Blurb launches unique premium print options via new ProLine offering

New options offer bookmakers wide choice and uncompromised quality

London — May 05, 2011 — Today, Blurb, the global creative publishing platform, announces the launch of ProLine, a range of unique, premium print offerings that will appeal to professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Blurb enables everyone to design, publish, share and sell bookstore-quality books affordably, order one copy or many, and receive their books in about a week. The new ProLine offering features two new papers from Mohawk Fine Papers, a company that is respected among graphic designers worldwide as offering the very highest quality fine art papers for the most discerning clientele.

“When we first launched back in 2006, we offered one paper type, in one size, with a black linen case – and people were thrilled that they could make a professionally bound and printed book at all,” said Eileen Gittins, CEO and founder, Blurb. “Over the years we have added additional book sizes and a couple of choices of paper – but until now, one could not make a truly bespoke book.”

ProLine comprises a selection of two fine, new linen hardcovers in Oatmeal and Charcoal, plus a choice of five heavyweight end sheets in charcoal grey, dove grey, warm grey, black and white, plus the aforementioned new Mohawk papers. Each of the ProLine options is offered a la carte to allow the greatest number of combinations, resulting in a truly personalized book.

“The introduction of the ProLine is in direct response to customer requests; our customers are very loyal and very vocal” said Gittins. “Mohawk’s rich, heavy uncoated paper, with its organic texture, is hot in the design community right now, and the Pearl Photo paper is like having a book of custom photographic prints. Our customers increasingly wish to distinguish themselves not only through their book content but also through their choices of materials. ProLine helps them do just that.”

ProLine is a natural evolution from the original set of Blurb principles: to offer the very highest quality and the broadest range of customization options in order to push the boundaries of self publishing and storytelling. The ProLine selection has been crafted to appeal to creative professionals looking to make sure their work stands out as well as for the enthusiast who wants to make a special book even more special.

About Blurb®
Blurb® is a self-publishing platform and creative community that enables individuals to design, publish, share, sell, and distribute photo books, trade books, and magazines in both print and digital formats across the globe using its free, innovative book creation and layout tools. Founded in 2005 by Executive Chairman, Eileen Gittins, Blurb has nearly 2 million independent book authors worldwide, resulting in 3.9 million unique book titles, with more than 14 million units shipped to 80 countries around the world. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and can be found online at www.blurb.com.