It took a while to go through the whole process, but I just mailed off my application to Lightning Source. Although I’m planning to use an offset printer for the final print run of Pajama School, I wanted to find a fast, high-quality option for a short-run print job. I’m planning to order about 50 books that I can send out for endorsements and reviews to include in the final book design. Numerous people recommended Lightning Source as a good POD (Print-On-Demand) option, so after doing some research I began the application process.
After setting up an account on the Lightning Source website I received an e-mail from a sales representative thanking me for my interest and asking me several additional questions. Once I answered those, the sales representative e-mailed me a comprehensive File Creation Guide and gave me instructions on how to proceed. I completed the remainder of the on-line application process and then received another e-mail with the final step of the application process. This involved printing out the attached application forms, signing them where indicated, and mailing them back to Lightning Source.
I’ve just finished thoroughly reading the Operating Manual and the File Creation Guide. Whew, there’s a lot involved in printing a book! I’m just so grateful for the two amazing designers who are working on this part of Pajama School for me!
November 20th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Yay! Another milestone in the journey. 🙂 Congratulations!
November 21st, 2008 at 4:07 am
Have you read Dan Poynter’s Self-Publishing guide? (His is the Bible of the industry.) I was just re-reading the section on getting reviews yesterday. He says a lot of reviewers won’t read a “finished” book. They want the draft book which means it not only doesn’t need to be bound but it shouldn’t be bound. It might save you some cost if that’s correct.
November 21st, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Thanks, Olivia!
Margaret, I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t read Dan’s guide yet. I really need to! Thanks for the helpful tip on reviewers. That’s something I’ve debated back and forth with myself, so it’s good to have some additional input.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Hey Natalie-I am wondering if you are glad you used the bound copies for endorsements and reviews. Or do you wish you would have saved the money?
thanks,
ashley 🙂
May 3rd, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Hi Ashley~
For some reason, your comment got stuck in moderation and I just now saw it…sorry! Anyway, yes, I am *very* glad that I spent the money to run bound copies for endorsements and reviews. I received some very good endorsements that I don’t think I would have otherwise received. It was definitely a worthwhile expense, in my opinion.