MpixPress - Photo Books

[suzyjazz]

I did a search but didn't see much commentary on Mpix's new line of photo books. I've been away from the forum for so long that I didn't even think to ask this before investing many, many hours in a photo book. Has anyone had any kind of MpixPress book printed? I saw a comment from someone that he used Blurb for showing to clients and Mpix for lower end stuff, so I was a little concerned. I've seen a blurb book and it was nice, but Mpix now has the custom hard cover. I didn't even look at blurb.

I plan to order the 10x10 custom hard cover book. I think the book software is pretty good now. I did some layouts in PSE and added them to the book as background but did some pages completely in Mpix software.

EDIT: It looks like Blurb has the custom hard cover as well. The book I saw had a jacket.

[Disney Chick]

I have one custom hard cover 10x10 book from them, and I love it. I hate dust jackets and won't mess with them.

[suzyjazz]

Good to hear. Thanks for the feedback, Rachel!

[mramos]

I've printed several Mpix books and I've always had a great response from them, especially now that you can have the picture on the cover. I also like to have the inside pages printed on linen paper. I think it gives it a nicer look. The pages are thicker than the blurb ones unless they've come out with thicker pages. Last blurb book I did was about 2 years ago. I've made 10x10 books, and like the fact I can use my custom template design with them, just drop them in like a 2page spread. You just got to remember the books dont lay flat, some be carefull of putting pictures close to middle.

[suzyjazz]

Thanks Miguel! I'm glad to hear they are good. Their customer service is excellent. I uploaded my design and wanted them to double check the front cover, make sure it's centered. They emailed me back *Sunday morning* and I had my book waiting for production first thing Monday! It was in shipped status by the end of the day. I can't wait to get it.

I almost made the mistake of putting a face too close to the inner seam on a 2-page spread, but I made the necessary adjustments. I chose stock paper, so I hope that turns out OK.

[suzyjazz]

I got my book last week and it's very nice. If you're going to make one of these, definitely go to their forums first (linked at the top of the site), and find the cover template. Had I known this I'm sure my cover would have been right the first time. Also, you might want to order their calibration kit. Most people here probably know about it, but I didn't. I'm going to wait for that and then re-process my images.

The turnaround was very fast. I ordered my book on Sunday and received it (USPS priority mail) on Wednesday!

[DangerouslyMoody]

Do they have templates for the books in Mpix?? Or do you have to go into PS and make a template page??

Also, how pics can go on a page??

[suzyjazz]

Yes, to make a book without expecting full bleed, you don't need a graphics program. If you want to do full bleed, you should do your layouts in a graphics program making the image 1/8" longer on each side. Go to the forum linked in top right corner of Mpix web site to get the template for making a custom hard cover image. Here's that thread.
http://community.mpix.com/forums/t/65889.aspx