FTW: Create your own book with Blurb
THIS month, the quick and easy-to-use self-publishing platform Blurb is holding a series of free workshops and masterclasses in Australia, plus giving two lucky readers a coupon worth $50 to create your own book! Elizabeth Yick fills you in.
Two coupons worth $50 are up for grabs! Details of how you can win are at the end of the post.
Ever dreamt of becoming a published novelist? Or perhaps thought about designing your very own beautiful coffee-table book?
This month, creative publishing service Blurb is touring Australia and hosting a series of free workshops and masterclasses for creative designers, professional bloggers, photography enthusiasts, and people who are simply interested in finding out more about self-publishing.
In the days where books are becoming slowly extinct, Blurb has a motto for “keeping books alive” by uniting digital technology with clever designs – providing a platform for self-publishers to create, publish, and sell professional-quality books or e-books.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Blurb’s online platform of self-publishing book productions, as well as the process of how these books are made – from the initial creation process to how the finish products are sold.
Events
Blurb Meet-Up
Melbourne: Thursday 9 May 6-9pm
Sydney: Tuesday 21 May 6-9pm
This meet-up has been organised by the Blurb team as a chance for attendants to meet other DIY creative minds in the industry. There will be an array of printed Blurb books on exhibition, as well as the opportunity to ask the Blurb team questions about writing, photography, or publishing. Light canapés, wine and beer will be served, so come along and share a drink and some inspiration!
Photo Safari
Melbourne: Thursday 9 May 3-6pm
Sydney: Tuesday 21 May 3-6pm
Head along on a free and fun-filled three-hour tour with photography and blogger extraordinaire Dan Milnor, where he will lead participants along the backstreets and alleys of the city and explain the developments of photography in the context of history and art. Participants will have the opportunity to attempt assignments set during the tour, and be guided by Milnor in matters such as lighting, timing, and composition elements. This is definitely a great hands-on workshop – not to be missed by any aspiring urban photographers or even mobile-phone-toting bloggers! Do remember appropriate footwear for walking and possibly rain-gear.
Tools of Modern Story-telling
Melbourne: Friday 10 May 8-10am
Sydney: Thursday 23 May 8-10am
Join Blurb in the discussion about the use of technology in the modern day world, in terms of how storytelling has developed in new and compelling ways in both print and digital formats. There will be a chance for conversations with leading industry and creative professionals, as well as time for questions. Participants will also have the opportunity to make a free Blurb book. Complimentary continental breakfast is provided.
Pro Photo Books Workshop
Melbourne: Monday 13 May 2-5pm
Sydney: Sunday 19 May 9am-12pm
This is a not-to-be missed event for any aspiring or professional photographers. The three-hour workshop is led by photographer Dan Milnor, and is an integrative experience that allows participants to learn about the process of turning photos into a published photo-book. The workshop will explore the choices and philosophy behind self-publishing, as well as the practical aspects of editing, layout, typography, cover design… all within the context of the ever-changing photo-publishing industry. Best of all, this event is free!
Blogger & Friends Meet-Up
Melbourne: Friday 10 May 5-8pm
In conjunction with the Emerging Writer’s Festival, Melbourne’s leading bloggers will come together for this one-off event to discuss how the phenomenon of blogging has developed in recent times, and what this trend of self-publishing has meant for the community of online authors. This is a rare chance to hear bloggers from different spheres speak about their interests and their work, and will be definitely be a great opportunity for aspiring bloggers to gain some insight into the industry.
To register, or for more information about any of the events, as well as workshops in Brisbane, visit the Blurb event-booking site. Do register early as places are limited.
Meld Magazine is giving two lucky readers the opportunity to trial Blurb and produce their own creation with a $50 coupon*.
To win, tell us in the comments section below what kind of book you’d like to create using Blurb by Sunday May 12, 2013.
Don’t forget to include your full name and email address so we can get in touch with you. Winners will be chosen in a random draw.
*This coupon excludes postage and expires on May 31, 2013