How Print-on-Demand (and Lulu) Help Me Run My Small Journal Business

When I started Noted., I had big dreams and a small budget. I knew I wanted to create beautiful, thoughtful journals — the kind people actually want to use — but I didn’t have the space (or money) to print hundreds of copies and store them in my living room.

That’s when I found Lulu, and everything started to click.

What Is Print-on-Demand?

If you’re new to the idea, print-on-demand (POD) is a way of printing products only after someone places an order. That means I don’t print 200 copies and hope they sell — instead, your journal is printed just for you when you buy it. No big batches, no warehouses, no waste.

It’s a slower, more intentional way of doing business — and for a one-person shop like mine, it’s a total game changer.

So, Who’s Lulu?

Lulu is a platform that’s been around for over 20 years, helping creators, writers, and small businesses bring their printed projects to life. They specialize in books — including journals like mine — and they print in facilities around the world.

That means your order can be printed closer to where you live, which helps with shipping times and keeps things a little more eco-friendly.

Plus, the quality is great. I’ve tested both the softcover and hardcover versions of my journals, and they feel so good in your hands — sturdy, smooth, and ready for your thoughts.

Why I Chose Lulu for Noted.

I didn’t want to overproduce or create waste. I wanted to start small and grow intentionally — and Lulu lets me do just that. Here’s why it works for me:

• I can offer both hardcovers and paperbacks without managing inventory.
• Every journal is printed as it’s ordered, which means no leftover stock sitting around.
• It’s more sustainable, since nothing gets printed unless someone actually wants it.
• I can test out new designs and ideas without risk or pressure.

Basically, I get to focus on the creative side of things — designing covers, writing journal prompts, and dreaming up the next idea — and Lulu takes care of the printing and shipping.

What This Means for You

When you order a journal from my shop, it’s not coming off a shelf. It’s made just for you. That’s kind of magical, right?

That also means:

• It might take a few days longer to ship (because it’s being freshly printed)
• There may be small differences from one copy to the next (each one’s a little unique!)
• Shipping isn’t Amazon-fast or Amazon-cheap (but you’re supporting something much more personal)

In return, you get something created with care — by a real person, with real intention.

If you’ve ever wondered how small creative businesses work behind the scenes, I hope this gives you a little peek. And if you have questions about the process or POD in general, I’m always happy to chat.

Thanks for supporting Noted. Every order truly means the world.