Blurb(R) Introduces New Flat-Rate Shipping Option

Flat-rate shipping delivers tremendous value in challenging economic times; one flat rate to ship up to 5 books of any size and weight is a major boon for cash-strapped consumers

• Press Release
• Source: Blurb
• On 6:00 pm EDT, Thursday October 1, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Blurb®, the creative publishing and marketing platform that enables anyone to design, publish, share and sell bookstore-quality books, today introduced its new flat-rate shipping option, available immediately to customers worldwide. Flat-rate shipping significantly reduces the shipping costs for customers ordering between 1 to 5 books - using U.S. Ground or International Economy options - as follows:

• US: 1 to 5 books = $6.99
• Canada: 1 to 5 books = $7.99 (USD)
• Europe: 1 to 5 books = euro 5.99
• UK: 1 to 5 books = 3.99 pounds Sterling
• Rest of world: 1 to 5 books = varies per order

The flat-rate shipping option applies ONLY to orders shipped using U.S. Ground or International Economy options.

"It's no secret that folks are watching every dollar spent right now, so we are delighted to offer such great value leading up to the holiday season," said Eileen Gittins, founder and CEO, Blurb. "This new flat-rate shipping option offers amazing value. Books are often quite heavy, and shipping costs can really add up - especially over long distances. Where else can you get up to 5 books, of any size or weight, shipped anywhere in the US for only $6.99? Blurb is not only giving people the ability to create something that's truly priceless, but now they can ship their books for less than the cost of a hamburger and fries."

"Shipping costs have definitely factored into my purchase decisions," said Michael Creagh, professional photographer. "I know I'm not the only one who carefully calculates how much it would cost to ship multiple books - my colleagues and friends making books around the world have expressed the same concern. Blurb has taken this pain point off the table for me. Now I can ship up to five books to any client for the amazingly low price of $6.99."

More information on flat-rate shipping can be found at http://www.blurb.com/create/book/shipping.

Today Blurb also announced the release of Blurb BookSmart® 2.5. BookSmart 2.5 includes many new features that give the Blurb community even more control in the customization of their book layouts; improved guidance and workflow during book creation; and increased stability of the application itself. Blurb BookSmart 2.5 and PDF to Book elevate the bookmaking experience and offer extended flexibility for advanced users and consumers alike.

For more information and to download Blurb BookSmart 2.5, please visit http://www.blurb.com/make/booksmart.

About Blurb

Blurb® is a creative publishing and marketing platform that unleashes the creative genius inside everyone. Blurb's platform makes it easy to design, publish, market and sell professional-quality books, using Blurb's free, award-winning Blurb BookSmart® software, or the design tool of your choice. Use Blurb's bookstore and online marketing tools to market and sell your books, and keep 100% of your profit. Use Blurb's social and community features to create and share Blurb books with your friends and colleagues with ease.

Blurb was founded by Eileen Gittins in 2005, and includes a team of design, Internet and media veterans who share a passion for helping people bring their stories to life. Blurb is based in San Francisco with offices in London, and is funded by Canaan Partners and Anthem Venture Partners. For more info, visit http://www.blurb.com.

Buzz up!