So I’m just waiting for my copy of The Confessor’s Tale plus another Lulu publication for review to wing its way here. I was disheartened but not entirely surprised to discover that Lulu have discontinued it’s “Basic Distribution” deal where, for 20 quid, you got an ISBN and an entry in some obscure librarians reference catalogue.

The cynic in me says that this is due to changes in ISBN laws (you can buy the ISBN separately but it costs a bunch, if you want to buy in bulk it’s more reasonably priced). I assume lulu used to buy loads and sell them on at a profit which is fine because it’s still cheaper than buying them direct. But the ISBN people apparently didn’t approve. Now you could say that lulu was scamming us by selling bulk bought ISBNs at a profit but you could also say that lulu are doing a great thing by allowing anyone to publish anything and buy an ISBN for it and provide a place for people to buy it so if we have to shove them a few beans to help with that so be it.

In fact one could further say that this bullshit from the ISBN people is the typical arsewittery you’d expect from a publishing community that’s outstayed it’s welcome and is starting to feel the encroachment of a new wave. Of course I have no proof as yet that there is anything worthwhile in this new wave except my stuff which is, of course, excellent. Er. Yes.

But when I get my new lulu books I can start having a look at what’s out there and reporting back. This is the way it’s going to be in the future. And it is better. But I’m just frustrated that I’m at the wrong end of a very long process here.

But as far as the ISBN people go if they want to pick up their ball and go home, fine. I’ll identfy my publication by it’s unique lulu id. The ISBN people can go and insert something long and blunt somewhere very uncomfortable.

Now it’s just a bit of a wait until the books show…