# Need publisher suggestions for semi-vanity book **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 14, 2008, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-publisher-suggestions-for-semi-vanity-book/472638 "2008-11-14T00:54:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2008, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-publisher-suggestions-for-semi-vanity-book/472638/1 "2008-11-14T00:54:38Z")
My sorority is approaching a major anniversary and is beginning work on a history book. I’ve been asked to serve as the copy editor. In talking to the vice president in charge of the project tonight, I asked who was going to publish the book and she hadn’t gotten that far yet. She had talked to the other National Panhellenic sororities that had put out similar books and didn’t seem to think those publishers would work for us. The end price of the book is going to be in the $50-$60 range, and she described it as in the “coffee-table” type of work. We are a relatively small and poor group as sororities go. It is my private opinion that we won’t have many members who can afford to pay this much for this book. I asked if she’s considered a “print-on-demand” kind of firm, so that we can have a number of books to sell outright at our anniversary convention, but then won’t get stuck with a huge inventory; later, if a member decides she can afford the thing, she can order one and the publisher will print one then and there. I wonder if any Doper has worked with a group, non-profit, charity, or the like that has put out a commemorative book and can give me any direction. It would probably be several hundred pages and hardcover, but I am willing to listen to creative ideas. Thoughts? Thanks in advance. ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2008, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-publisher-suggestions-for-semi-vanity-book/472638/2 "2008-11-14T01:07:17Z")
I’m not sure how much something that big would cost from them, but [blurb.com](http://blurb.com) does print on demand coffee table books. Might be worth looking at. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2008, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-publisher-suggestions-for-semi-vanity-book/472638/3 "2008-11-14T03:11:08Z")
Have you considered [lulu.com](http://lulu.com)? They charge a fair price and can be set up for short runs. Are there going to be photos? That will increase the price no matter how it works. If not, you can talk to any local print shops; they can do things with simple bindings for a more reasonable price depending on the print run. ---
**Author:** ![kittenblue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ba8739/32.png) [@kittenblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kittenblue)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2008, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-publisher-suggestions-for-semi-vanity-book/472638/4 "2008-11-14T03:33:06Z")
A friend is self publishing his textbook with [lulu.com](http://lulu.com). Have no idea yet how it’s working out, but the price was great. ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2008, 10:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-publisher-suggestions-for-semi-vanity-book/472638/5 "2008-11-14T10:07:44Z")
You are probably best off going with one of the suggestions above, but if the book is predominantly color photos, doing it through iPhoto is another option. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2008, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-publisher-suggestions-for-semi-vanity-book/472638/6 "2008-11-14T13:33:42Z")
Yes, there will definitely be photos. We will be going through our archives for the good stuff. I’m familiar with lulu; as a book reviewer, I’ve seen a lot of books published through them, and talking to authors who’ve used them, they seem to be the top of the heap as far as that kind of house goes. Thanks for the suggestions; I am still open to more.