ces_dlb's Posts

It is possible. Instead of selecting the Full Bleed Picture Layout, select "Quotation Pages" . There are 2 choices in BookSmart, the one on the left is Plain text and the one on the right supports text layer over a full bleed image background.

Notice though that the Plain Text "Quotation Page" allows you to put the page number on either the header or the footer. The other layout that supports an image background only gives you the option to use the footer.

HTH 

Hey Brian,

My point of responding is to present choices not dictate a way to go. Bottomline, present the person in need with choices and let that person try then adopt the most suitable solution as it applies to his or her situation. PDF conversion is a valid solution that is accepted, adopted and used in the industry. If the person opts for your cut and paste solution, then go right ahead.

Thank you for speaking your mind about PDF. I don’t understand though how your mentioning the different setup about PDF output size relate to the question of the thread starter when what is requested are suggestions on a sort of automating output from Word to BookSmart. I use InDesign extensively to create my photobooks and of course I opt for the best resolution. With that, I am aware that the output file size is big. When I need to write articles, I use Word for the reason that it is a word processor. I have since been extremely pleased with Word’s output to PDF particularly when I am required to submit articles in PDF format for vanity publication. If my articles contain a lot of images, of course the PDF size is big. If it is predominantly text, it may or may not be bloated depending on my export settings.

Why I suggested a conversion to either PDF or JPG is in order for the work to remain as it is or intact without the need to yet again rebuild it but this time using the text capability of BookSmart. Be aware that BookSmart is not a wordprocessor but for the purpose of photobooks when lesser amount of text is needed as opposed to a textbook, it definitely can provide a quick solution but severely lacks the tools a writer may require.

In my original post, I presented a second option of using docPrint to JPG. That is the same suggestion I gave out to a client who was extremely pleased and successful in porting her Word manuscript to Blurb’s BookSmart using full bleeds. End result after she received the printed book? Extreme pleasure with the work of Blurb. Did she need to redo her work using BookSmart? No. All she did was to autoflow the JPGs. Did she save time? Definitely.

Ann,

Drop the ". " off Pat’s hyperlink and you should be able to access the material she was referring to.  http://forums.blurb.com/forums/2/topics/203

The pace of shipping is beyond the control of Blurb. The issuance of tracking numbers, trackable that is, is a responsibility of Blurb to its customers.

To be aligned with the original topic of longer processing times, I too noticed that after 3 orders of 1 copy/order. The website info "estimates" 5-6 business days to print the book.  My orders ranged from processing/printing times up to 10 business days. In the end, synonymous to the use of the word "estimate", is uncertainty.

 Some questions:

1. Is there a possibility to estimate in "real-time" current processing times before an order is placed? Currently, a processing estimate is given after you pay however, you cannot cancel after you paid. This gives us freedom to move around and decide whether to go for the estimated processing time or not. It is catchy to read an estimated 5-6 business days to print as opposed to orders being sent beyond that frame. Of course, the word used is "estimate" so why won’t you just change the website info to "estimated 14 business days" or however way you like, or completely delete the phrase and deal with each query as they are received. I don’t subscribe to the concept that since this service is cheaper that we have to hold on waiting because for that reason, this business exists. Otherwise, shipping out after being processed is beyond Blurb’s control.

2. If question 1 is not possible, can there be an exemption applied to cancel orders for the reason that the processing time is too long and that my customer is not interested to wait that long? Therefore, there should be a consensus of what is a "fair waiting period" however by how it stands now, I will always go back to the website statement of an estimated 5-6 business days. Another POD publisher allows cancellation for as long as the order status is in the "PROCESSING" stage.

3. Related to question 1, is there a possibility that a USPS option be included in the shipping choices? Say for example, it is estimated that my order ships outs on a Wednesday. If I go for the 2nd day air, I am definite that I will receive it by Friday. If the estimated ship out day is a Thursday or Friday, why would I pay a 2nd day air when I am aware that it is as close to ground option because my order will be at my door the week after? With USPS, Saturday delivery is possible. It’s just a basic tool but we are given an honest option.

4. Is it possible that when orders do not ship out within the estimate as you see in your dashboard (after paying, as of current) that an exception email be sent to the waiting customer? Or probably like in the model used by shipping companies, "rescheduled delivery due to exception met" but in this application, "We’re sorry, due to whatever reasons encountered, your order will be delayed. Please allow an additional x days.We appreciate your patience and thank you for your business." This is an easy process that is the same as your canned responses when a client submits a support ticket. Trust me, that will make the world turn a bit smoother.

I temporarily redirected my clients to another publisher while I  constantly scour the forums for answers. I must have a better estimation formula.

Lastly, hoping that Blurb review their FAQ particularly what relates to this issue because not all people have the same faculty to interpret and understand or even to remain patient at the point of view of Blurb. Unless the FAQ is revised or unless the process is improved, questions will continue to sprout. And while this exists, it scares people with incoming interest or disappoints clients with existing business with Blurb.

On the other hand, the quality of work that Blurb does is better than the other POD publishers particularly on this area of photobooks. Kudos!