They may not be one-hundred-percent DIY, but websites like Blurb have made publishing more accessible. The site allows you to download a free template, add photos and text, and pay to have your book "published" and bound into a glossy volume. The concept takes zines to the next level. No late-night stapling sessions required.
Pricing is based on the number of pages and the type of binding you want. Shipping charges apply as well.
To make a book:
• Download the software (for Mac or PC).
• Choose your template.
• Add photos, text and content.
• Place an order for your book.
• Wait about 2 weeks for printing and shipping.
You can also put your book up for sale in the Blurb Bookstore. We had fun browsing for cool titles including:
• Ghosts of the Great Highway: Paintings by Robert Mars
• The Neon Boneyard: Photographs by Laura Domela
• Prefab Green: The Work of Michelle Kaufmann Designs
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
This would be great to do for someone's anniversary. I may do it with my trip photos when I travel to Europe.
view Erin K.'s profile
What kind of quality do you get from these shops? Is the paper substantial? Is the binding strocg?
It's a great idea for trips.
view stonelake's profile
A great purpose for this is when a pregnant woman documents her growth and feelings each month. When the child is older, they would receive an actual hardbound book with text about their very early beginnings. Now, that would be lovely.
view Lisa from VA/lsaspacey's profile
As a writer manqué, I've been investigating self-publishing for a while. If you don't need marketing, editing, or an ISBN, this is a great deal. The books are great quality...you just have to trust your own editing! If you're looking to sell your work, try lulu dot com or xlibris dot com.
view One Eyed Daruma's profile
You can get books printed through Apple's iPhoto software, and the quality is great. I ordered a hardbound book of family photos for my in-laws a few years ago and I'm pretty sure it will last for many years. I've also seen books printed thru Lulu, they are also good quality, nice paper, binding, etc.
view "..."'s profile