Blurb specializes in print on demand books. In this tutorial, you will learn how to use the Blurb BookSmart software to create a paperback book.

You will need:

• Book graphics (plus front and/or back images)
• Prewritten Book – contents in .doc, .docx or.rtf, but preferably in.pdf. format

 

Note: You MUST purchase a copy of your book in order to add it to the marketplace.

Step 1: Get your bookmaking tool

On Blurb’s home page, click the “Make a book” button.

Choose the tool that’s right for your needs.

• Bookify is generally best for photo books and your book can be made online.
• Blurb BookSmart is best for photos and text. This is the option we chose for this tutorial.
• Professionals works best for those who want a large amount of control over their options and settings.

 

 

Click the BookSmart button.

If you have not already registered, you will be prompted to do so now. Simply provide

1. Your email address
2. A user name
3. Password and
4. Email preferences

Then click the button to continue.

Your download should start shortly. If not, retrace your steps and click the download button again. Save the .exe file to your desktop and double click the icon to install. Once the software installs, double click the program icon to start the program.

Step 2: Start making your book

When the book opens click on the “start a new book” button.

 

Step 3: Choose a size

On this page you will add the book’s title and author name. Then choose the standard portrait option and click continue.

 

Step 4: Choose a format layout

For this tutorial, we chose the text only option. Click “start book now”.

 

Step 5: Design your cover layout

Choose your cover layout template from the list. The front cover is the large square on the right. The gray empty boxes represent images.

Change the cover type to “soft cover”, using the blue buttons on the right.

Step 6: Set the background color for your cover

Use the background color selector to add color to your book cover.

 

 

Step 7: Add text to your cover

Click the text boxes to add the title, sub-title and name to your front cover. Once you click the box, you can use the text editor buttons to change the font family, size, color, etc.

 

Step 8: Add images to your cover

Use the “get photos” button to upload images to add to your book. You may upload multiple images.

Drag your image on the left to your cover and drop it in the image area. Your image will resize to fit the box. If there is a problem with the image resolution or size, you will see an image warning and message giving you more info.

 

 

Step 9: Add text and images to the back cover

To add text and images to your back cover, click on the back cover image at the bottom of the page to add the image and click on the top or text area to add information to the back cover in the same way as in the step above.

 

 

Step 10: Add and format special pages

Next, you’ll add or fill in special pages such as the title page and the copyright page. These may be blank; if so, click on the page and then the “insert button” at the top of the screen. Insert the appropriate content. Edit where needed.

 

For example, when adding the title page info, click on the title link.

 

Step 11: Add your book’s content

On the appropriate content pages, add your content. You may copy and paste content into the pages; however, you’ll have fewer formatting problems if you type it in manually. When you’re finished, click on the preview button.

 

Step 12: Publish your book

After previewing and making any edits, click on the order button to publish.

You will see a popup and be asked to sign in to your account. Just click the sign-in button in the bottom right.

After you sign in, you will see a notification that shows you the upload progress.

 

Step 13: Ordering your book

Once you upload your book, you see a notification saying that you have 15 days to order your book. Unfortunately, you MUST purchase the book before you are allowed to sell it in the market place. If you have not ordered in 15 days, the book will be deleted from the server.

If you want to order now, just enter the number of books you want to buy, add it to your cart and continue the purchase process.

To order later, you would log into your account, click on the my books tab , click on the book’s name and add it to your cart.

 

Step 14: Selling your book

After you order your book, you are allowed to set your royalty and sell it in the market place. Just look for the signup link tab at the top and click on it to get more information.