When it comes to self-publishing, Blurb is a name many creatives come across, especially those in the design, photography, and art space. Its sleek interface and design-centric tools make it appealing to DIY authors. But after working with hundreds of writers—from novelists and memoirists to entrepreneurs and thought leaders—I’ve seen firsthand where Blurb excels… and where it falls short.
And that’s where Estorytellers rises to the top—offering authors not just a tool, but a publishing experience that builds brands, generates royalties, and positions them for lasting success.
Here’s a detailed and unbiased review of Blurb Publishing, and a look at why Estorytellers is often the better choice for serious authors.
Blurb Books Look Great—But Are You Supported?
Estorytellers combine stunning design with expert guidance in writing, publishing, and marketing—no DIY stress required.
What is Blurb Publishing?
Blurb is a U.S.-based self-publishing platform that allows authors to create photo books, trade books, magazines, and even eBooks through its easy-to-use tools. It integrates with Adobe InDesign and Lightroom, allowing creatives to build and publish their projects with design flexibility.
Blurb offers:
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DIY book creation tools (BookWright, PDF uploader)
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Print-on-demand service
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Distribution via Amazon and Ingram (via Global Retail Network)
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Retail store through Blurb Bookstore
Its target market? Visual artists, photographers, designers, and hobbyists who enjoy creative control.
What Do Authors Say? Real Blurb Publishing Reviews
I’ve analyzed user reviews across Reddit, YouTube, Trustpilot, and publishing forums. Here’s what the broader author community has to say about Blurb.
Pros:
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Great for photo-heavy books and portfolios
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High-quality print options and paper types
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Seamless integration with design software
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User-friendly interface for layout design
Cons:
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Limited editorial support—no real editing guidance
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Little to no marketing support
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Pricing becomes high for bulk printing
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Author royalties are unclear or minimal
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No brand-building or post-launch strategy
Want Beautiful Books Without the Overhead?
Skip the expensive DIY software. Estorytellers gives you professionally designed books—plus expert editing, layout & distribution.
Is Blurb Right for You in 2025?
Blurb is ideal for visually-driven creatives—think photographers, designers, or artists who want to print a personal book or a limited-run project.
But for authors seeking to build authority, earn revenue, and scale visibility, Blurb lacks many essentials:
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No editing team
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No writing assistance or ghostwriting
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No personal author branding
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Minimal marketing options
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Limited royalty transparency
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No career-building support
If your goal is to build a publishing career or launch a professional-quality book, Blurb’s self-service model may fall short.
Why Estorytellers Is the Smarter Publishing Choice
Estorytellers approaches publishing differently. They don’t just offer a platform—they offer a partnership. From the idea stage to final launch, their team supports your journey with custom services designed for real-world publishing success.
Here’s what sets Estorytellers apart:
1. Personalized Ghostwriting & Editing Support
While Blurb expects you to write and format everything yourself, Estorytellers offers:
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Professional ghostwriters to craft your story
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Developmental editing to refine your manuscript
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Copyediting and proofreading for polish and precision
Whether you’re a business expert writing a nonfiction guide or an aspiring novelist, you get tailored support at every step.
2. Custom Design Focused on Author Identity
Blurb emphasizes visual layout, but Estorytellers takes it further by integrating branding and genre research into every design.
You get:
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Cover designs tailored to your genre
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Professional typesetting for print and eBook
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Branded visuals for social media and launches
Every element reflects your voice and market goals.
Struggling to Write or Organize Your Book?
Estorytellers offers full ghostwriting services so you don’t get stuck trying to “design” your book before it’s even written.
3. Transparent Royalties and Global Reach
With Blurb, royalties vary widely based on how and where you sell your book. With Estorytellers, it’s clear: you retain 100% of your royalties and maintain full control.
They distribute through:
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Amazon (India, US, UK, and more)
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IngramSpark
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Flipkart
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Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play
This ensures maximum global exposure, with no platform lock-in.
4. Marketing & Author Brand Building
Unlike Blurb, which doesn’t support marketing unless you do it yourself, Estorytellers provides:
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Amazon SEO optimization
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Book launch planning
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Book trailers and PR
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Influencer outreach
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Social media branding
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Ongoing author support
They work with you not just as a writer, but as a brand to grow.
Blurb vs Estorytellers: A Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Blurb Publishing | Estorytellers |
|---|---|---|
| Ghostwriting | Not available | Expert ghostwriters |
| Manuscript Editing | Self-service only | Professional editors |
| Custom Design | Good for visuals | Genre-aligned & branded |
| Royalty Transparency | Varies, not transparent | 100% to author |
| Marketing Support | DIY only | Launch, PR & SEO support |
| Ideal For | Designers, photographers | Writers & serious authors |
A Beautiful Book Needs the Right Audience
Estorytellers markets your book with targeted strategies—so it doesn’t just sit on a shelf, it actually gets read.
Final Thoughts: Is Blurb the Best Fit for You?
Blurb is a polished tool for visual creators, but its lack of editorial and strategic support makes it unsuitable for most authors aiming to sell, scale, or grow a brand. It’s excellent for one-off art books or portfolios—but limited for anything beyond that.
In contrast, Estorytellers offers a complete ecosystem for authors. From ghostwriting and editing to custom publishing, global distribution, and branding, their services are built for writers who want to build authority, gain visibility, and turn their book into a business card for success.
