Creating your own book can result in some common errors in the publishing process. This article will walk you through some of the common error messages and how to correct them.One way to locate the information you are seeking is to Crtl+F (Command+F for Mac) in this article. Our Knowledge Base is filled with articles and resources to get you right back on track to publishing and sharing your work.TABLE OF CONTENTSAbout Errors and WarningsLogin PageInvalid Username or PasswordProject Creation Tool: Start StepChanging Product Type After Publishing Your BookChanging Product Type After Ordering Proof CopyNot Eligible for Global DistributionProject TitleBook LanguageBook CategoryCopyright StepTitle and Edition (Ebook Only)ContributorsISBN RequiredISBN Not RequiredISBN ChangesISBN ImprintISBN In UseISBN Format IncorrectFull Imprint Contact DetailsDesign StepBook SizeUnsupported Book SizeProduct Type MismatchPage LayoutEmbed FontsFont SizeUpload ErrorTransparencyImage ResolutionInk Coverage (Error)Ink Coverage (Warning)Page Count Not Eligible for DistributionUploaded Cover SizeUploaded Cover Page CountFull BleedDetails StepDescription RequiredCategory RequiredBISAC Main Category RequiredKeyword RequiredPricing & Payees StepDesign Step IncompletePrice Too LowReview StepEbook Errors DetectedMy Projects PageProof Copy PurchaseCheckout PageInvalid Zip CodeInvalid Discount CodeNo Items Qualify for a DiscountPayment Details Couldn’t Be VerifiedBookstoreExplicit ContentAbout Errors and WarningsErrors are issues preventing you from completing an action, like publishing a project or placing an order.Warnings are issues that may affect the result of the action you want to complete, but they can be ignored, like getting an image resolution warning on an interior file.Errors are more serious than warnings, and errors MUST be addressed (most times appear in RED). Warnings can be thought of more as suggestions (most times appear in ORANGE).If you choose to ignore a warning, you are responsible for any imperfections or undesirable results.Informational notices give you status updates (most times appear in PURPLE).Note: If you need a visual aid of how to correct these errors and warnings, please refer to our Youtube page which has detailed tutorials.Login PageInvalid Username or PasswordMessage received: Invalid username or password.Severity: ErrorMeaning: Your email address and/or password are incorrect.Necessary actions: Try logging into your account with the correct login information. If you do not remember your password, you can request a password reset on the login page.Project Creation Tool: Start StepChanging Product Type After Publishing Your BookMessage received: Product Type can't be updated after publishing your BookSeverity: InformationalMeaning: You cannot change your project’s product type once you have published your project.Necessary actions: NoneChanging Product Type After Ordering Proof CopyMessage received: Product Type can’t be updated after approving a proof copySeverity: InformationalMeaning: You cannot change your project’s product type once you have approved a proof copy (for Global Distribution).Necessary actions: NoneNot Eligible for Global DistributionMessage received: Your Book is currently not eligible for Global Distribution. You can edit your selections on the Design step to enable this option.Severity: InformationalMeaning: The product type, book size, and/or book specifications of your project are not eligible for our Global Distribution service. You will not be able to select the Global Distribution goal unless you select eligible specifications for your project. See our Global Distribution Eligible Products Guide for more information.Necessary actions: NoneProject TitleMessage received: Project title is requiredSeverity: ErrorMeaning: You did not enter a project titleNecessary actions: Enter a project titleBook LanguageMessage received: Language is requiredSeverity: ErrorMeaning: You did not enter a book languageNecessary actions: Select a book languageBook CategoryMessage received: Category is requiredSeverity: ErrorMeaning: You did not select a categoryNecessary actions: Select a categoryCopyright StepTitle and Edition (Ebook Only)Message received: Title entered does not match the title detected in the ebook fileSeverity: ErrorMeaning: For ebook projects in our Global Distribution program, it is required that the title entered in the Copyright step matches the title detected in the EPUB file.Necessary actions: Either edit the title in the Copyright step to match the title in the EPUB file OR edit the title in the EPUB file to match the title in the Copyright step.ContributorsMessage received: At least one contributor is required to publishSeverity: WarningMeaning: You must add at least one contributor (author, artist, translator, etc) to your project.Necessary actions: Add at least one contributor to your project.ISBN RequiredMessage