Summary FAQ List
General Information
What products and services does Lightning Source offer
Lightning
Source offers a suite of services that makes doing business in today's high-tech
world both easy and profitable for booksellers. Lightning Source has two primary
lines of business:
An "on demand"
printing division which allows a book to be printed to order in a range of formats
and delivered to the wholesaler, distributor, or customer location you designate,
whether the order is for one book or one hundred. A comprehensive digital fulfillment
system providing a full range of services from digital rights management to
content delivery in multiple formats.
Is Lightning Source a publisher
No. Lightning
Source is designed to be a resource for publishers by providing printing, distribution,
and a full range of digital fulfillment services for them and their customers. Publishers
maintain all rights to their titles.
Does Lightning Source sell directly to consumers
No. Lightning
Source is not a retailer. While the fast, easy solutions we provide ultimately benefit
the consumer, Lightning Source's customers are publishers, booksellers and libraries.
The suite of services we offer are designed to give booksellers the tools they need
to maintain high customer standards.
Do Lightning Source titles have new ISBNs
This is decided
by the publisher. If producing a paperback from a hardcover original or vice versa,
there will be a new ISBN. Similarly, an ebook, as a new format, will have a new
ISBN. When the format remains unchanged, however, the ISBN usually stays the same.
Is the retail price of a print-on-demand edition the same as the original
The suggested
retail price is set by the publisher. In the case of print-on-demand, it may remain
the same, or may be increased to reflect current market pricing.
Is the retail price of an ebook the same as the print edition
The suggested
retail price is set by the publisher and may vary.
How can Lightning Source benefit booksellers
Lightning
Source assists in keeping more titles available which provides better service to
bookseller customers. Today's consumer places a premium on fast, convenient access
to information. Sometimes that means being able to download a book electronically.
Other times that means being able to quickly get their hands on a long-forgotten
title. Either way, Lightning Source is your source to meet changing consumer needs.
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Digital Library
How do you order Lightning Source titles
Print-on-demand
orders can, in some cases, be placed directly with the publisher or through your
usual source of supply. Our relationships with Ingram Book Group, Baker & Taylor,
Matthews Medical, NACSCORP, and Bertrams, as well as other distribution partners
makes ordering titles easy.
Are all titles in the Lightning Source library available as print-on-demand
and ebook
It depends.
The publisher will determine whether to offer a book as an "on demand" title, an
ebook title, or both.
Who can submit titles
Lightning
Source works directly with publishers who decide which titles to submit to our library.
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Print-on-Demand Services
Is Lightning Source an out-of-print service
Lightning
Source is a print and distribution provider. With Lightning Source, publishers can
bring back titles that were out of print.
What are the capabilities of Lightning Source's "on demand" services
Lightning
Source has the ability to print "on demand" titles within the following specifications:
Lightning Source On Demand Offerings
What materials are used in Lightning Source print-on-demand books
Lightning
Source uses a high quality, acid-free, book-grade of opaque paper stock. All books
with trim sizes of 6"x9" or smaller are printed on a 55# natural shade opaque. Larger
books are printed on a 50# white. Paperback covers are printed on a bright white
80# cover stock.
Does a print-on-demand title have the same quality as the original
Very close!
Lightning Source titles are virtually identical to offset-printed originals. In
fact, you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference. We produce clean graphics,
vibrant 4-color covers, and easy-to-read text.
How do Lightning Source's print-on-demand services benefit me and my customers
With Lightning
Source, you can offer your customers more titles with fast, easy delivery. We not
only give you access to titles that were once extinct or hard-to-find, but also
make it possible for low-volume titles, including regional sellers, to stay in print
and for some new titles to be launched. All this translates into wider title selection
and increased book sales.
Can I order print-on-demand titles through Lightning Source's sister company,
Ingram Book Group
Yes. All Lightning
Source print-on-demand distribution titles are listed on Ingram databases and are
ordered through the same methods you usually use - electronic ordering, telephone,
fax, and mail. However, Lightning Source titles often need to be backordered with
Ingram. Call 1-800-937-8222, extension 3058 to sign-up for automatic backordering
of Lightning Source titles.
Can I order print-on-demand titles only through Ingram
No. Some publishers,
distributors, and wholesalers opt to carry Lightning Source titles in their own
warehouse as well. In those cases, you can order directly from the publisher along
with your regular order.
How fast can I get a print-on-demand title
Using revolutionary
technology, Lightning Source can print 800 pages in less than a minute! Print-on-demand
wholesale orders are printed and shipped within 2 business days. Lightning Source
direct distribution orders are printed and shipped within 5-10 business days. Hardcover
bind styles are printed and shipped within 10-15 days.
Are print-on-demand books returnable
It depends
on the publisher. Publishers determine the return policies for all books, including
Lightning Source titles.
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eBook Services
What ebook services does Lightning Source offer
Lightning
Source offers a full suite of digital fulfillment services ranging from digital
rights management to secure ebook delivery on behalf of retailers. With established
alliances with major technology partners such as Adobe Systems Inc., Microsoft,
Palm and others, we deliver ebooks in Adobe Acrobat ebook Reader, Microsoft Reader,
and Palm eBook formats.
How do I become a Lightning Source ebook retailer
Booksellers
with a commercial website should contact Lightning Source directly for details and
terms. Contact us for further details.
Are ebooks returnable
No.
How do you know what ebook titles are available through Lightning Source
Ebook titles
are listed with Lightning Source participating retailers. For specific retailers
please contact your LSI client service representative.
Does Lightning Source provide customer service for eBook deliveries
Yes. We provide
one-stop ebook service that carries the order through to delivery and provides help
desk support on behalf of the bookseller.
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