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.






























