Harmony Publishing vs Blurb
Blurb is a self-publishing and print-on-demand platform with a strong focus on photo books, art books and visually led titles.
Short version. Blurb is a print and self-publishing platform: you build the book in its tools, and it prints and sells it. It is excellent for photography, art and design-led books, where its templates and paper range matter. We produce books for authors across genres, including general non-fiction, where the manuscript needs editing, layout, an ISBN and distribution rather than a design tool.
Side by side
| Harmony Publishing | Blurb | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A full-service publisher that produces and prints | A self-publishing and print-on-demand platform |
| Workflow | You send us the manuscript and we produce the book | You build the book yourself in their tools |
| Editing | Copyediting and proofreading from Premium; developmental from Rockstar | Not provided — add-ons are limited |
| Cover and interior design | Included | You design it, using their templates and layouts |
| Strongest for | Text-led books: novels, memoirs, non-fiction, business | Visually led books: photography, art, design |
| ISBN and distribution | ISBN registered in your name; worldwide distribution set up for you | Available; self-serve setup |
| Printing | Priced per copy on specification | Print on demand and short runs |
| Best for | Authors who want the book produced for them | Author-designers who want control over the design |
Competitor descriptions reflect their published service structure at the time of writing and may change. Check current terms directly. Our prices are on the cost page.
Three questions to ask any provider
Including us. The answers decide more about value than the headline price:
- Ask who the publisher of record will be. If it is not you or your imprint, understand why before you sign.
- Ask what royalty share they take. Any percentage of your sales is a cost that compounds over the life of the book.
- Ask whether you receive your editable source files. If you cannot take your book elsewhere later, you are locked in.
On all three, our answer is: you are the publisher of record, we take no royalties, and you receive your print-ready and editable files.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blurb cheaper than Harmony Publishing?
Blurb charges for printing and offers limited service add-ons, so its figures look lower because less is included. Once you account for the time and cost of designing and formatting the book yourself, or paying someone else to do it, the comparison changes.
Which is better for a photo book?
Blurb, for many authors — its templates, paper stocks and print quality are built for visually led books with full-page images. We produce picture books and illustrated titles too, but if you want to control the design yourself and the book is image-led, a platform built for that is a reasonable choice.
Do I need design skills for Blurb?
It helps. You are building the book in their tools rather than handing a manuscript to a production team. With us, the design and layout are part of the service.
Can I use both?
Yes. Some authors produce one edition through a platform and another through a production company, or print one title each way. The ISBN remains yours.