Blurb BookWright design tool introduces “create once, automatically publish to print or ebook, and distribute anywhere” functionality with free ISBN options
Book-publishing platform Blurb announced an easier, smarter book design and distribution service that includes direct Amazon distribution, a new precision design tool called Blurb BookWright, and ISBN numbers included for free. ISBN numbers are available for free via Blurb BookWright and Adobe InDesign creation tools as well as via Amazon distribution.
BookWright enables authors to design and publish print and ebooks from the same file, at the same time, all in one place. The company says it’s the only free software tool that does this. With its new Blurb to Amazon distribution service, and new book-design software, Blurb now offers an extensive book creation and distribution ecosystem for those who want to design, author, and publish their own printed books and ebooks. Designing and self-publishing using the Blurb platform has become the de facto choice for indie book creators.
According to Blurb founder and CEO Eileen Gittins, Blurb BookWright and Blurb to Amazon distribution evolved from years of learning, absorbing customer feedback, and a desire to bring a fully featured book creation platform to all potential authors.
Blurb to Amazon Program
Blurb customers have long been able to market and sell books directly from the Blurb Bookstore and via their own channels. Now, they can market and sell their Blurb books on Amazon. Amazon’s reach, recognition, and search rankings will help Blurb authors reach a wide audience, especially with specific and niche content. The Blurb to Amazon workflow should be familiar to current Blurb authors. Once a book is uploaded, the author selects the list price for their book, then checks the box for Amazon distribution. Blurb takes care of the setup, then prints the books and ships the orders. Profits are distributed monthly via PayPal, and Amazon’s standard fees apply to all books.
Enrollment in the Blurb to Amazon program is free for an introductory period, and includes options to include an ISBN number at no additional charge. Thereafter, the setup fee will be $29.99 per book. Amazon distribution launches with its U.S., UK, Canadian, and Australian markets, with more EU domains becoming available by the end of the year.
Inside Blurb BookWright
The new, free Blurb BookWright software means that aspiring book designers no longer have to rely on professional design tools to make their self-published books stand out. BookWright is the only free software tool that allows authors to design and publish print and ebooks from the same file, at the same time, all in one place.
Key features include professional design tools, plus:
- Dynamic creation of an ebook that reflects a WYSIWYG accuracy of 99%
- 13 professionally designed pre-built starter layouts: including novel text layouts, cookbook templates, magazine layouts, new photo and portfolio layouts, and more
- An easy-to-use WYSIWYG design process from start to finish
- Built-in color soft proofing that allows customers to see on their monitor how their printed book will look, on the specific paper they have chosen
- Availability across all Blurb-supported languages: English, German, French, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, and Spanish
- The ability to import book files directly from existing Blurb tools; Bookify now with BookSmart to follow soon
- A free for-a-limited-time ISBN that can be applied to every book version published
- Access at blurb.com/bookwright.
ISBN Details
Adding an ISBN to a book has been simplified. Customers no longer have to go through another vendor to obtain an ISBN and can now apply for one directly through Blurb. A single ISBN typically costs $125 when purchased through Bowker, the U.S. ISBN agency. But now, anyone who creates a book using BookWright or Blurb’s Adobe InDesign plug-in, is eligible for a free ISBN. A free ISBN also comes along with Amazon distribution.
