Lulu and me

[Lxndr]

Donjon is the only RPG book currently on lulu (wait a few weeks and Fastlane will be available).  As for RPGSHOP, the first one that comes to mind that uses their POD service is Chad Underkoffler's "Dead Inside", which I'm planning on buying.

[madelf]

I received an email from lulu.com, regarding my missing pages, with an apology and an inquiry as to whether I would prefer a refund or a new copy of the book with the missing pages included.

Since the site says they try to respond with two business days, and this response arrived in just a bit over 24 hours, I'd say they're doing a pretty good job so far.

[Sylus Thane]

Well I was pretty impressed with what I've read in this thread and what was available on the Lulu site.

But alas, I can't get Frontier printed through Lulu. Nor do they have their cd option anymore as it was cut the exact same day I asked some questions about. I would agree that their response to customer service is as quick as they say it is. although I do like to have the means to talk to a live person if possible.

I'm suprised at how difficult I am finding it to get something as simple as a book printed and three hole punched so it can be put in a d-ring binder. I don't even know where to start with my cd woes.

[madelf]

I'm suprised at how difficult I am finding it to get something as simple as a book printed and three hole punched so it can be put in a d-ring binder. I don't even know where to start with my cd woes.

If you're looking for simple loose sheet printing and a three-hole punch your best bet might actually be a Kinkos (or similar service). It's even possible to upload a file to them online for printing and have it shipped to your home.

I wouldn't recommend it for printing to sell (not cost effective IMO), but if you just need something for your own use and you don't mind three-ring binders or comb bound, then it's certainly a reasonable option.

[Sylus Thane]

Well I'm personally looking for something for when I make them commercially as my book is meant to be customizable. If it was simple yes I could go to Kinkos but I have found that at least around here Staples does a much better job. But as you said it isn't really cost effective. I reall wish I could use K-State printing services as they have a full digital set up but unfortunately they aren't allowed to compete for public contracts and I'm not a student anymore.

[madelf]

Well I'm personally looking for something for when I make them commercially as my book is meant to be customizable. If it was simple yes I could go to Kinkos but I have found that at least around here Staples does a much better job. But as you said it isn't really cost effective. I reall wish I could use K-State printing services as they have a full digital set up but unfortunately they aren't allowed to compete for public contracts and I'm not a student anymore.

Ah, I misunderstood.

The only folks I know of who are doing a commercial loose-leaf game book these days is Columbia Games, with their Harn books.
You might try dropping them a line to ask about who they use for their printing.





.are the ones doing

[Paul Czege]

You might contact Andrew Cameron at eXpress.media: ASCameron@ExpressMedia.com

I've been using them for My Life with Master, and have been very pleased with the quality. Their website lists "3-ring binder" as one of their printing options, so I imagine they'd do three-hole punch with no binder. Their prices are exceptionally competitive and their customer service has been exceptional.

Paul

[chadu]

Donjon is the only RPG book currently on lulu (wait a few weeks and Fastlane will be available).  As for RPGSHOP, the first one that comes to mind that uses their POD service is Chad Underkoffler's "Dead Inside", which I'm planning on buying.

Speaking of the DI PoD, I'm quite happy with the quality. About the only thing I might change for my next book (or maybe even my next print run of this one), is upping the weight of the cover stock to the next level.

All-in-all, I've been quite pleased with dealing with RPGShop (RPGNow/RPGMall). They need a "How To?" sort of document to collect all their processes in one simple place, but I've already mentioned that to them.

They're timely in royalty payments, too.

CU

[Matt Snyder]

Paul, I'm confused about Express Media's cover requirements. Do they do color covers, or is it only 1-color black on paper stuff?  I'm reading their quote form as only 1-color black, rather than 4-color. Also, any idea on coating/lamination?

[Paul Czege]

Matt,

My Life with Master has an ink-based color cover printed on 10pt C1S stock on a digital press. I used Will's artwork in black and white, but I actually could have had as much color in the cover as I wanted. eXpress.Media did me a sample toner-based print of the cover on a higher gloss King James stock, and it was nice, but I rather liked the slight dot gain of the ink-based print so that's what I went with.

When I inquired about lamination, they offered it, but it was something they outsourced and I would have had to print up a minimum of 500 covers. Perhaps this has changed. They also offer UV coatings and spot varnishing. Skip the quote page and just email them.

Paul

[rafial]

Well, I wound up being almost exactly the worst case on fulfillment times, 6 days from order to print, and 7 days to ship, for a total of 13 days from order to book in hand.

I compared the Donjon book with New Dimension's Pirates RPG, which is done very much in the same style, (spiral bound, thin cardstock cover).  I think Lulu wins by small margin in quality, the spiral bindings are identical, but the Donjon cover is distinctly heavier (although still on the thin side) and the interior paper quality is better for Donjon.

I don't know who New Dimension uses to print their books.

Lulu also seems to compete ok on price, the Pirates book (at 150 pgs) was $25 from the authors hand, and Donjon (at 84 pgs) cost me $19.15 with shipping.

The only drawback was the two weeks to fulfill.

Also, I just have to say, being that this is the first time I've ever seen Donjon as a printed product, damn that's a nicely laid out book.  Kudos Clinton.

You know, at some point you ought to tack Donjon Pack B1 on the back and sell the combination of the two as "Donjon Deluxe" :)