms of formats, Lulu provides paperback and hardcover formats in addition to eBook versions whereas KDP only supports eBooks in Kindle format. Overall, both websites are excellent options for self-publishing a book but the choice ultimately depends on the author's needs and preferences.

Lulu

vs.

lululemon

40

Lulu and lululemon are two activewear brands that cater to individuals with an active lifestyle. Both offer a variety of clothing items including tops, bottoms, outerwear, and accessories. However, they differ in design and materials used. Lulu primarily focuses on stylish fitness clothing made from technical fabrics that are designed for performance. Their clothing is focused on comfort and style, offering styles for different activities such as running, yoga, and training. They also have a range of eco-friendly items made from recycled plastics or organic cotton. lululemon has a more classic approach to activewear with their signature ‘ABC’ (anti-ball crushing) technology which allows for movement without constricting the body. They use more premium materials such as Nulux and Luon fabric which is designed to be lightweight but supportive at the same time. In addition to this, they have features such as four-way stretch material that makes their clothes flexible while maintaining shape retention. Overall both Lulu and lululemon provide quality activewear items that are designed with comfort in mind. The difference between them lies in their focus; Lulu appeals to those who want stylish but functional clothes while lululemon appeals to those who want high performance garments with superior fit and feel.

Lulu

vs.

MeUndies

8

Lulu and MeUndies are both ecommerce websites that specialize in comfortably-fitting apparel. Lulu offers a wide selection of men's, women's, and children's clothing, along with accessories such as bags and hats. MeUndies specializes in underwear for both men and women. Both sites offer customers the ability to select their size, design, and color for each clothing item before placing their order. When it comes to shopping experiences, Lulu provides more options for customization such as selecting specific fabric types or adding embroidery details. Additionally, they have an online store locator tool that allows shoppers to find stores near them that carry their products. MeUndies has a subscription service that allows customers to have new items delivered automatically at regular intervals with free shipping. Finally, both websites provide customer support through email or phone so shoppers can get help before or after making a purchase.