Back during August I read an interesting article called Blurb! Excuse Me! at footnoteMaven discussing a company called Blurb that offers self-publishing. I decided to give it a try, as I always wanted to produce a book of Itawamba County scenic photographs. As I enjoy layout and design, I downloaded the company’s software from their website and played around with it for a few days. The software is extremely easy to use and features many templates for different types of books. You can use the templates or be creative designing your own pages. Before long I had compiled a little 40-page book of photography I titled A Place Called Home: Itawamba County, Mississippi. I uploaded the book’s layout to the company, placed an order for two paperback editions for proofing and they immediately gave me an expected date of shipping.
About two weeks later I was pleasantly surprised when my two paperback editions were delivered to my home. The company definitely delivered on what they advertise on their website – bookstore-quality books that look professional and polished. And I am simply amazed at the short turnaround time from submission of the completed layout to delivery of the finished product.After designing a dust jacket, replacing a few photographs, changing the typeface of the book and adding an additional 40 pages, I then ordered a hardbound copy of the little coffee table book. I was pleasantly surprised when the hardbound, 80-page photography book arrived. The book I produced with their software, featuring around 100 photographs, can be previewed (the dust jacket and first fifteen pages) on the Blurb bookstore website.
The potential is great for such online self-publishing companies in the area of family and local history. With companies like these, researchers can easily self-publish quality books relating to their genealogical studies or local history. Other ideas for publishing include family photograph albums, and family cookbooks. And such personal books can make wonderful family gifts around the holidays.
6 comments:
Well done, Bob! The book looks great, and is very reasonably priced too.
Thanks for the comments Becky. This was my trial run so to speak. I'm definitely thinking about doing a family history book next.
Nice review and gorgeous book. It's a great inspiration for the rest of us! I can see lots of potential for this service - just need to find the time to get it done.
Thanks for the comments moultrie creek. I can see lots of potential with online publishing services when it comes to family and local history.
Wow, Bob! Truly an outstanding publication. I got goosebumps just previewing the pages, and as my daughter will tell you, when Momma gets goosebumps - it's really, really good. Can't wait to get my hands on the real thing.
Bob:
I just spent some time with your book "full screen." It is magnificent!
You are an artist. From the photographs themselves to the page layout this is truly a work of art.
Far more beautiful than anything I've seen at B&N lately.
fM
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