Create Book But for Family Only? Not to purchase?

Question

For my parent's anniversary, I have collected nice stories from friends and family. Instead of simply printing them from my computer to give to them, is there a website that can put them in a nice book format? This is probably only about 20 pages. It is for my family only, so I HAVE NO INTEREST IN SELLING OR PUBLISHING. Everything I see is for people who want to publish their books. I just want this to look like a nice book, but without the bells and whistles of self publishing. Please advise. Thank you in advance. Also, if you know of a website where I can put some photos next to the stories in the book that would be an added bonus! Thanks!

Answer 1

I recommend www.cafepress.com.

This is a "print on demand" site where you can upload a book and purchase as many, or as few, copies as you want. Cafepress does the printing, shipping and billing.

Each person who uses the site is given a "store" and if you only offer one item through the store there is no cost. If you offer more than one item through the "store" it costs around $5 a month to maintain it.

Many people offer books, and artwork on coffee cups, T-shirts etc. through the site for purchase, but they also upload them simply to make presents for their loved ones.

Answer 2

www.lulu.com does hardcovers, paperbacks and photobooks. It's free to sign up and create the book, all you do it pay for the printing and shipping. It's American, so it might be pricey. They also do ebooks which you can put up or free or charge money per download.

Answer 3

We did this for my mom. Kinko's put the story in a very nice spiral-bound booklet. If you want a hard-cover book, that's going to be much more difficult.