received: ISBN required for Global DistributionSeverity: WarningMeaning: You must assign an ISBN to your project if you’d like to sell your book through Global Distribution.Necessary actions: Assign an ISBN to your project.ISBN Not RequiredMessage received: If you are only selling your book on the Lulu Bookstore, an ISBN is not required. You can add an ISBN if you decide later to sell your book through Global Distribution.Severity: InformationalMeaning: It is optional to assign an ISBN to a project that is not in Global Distribution.Necessary actions: NoneISBN ChangesMessage received: ISBN can’t be updated after approving a proof copy.Severity: InformationalMeaning: You cannot change your ISBN, imprint, or contact details once you have assigned an ISBN and published your project.Necessary actions: NoneISBN ImprintMessage received: Imprint is already in useSeverity: ErrorMeaning: An imprint is the publisher's name attached to your ISBN. The imprint you have submitted is already being used by a Lulu user in a different Lulu account. Imprints cannot be used across accounts.Necessary actions: Type in a different imprint/publisherISBN In UseMessage received: ISBN is already in useSeverity: ErrorMeaning: The ISBN you have submitted is already assigned to a different project. An ISBN cannot be assigned to more than one project.Necessary actions: Assign an unused ISBN.ISBN Format IncorrectMessage received: ISBN format is incorrectSeverity: ErrorMeaning: The ISBN you have submitted is not a valid ISBN.Necessary actions: Review the ISBN you have entered and make sure it is correct. If it is, reach out to the ISBN agency you purchased the ISBN from to let them know that it is invalid and to ask for a new, valid ISBN.Full Imprint Contact DetailsMessage received: Full imprint contact details requiredSeverity: ErrorMeaning: The imprint/publisher field and/or any of the contact information fields are incomplete. All the fields need to be completed to assign an ISBN to your project.Necessary actions: Fill out the imprint/publisher and contact information fields.Design StepBook SizeMessage received: Book Size: The book size you selected does not match the page size in the file you uploaded.Severity: ErrorMeaning: You uploaded an interior file with different dimensions than the original interior file you uploaded to the project.Necessary actions: Either resize your interior file to match the dimensions of the original interior file uploaded to the project OR create a new project and upload your new interior file there if you want to change the project’s dimensions.Unsupported Book SizeMessage received: The PDF file you uploaded does not match the book sizes Lulu offers. Please update your PDF to a book size we offer and upload the corrected file. Severity: ErrorMeaning: The interior PDF file you have uploaded does not match one of the book sizes that we have available.Necessary actions: Resize your interior PDF file to one of the book sizes we offer. See our Products page to view all book sizes.Product Type MismatchMessage received: The uploaded file doesn't match the selected product type.Severity: ErrorMeaning: The interior file you uploaded has dimensions that are not eligible for the product type you’ve selected in the Start step.Necessary actions: Resize your interior PDF file to a size that is eligible for the product type you’ve selected, OR select a different product type in the Start step.Page LayoutMessage received: Page Layout: The page size or orientation differs within your PDF. Please ensure that all pages are the same size and oriented the same way (Portrait or Landscape).Severity: ErrorMeaning: The interior PDF file you uploaded has pages of different dimensions and/or of different orientations, ex: landscape and portrait pages in the same file.Necessary actions: Review your PDF file. Ensure that all pages in the file have the same dimensions. Ensure that all pages in the file are oriented the same way (all landscape or all portrait).Embed FontsMessage received: Some fonts are not embedded in your PDF. Don't worry, we will attempt to embed them for you after you select your specificationsSeverity: WarningMeaning: You did not embed one or more of your PDF file’s fonts.Font embedding is the inclusion of font files inside an electronic document. A PDF with embedded fonts is required to upload to ensure that the text prints properly. Lulu’s project creator will try to embed your file’s fonts for you.Necessary actions: Review the print-ready file created from your file to make sure your fonts look how you expect them to. If some fonts look wrong, you will need to embed your file’s fonts, and then upload it again. If you are using Microsoft Word to create your file, see this article. If you have created your PDF using an Adobe product, see this article.Font SizeMessage received: Font Size: Some of your fonts are less than 5 pt. That's pretty