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Selling hardbacks direct

Sell your hardback next to the paperback and the ebook.

A hardback is often the copy your most loyal readers want, for a shelf or a gift. It sits on the same book page as the other formats, so readers choose the one they want. Print it on demand through BookVault or Lulu, or post copies you already have.

Join the waitlistSee the plans

How it works

  1. Add the hardback format

    On the book, tick hardback and choose print on demand or own stock.

  2. Choose hardback binding

    For print on demand, pick the printer and hardback binding, then the trim size, paper and page count.

  3. Upload the print files

    Upload the interior PDF and the hardback cover PDF. A hardback cover is usually a different size from the paperback’s, so check your printer’s template.

  4. Price it

    Set its own price. A hardback usually costs more to print, so check the printer’s quote first.

Files and details

Interior PDF
Up to 500 MB. Often the same interior as the paperback.
Cover PDF
Up to 200 MB. Made to your printer’s hardback template.
Trim sizes
5x8, 5.25x8, 5.5x8.5 or 6x9 inches for print on demand.

What readers get

Every format on one page
Readers see the ebook, audiobook, paperback and hardback together and pick one, or a bundle.
Shipping before they pay
Readers pick their country and a shipping rate in the basket, so the total holds no surprises.
Receipts in their library
Every order and a printable receipt are in the reader’s library.

What it costs to sell a hardcover

Your plan, Stripe’s card fee on each sale and, for print, the printer’s price.

Card fees are Stripe’s standard rates for the country your Stripe account is in.
WhatCostDetails
Lanternbee, Free planNothingNo monthly bill and no fee on your sales, for up to 3 books.
Lanternbee, Author planUS$29 a month, paid yearlyOr US$39 month to month. As many books as you write, and no fee on your sales.
Card payment, US account2.9% + 30¢Stripe’s standard rate for a US card. Cards issued outside the US add 1.5%, and paying in another currency adds 1%.
Card payment, UK account1.5% + 20pStandard UK cards. EEA cards are 2.5% + 20p, other international cards 3.15% + 20p, plus 2% when the currency is converted.
Card payment, EU account (Ireland)1.5% + €0.25Standard EEA cards. UK cards are 2.5% + €0.25, other international cards 3.15% + €0.25, plus 2% when the currency is converted.
Stripe Tax0.5% per saleOnly on sales where you are registered to collect tax. This is the pay-as-you-go rate for Stripe’s own checkout.
Lanternbee on print costsNo mark-upYou pay the printer’s price, or your own cost for stock you hold.
BookVault title setup, free plan£19.95 or US$24.95 per titleEach format is its own title at BookVault. Less on BookVault’s paid plans.
LuluPrint cost + shipping + a fulfilment feeNo setup or subscription fee.

Limits to know about

  • Sending paid orders to BookVault and Lulu automatically is being built. You can set up printed formats now.
  • For own stock, packing slips, postage labels and marking orders as posted are on the To ship page, for every copy you post.
  • Shipping rates are flat rates you set per zone. A heavier hardback may need its own rates.

VAT and sales tax

Printed books are often taxed differently from ebooks. Stripe Tax applies the rule for the reader’s country at checkout. Check your own country on the VAT pages.

VAT on books, country by country

Questions about selling hardbacks

Can a hardback and a paperback share an ISBN?

No. Each format needs its own ISBN, and Lanternbee keeps one per format.

Can I sell a hardback with the ebook as a set?

Yes. Make a bundle with the two formats and set one price for both.

Works with

BookVaultComingPrint on demand for paperbacks and hardbacks, printed in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.LuluComingPrint on demand through Lulu’s print network, with no setup fee.EasyPostBuilt, not switched onPostage labels for the copies you post yourself. Built, not switched on yet.ShippoNot built yetAnother postage label service. Not connected to Lanternbee.StripeLiveReaders pay you through your own Stripe account. You are the seller, and Stripe pays out to your bank.

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