Print-on-demand (POD) services have revolutionized self-publishing, offering authors a cost-effective way to bring their books to life without large print runs. Among the various POD options available, Barnes & Noble Printing Services and Lulu stand out as popular choices. This article delves into a detailed comparison based on firsthand experience, focusing on key aspects like print quality, features, and overall value to help you decide which service best suits your book printing needs.
Alexandra Quick and the Thorn Circle Front Cover Comparison
Barnes & Noble Printing vs. Lulu: Key Differences
Having recently received proof copies from both Barnes & Noble Printing and Lulu, a direct comparison reveals several nuances that authors should consider. While both services aim to provide quality printed books, subtle differences in their offerings and the final product can influence your publishing decision.
Barcode and Cover Design
One immediate difference is the barcode policy. Barnes & Noble Printing automatically adds a mandatory barcode to the back cover of your book, even if it’s not intended for retail sale through their platform. Lulu, on the other hand, does not impose this requirement, giving authors more control over their cover design aesthetics. For those prioritizing a clean cover design without a barcode, Lulu offers a distinct advantage.
Print and Paper Quality
In terms of print quality, both Barnes & Noble Printing and Lulu deliver commendable results. Colors are reproduced faithfully, and the text is sharp and readable. However, a closer examination reveals that Barnes & Noble Printing holds a slight edge in overall solidity. The book feels more robust, and the cover and spine attachment appear more secure when handling and flipping through pages.
Regarding paper, while the Lulu copy used 60# cream paper and Barnes & Noble Printing used 50# cream paper, the Lulu pages felt slightly thinner and brighter. The surface of Lulu’s paper and cover also had a slicker feel, which may be a matter of personal preference. Some might appreciate the slightly more substantial feel of Barnes & Noble Printing’s output.
Side-by-Side Paper and Cover Comparison: Lulu vs Barnes & Noble Printing
Cost and Value
Cost is always a crucial factor for self-publishers. Barnes & Noble Printing is generally more cost-effective, particularly when ordering multiple copies. This price advantage makes it an attractive option for authors needing several copies for personal use, reviews, or direct sales. While pricing can fluctuate based on book specifications and order volume, Barnes & Noble often presents a more budget-friendly solution for larger print runs.
Overall Assessment and Recommendation
Print-on-demand inherently offers affordable printing, but it may not match the premium quality of traditional offset printing. Considering this, both Barnes & Noble Printing and Lulu provide satisfactory results for POD standards. Based on this comparison, Barnes & Noble Printing emerges as the slightly superior choice due to its more solid feel, potentially better value for multiple copies, and only a minor drawback of the mandatory barcode.
However, if the barcode is a significant concern for aesthetic reasons, especially for personal copies or special editions, Lulu remains a viable alternative. For authors primarily focused on cost-effectiveness and slightly enhanced physical quality for general distribution, Barnes & Noble Printing presents a compelling option.
Alexandra Quick and the Thorn Circle Back Cover Comparison
Ultimately, the best choice between Barnes & Noble Printing and Lulu depends on your individual priorities as an author. Weigh the importance of cost, barcode presence, and subtle differences in print and paper feel to make an informed decision for your book project.
