Blurb: Making Dreams Come True for Aspiring Authors

Publishing a book is a romantic notion for many people. Everyone wants to do it but few actually get around to doing it. Some fall prey to distractions while those who actually get around to completing their material are snubbed by publishers for not having enough commercial appeal. But what if you’re not out to dominate bestsellers lists? What if you just want to come out with a book you can call your own? Whatever reason you might have, as long as you have something you wish to publish, Blurb is here to help you out.

Blurb started out as a means of addressing Eileen Gittins’ own needs. She wanted to publish 40 books for 40 people as a token of her appreciation but there was no one willing to accommodate her. You don’t just print a handful of books, after all. You make dozens and thousands of them because you’re supposed to sell them. Finally, Gittins just decided to publish her book herself, thinking how hard could that be, right?

Publishing your own book is pretty hard, apparently. In fact, Gittins realized it was near impossible. But she saw the opportunity in her predicament, integrating desktop publishing systems with print-on-demand digital technology. The idea came to her as a result of her previous experiences working for various companies and Blurb was born.

In a time when the craze is all about going digital, Blurb was peddling the power of print. And the company was successful at it, what with over 750,000 customers, more than 50% of which are repeat purchasers and bookmakers. Creative professionals are the targeted market and thousands turn to blurb for printing marketing pieces such as catalogs and portfolios. In 2011, the company saw the printing of at least two million books. Even more press runs are anticipated as Blurb grows and innovates printing to address needs.