small. We recommend all fonts be 8 pt or more.Severity: WarningMeaning: The file you uploaded has a very small font size that may not be legible when printed.Necessary actions: NoneUpload ErrorMessage received: Upload Error: We detected an error in your PDF. These could include: (1) Pages of Different sizes. (2) Fonts need to be embedded. (3) Corrupted Images. If you continue to have problems uploading your PDF, please contact Lulu Support for assistance.Severity: ErrorMeaning: The file that you uploaded has pages of different sizes, unembedded fonts, and/or corrupted images.Necessary actions: Review your file to check for the above possible issues. If you are unable to find the problem with your file, please submit a support ticket so that an agent can assist.TransparencyMessage received: Transparency: We detected an element that may be transparent within your file. We strongly recommend flattening or removing any transparencies in your file.Severity: WarningMeaning: You uploaded a file with several layers and transparencies within the PDF.Necessary actions: NoneImage ResolutionMessage received: Images: Your file contains images with a resolution less than 200 pixels per inch. Lulu suggests using images with a pixel-per-inch range of 200-600 for the best results.Severity: WarningMeaning: We detected low-resolution images in your file that may cause lower print quality.Necessary actions: NoneInk Coverage (Error)Message received: Ink Coverage: Your file contains inks with high ink coverage requirements. Using Standard print for content with high ink coverage requirements may result in poor print quality. Please select Premium print or adjust your file to include lower ink coverage.Severity: ErrorMeaning: The interior PDF file you uploaded requires one of our Premium interior color optionsNecessary actions: Select either Premium Black & White or Premium Color as your book’s interior color typeInk Coverage (Warning)Message received: Ink Coverage: A unique spot color appears in your file. This color will be converted to CMYK for printing and may result in a variation from the color you see in your file. We recommend using sRGB or CMYK for all colors in your file.Severity: WarningMeaning: Our production facilities use sRGB and CMYK as the color space when printing a product. There is a color in your uploaded file that does not exist in the CMYK color space. It may not look exactly as you want it to due to this.Necessary actions: NonePage Count Not Eligible for DistributionMessage received: The Page Count of the file you uploaded is not available for Global Distribution. To proceed with this project, you can upload a different file or unselect Global Distribution as a Sales Goal on the Start step.Severity: ErrorMeaning: You have selected Global Distribution as a goal in the Start step of the project, but the interior file you uploaded has fewer pages than required for the Paperback, Hardcover, or Linen Wrap binding types, which are the only bindings eligible for Global Distribution.Necessary actions: Either add more pages to your interior file so that it is eligible for Global Distribution OR remove the Global Distribution goal in the Start step of the projectUploaded Cover SizeMessage received: Book Size: Your PDF dimensions are {width}” x {height}”For the book size you selected, the PDF dimensions need to be within {X1}"-{X2}" x {Y1}"-{Y2}". Please update your PDF dimensions or select a different book size.Severity: ErrorMeaning: The cover PDF file you uploaded does not match the required cover file dimensions for your project.Necessary actions: Resize your cover PDF file to match the dimensions listed under the “Requirements” area of the “Upload Cover File” section of the Design step.Uploaded Cover Page CountMessage received: Page Count: We found more than 1 page in your file. For a cover file, you must upload a PDF with a single page for the front, spine, and back cover.Severity: ErrorMeaning: The cover PDF file you uploaded has more than 1 page. The cover PDF file must only have one page (for non-comic books/magazine products).Necessary actions: Remove the excess pages of your PDF file. Possibly redesign your cover so that it includes the front cover, spine, and back cover on one page.Full BleedMessage received: Full Bleed: Please note that a white Bleed margin has been added to your interior file. The book preview will show how this Bleed margin impacts your file. If you require image content that extends to the trimmed edge of the page, please upload a PDF prepared for Full Bleed.Severity: WarningMeaning: The cover file you uploaded does not include full bleed dimensions. We added bleed dimensions to your print-ready file. For more information about bleed, please read What is Full Bleed?Necessary actions: NoneDetails StepDescription RequiredMessage received: Description is required to publishSeverity: ErrorMeaning: A description is required to