Self-publishing platforms are everywhere, each offering writers different ways to bring their ideas to life.
Blurb, however, stands out for its focus on print-on-demand and its niche as a creator-friendly platform for authors, artists, and photographers. But with so many options out there, especially heavyweights like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, is Blurb a platform worth your time?
Let’s talk about what Blurb has to offer, where it shines, and its limitations as a self-publishing platform for indie creators.
What is Blurb?
Blurb is a self-publishing platform that primarily caters to creators who want to produce professional-quality print books.
From novels to photography books and art portfolios, Blurb makes it easy for creators to turn their digital files into physical products. What separates it from other platforms is the focus on high-quality print materials, giving authors more creative control over their books’ layout, design, and production.
Unlike some of the major players like Amazon KDP, Blurb isn’t just a platform for authors—it’s also used by photographers, visual artists, and even businesses to create photo books, art catalogs, and custom-printed products.
It’s a platform with a wider creative appeal, but how does it hold up for authors in the competitive self-publishing market?
The Pros of Using Blurb
1. Superior Print Quality
If you’re serious about creating a high-quality print book, Blurb offers options that most other platforms don’t. With a wide range of materials—paper types, binding styles, and cover options—Blurb caters to those who want their books to look and feel professional.
Whether it’s a sleek photography book or a hardcover novel, Blurb allows for a level of customization that’s hard to find elsewhere.
This is especially important if you’re creating visual-heavy projects, such as art or photography books, where the quality of the print truly matters.
2. Creative Control
Blurb offers a level of control over the design and formatting of your book that’s rare among self-publishing platforms. Through its BookWright software, creators can build and customize their books with precision.
If you’re a hands-on author or designer who loves working with layouts, fonts, and intricate details, you’ll appreciate Blurb’s flexibility. This makes it a dream for visual projects but can also appeal to authors who want to step beyond the basic formatting constraints of other platforms.
3. Multiple Selling Channels
Blurb doesn’t just print your books—it offers multiple ways to distribute and sell them. Creators can sell directly through Blurb’s own bookstore or opt for distribution through Amazon and IngramSpark.
The platform also allows creators to create digital versions of their books, making it possible to offer both print and eBooks to a broader audience.
For creators with existing audiences or those who want to control their sales channels, the option to sell directly through Blurb is a nice addition. Plus, with the option to order in bulk, it’s an ideal platform for those who might want to print for events or private projects.
4. No Exclusivity
Unlike Amazon KDP’s KDP Select program, Blurb doesn’t demand exclusivity, giving creators the freedom to sell their books wherever they like. You aren’t locked into Blurb, which allows you to publish on multiple platforms or distribute your book in brick-and-mortar stores.
5. Ideal for Photographers and Visual Artists
If you’re a creator working with high-resolution images, Blurb is a clear winner.
Its print options are ideal for art books, photo collections, and portfolios. The focus on premium printing and the array of visual tools make Blurb a preferred platform for visual creators who want more control over how their work is presented.
The Cons of Using Blurb
1. Higher Print Costs
With great quality comes a higher price tag. While Blurb’s print options are a cut above many other platforms, they come at a cost.
If you’re looking to create a standard novel or mass-market paperback, Blurb’s pricing might be too steep. For indie authors trying to publish on a budget, particularly those focused on eBooks or high-volume sales, Blurb’s pricing can be a major drawback.
2. Limited Marketplace Exposure
Though Blurb offers Amazon distribution, it doesn’t have the same built-in audience as Amazon KDP.
If visibility and mass-market reach are key to your strategy, relying solely on Blurb’s internal marketplace won’t get you very far. You’ll need to put in extra marketing efforts to draw attention to your book, as Blurb doesn’t have the organic search visibility of platforms like Amazon.
3. Steeper Learning Curve for Design Tools
While the BookWright software offers incredible flexibility, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not design-savvy, the learning curve might feel a little steep, especially compared to more user-friendly platforms like KDP.
For authors who just want to focus on their writing and not spend time fiddling with layouts, Blurb may feel like more work than it’s worth.
4. No Subscription-Based Model for Ongoing Support
Unlike some other self-publishing platforms that offer subscription plans with added perks (like marketing tools or design services), Blurb doesn’t have a model for ongoing support.
This can leave authors or creators who need additional help feeling a little unsupported unless they hire external help.
Who is Blurb Best For?
Blurb is ideal for creators who prioritize quality over quantity—particularly those who are interested in producing visually rich books. Photographers, artists, designers, and authors creating coffee-table books, children’s books, or art portfolios will likely find Blurb to be a solid fit.
However, for indie authors primarily focused on novel writing or looking to achieve wide distribution at lower costs, Blurb may not be the best option.
If affordability and mass-market reach are your priorities, Amazon KDP or IngramSpark might be better suited to your needs.
Last Words
Blurb stands out as a high-quality print-on-demand platform that offers superior design flexibility and creative control.
Its focus on premium products makes it an excellent choice for creators with specific visual or quality demands. However, the higher print costs and limited marketplace visibility mean it’s not the best platform for every author.
If you’re a creator who values craftsmanship over mass production, Blurb could be your perfect publishing partner. But for those chasing higher sales volume at lower costs, there may be better platforms out there.