So looks like about 100 people were invited to check out the 18 companies that produces books.
People were asked to rate these categories on a scale of 1 to 10: color, detail, binding and cover, spread (gutter), paper, bang for the buck, overall. There was a handout with other information, including notes on each interface, turn-around information, brand mark and cost. All books were the same amount of pages and used the same photos
MagCloud 6
Create Space 4.8
Comix Press 4.7
LuLu 5.7
Apple 7.4
Adorama 7.5
My Publisher 6.7
Blurb 6.7
Pikto 6.3
Shared Ink 7
White House 7
Mpix 7.1
Bay Photo 7.4
A & I 8.2
Embassy 6.3
Fastback 6.9
Paper Chase 7.3
Asuka 7.9
They are listed from inexpensive to expensive. Okay, so I've used MagCloud before. I originally thought of making leave-behind "magazine" of work but I have to admit, it looks like crap. Bear in mind, this was about a year to two years ago I did this so they may have improved but at that time, I wasn't impressed.
Apple I used years ago with their flip books - again, not really impressed but I am curious to see how they are today.
I have seen A & I and Blurb books and they both look great though I have heard stories of Blurb. Obviously your mileage will vary. And just a reminder that Blurb is doing an informal meet-up tonight over in WeHo - more info here.
A&I is here in town so you can always go by and check their books out. The other publisher I recognized is Paper Chase on Sunset Blvd.
I'm not too sold on their grade but at least you get an idea of what is out there.
Thanks so much for this information as I have been doing research myself on many of these companies. Used Blurp and Apple a couple of years ago but was not impressed. A photographer friend used Asuka and they did a beautiful job. Was going to try MagCloud next ... but not so sure now. I think I will check out A&I in Hollywood instead.
ReplyDeleteGive MagCLoud a try. As I mention, your mileage will vary and it was years ago when they first started. Can't hurt ^^
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've seen MagCloud has gotten better over time, but there is definitely a "you get what you pay for" thing going with any of these services. I've done both Blurb and A&I. Blurb has some paper quality issues that I can't get past, but A&I's quality is hands down the best I've seen to date. I think this poll is pretty accurate from my experience. A&I is the more expensive choice, but then if you care enough about how your finished product is going to be then that should not be a concern. Also, even though A&I is in the same city as me, I did the upload online, just as Blurb, and was very pleased with knowing that you get a better quality book from them no matter where you live.
ReplyDelete