publish a book to the Lulu Bookstore or in Global Distribution.Necessary actions: Add a description in the field.Category RequiredMessage received: Category is requiredSeverity: ErrorMeaning: A bookstore category is required to publish a book to the Lulu Bookstore or in Global Distribution.Necessary actions: Select a bookstore category from the dropdown menu.BISAC Main Category RequiredMessage received: At least one BISAC category is requiredSeverity: ErrorMeaning: A BISAC category is required to publish a book to the Lulu Bookstore or in Global Distribution. See this article for more information about BISAC.Necessary actions: Select a BISAC category from the dropdown menu.Keyword RequiredMessage received: Please add at least one KeywordSeverity: ErrorMeaning: At least one keyword is required to publish a book to the Lulu Bookstore or in Global Distribution.Necessary actions: Type a keyword in the field. Add a comma to the end of the keyword to add it to your project.Pricing & Payees StepDesign Step IncompleteMessage received: The Design step needs to be completed before setting the prices.Severity: WarningMeaning: The minimum price of your project depends on its book specifications. Your book specifications have not been selected in the Design step. Necessary actions: Go to the Design step and select your book specifications in order to generate your book’s minimum price.Price Too LowMessage received: Price too lowSeverity: ErrorMeaning: The price you have inputted is below the minimum price for your project. The price you set needs to be at least the minimum price.Necessary actions: Change the price so that it is at least the minimum price.Review StepEbook Errors DetectedMessage received: The title/contributor/ISBN detected within the ebook file does not match the title/contributor/ISBN you entered in the Copyright step. Please update the Copyright step or upload a corrected file to continue.Severity: ErrorMeaning: The title, contributor, and/or ISBN that you entered in the Copyright step does not match the title, contributor, and/or ISBN detected in the EPUB file you uploaded. For ebook projects in our Global Distribution program, it is required that the title, contributor, and ISBN entered in the Copyright step match the title, contributor, and ISBN detected in the EPUB file.Necessary actions: Either change the title, contributor, and/or ISBN in the Copyright step so that the information matches what is in your EPUB file OR revise the title, contributor, and/or ISBN in the EPUB file so that the information matches what is in the Copyright step.My Projects PageProof Copy PurchaseMessage received: Purchase a copy to review and approve for distributionSeverity: WarningMeaning: You have selected Global Distribution as a goal for your project. In order to send your project to retail channels, you must first purchase a proof copy and approve it.Necessary actions: Purchase a proof copy of your book and approve it to complete the Global Distribution process.Checkout PageInvalid Zip CodeMessage received: Invalid postal code formatSeverity: ErrorMeaning: The Zip code you have entered for your shipping address is not a valid zip code for your selected country.Necessary actions: Review the Zip code you typed and/or the country you selected and correct them if necessary.Invalid Discount CodeMessage received: Discount code is invalidSeverity: ErrorMeaning: The coupon code you have entered is not a valid coupon code.Necessary actions: Review the code you typed to make sure that you typed it in correctly (no lowercase letters, no spaces, etc). If your coupon code is still not accepted, please reach out to customer support before placing the order.No Items Qualify for a DiscountMessage received: No items in your cart qualify for this discount codeSeverity: ErrorMeaning: The product(s) you are ordering is not eligible for the coupon code you have entered.Necessary actions: Review the product(s) you are ordering to make sure that it is eligible for the coupon code you are trying to use. If it is not, you will be unable to apply the coupon to the order.Payment Details Couldn’t Be VerifiedMessage received: Enter a valid card numberSeverity: ErrorMeaning: The credit card information you entered is incorrect and does not match the records that your bank or credit card company has on file.Necessary actions: Review the credit card information you entered and correct any mistakes. If there are no mistakes, please reach out to your bank or credit card company for information on why they are blocking the transaction.BookstoreExplicit ContentMessage received: The product(s) you're viewing was marked as explicit by the creator.Please verify your age to continue.Severity: InformationalMeaning: To view explicit products in our Bookstore, you must verify that you are over the age of 18 and can view explicit content.Necessary actions: Select your birthdate from the dropdown.