Llumina Press Reviewer's Comments

Offering tons of extra features, top-notch help support and an above-average publishing package, Llumina.com is one of the better publishing available today. With a 12-week, start-to-finish, publishing timeframe and 775-plus titles in print, Llumina Press ranks as one of the best claiming the #5 spot.

Publishing Package:  

Llumina.com totes an average publishing timeframe, about 12 weeks. Additionally, this service offers some great royalty rates, including a 30 percent royalty on the cover price of books sold directly through Llumina Press and a 10 percent royalty on the cover price on those sold through third-party retailers.

Beyond offering basic publishing service like manuscript formatting, ISBN and Library of Congress Control number assignment and barcode creation, the Llumina Press is one of a few services that offer a free editorial evaluation. In addition, this package offers an original cover design service, as well as interior image placement. However, the only promotional service that comes with this package is that of facilitating author interviews.

With this service, authors receive ten free copies of their book, discounts when purchasing additional books, access to articles on writing and book marketing, updates on writing contests and access to eWriter Magazine, an emagazine.

Bookselling Reach:  

Llumina.com uses both Ingram Book Group and Baker & Taylor, Inc., giving over 25,000 retail outlets access to its books. But, with only 775-plus titles in print and only four major online retailers carrying them, Llumina Press has some work to do before it can compete with the bookselling reach of our top services.

Additional Paid Services:  

Beyond the cost of the publishing package, Llumina.com offers a large number of paid services, including copyediting, copyright registration, expedited publishing, ebook formatting, hardcover and color printing, ghost writing and the creation of original art for cover designs and illustrations.

For promotional purposes, Llumina Press offers several paid services, including press release writing and distribution, arrangement of public appearances and creation of customized sell sheets, printed full-color posters, flyers, invitations, business cards, bookmarks, and postcards. There's also book marketing literature purchase and co-op advertising available with The New York Times Book Review and Forward Magazine. Finally, there are web domain registration and web-button creation services available for purchase, as well as a bookseller return program.

Help/Support:  

Llumina.com offers support by way of a toll-free support number, email support, FAQs and a discussion board where authors can post topics and discuss ideas.

Summary:  

Although, clearly a key player in today's print-on-demand industry, Llumina Press simply can't compete with the selling reach and publication speed available through our top-ranked publishing services.