When we started Bridge to Book, we launched with the intention to help people do something we had a hard time figuring out-- how to print off a CaringBridge website/journal entries into a book and keepsake that can be read and passed down from generation to generation.
Often times these health experiences that are so tender and emotional are documented so well online, even with uplifting comments and notes from "page visitors." They are life altering and we believe they should not just live online!
So, how do we pull all of the content from your CaringBridge website into a book? We broke down a video summary of how to do this yourself for the order form, but we have had many customers email and ask us to help. Which we are more than happy to do!
In full transparency, a few weeks before we launched our website, CaringBridge launched a completely new website redesign and changed the way their websites look and function. They used to have a feature that allowed customers to "Save Your Website as a PDF" that would create a PDF of all of your posts, comments, and photos. When they redesigned their site they got rid of it, which made it harder for users to create PDFs. However, we've found a way to do it at a price point you can easily print it-- that still looks professional!
Once we have your content pulled from your website and saved as a PDF, the book creation process begins. Our team of designers takes your PDF and formats the front "cover page" and the other pages so the book flows and looks nice. We also edit your name, year, and/or photo if you are ordering the personalized photo cover.
When the design team is done making edits, the files are sent to our local printer who produces a printing proof. We are always sure to email that proof to you to review before it goes to print. Please make sure to double check spelling on the cover and spine, and be sure all the posts that you want in the book are there. Once the book is printed we cannot go back and make changes without re-printing the order again.
Once you approve the proof, the book takes anywhere from 3-6 business days to print, dry, be bound together and then to final ship. This depends on the length of your book, whether you have a foil print on the cover or not and other factors. If there is a specific date you need your book by, or you need to rush ship the order, just shoot us a note and we will do what we can to expedite it for you.
Are you ready to print your CaringBridge website or other online journal? Don't forget that we can print any PDF file-- whether you've been keeping a journal on another app such as PENZU or even on Word, we can transition it into a beautiful book!
