....take a look at a place like PhotoBook Press.
yes, the books are more expensive.
yes, actual people will tell you how to optimize your images for their press.
want proofs, no problem.
worried about pressing the button and not being able to get your book back to fix the obvious typos you just discovered? don't.
they assemble, they proof. you approve a PDF.
nice.

My experience with Photobook Press above my expectations!  The service is top-notch and the product is beautiful.

"Speaking of PhotoBook Press, our book the Eloquence of Trees is an incredibly beautiful presentation of Craig's work due in no small part to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship of PhotoBook. We have seen books by Blurb, Apple's iPhoto and others and they simply don't compare. If you're looking to create a beautiful photography book of your images that when opening gives the viewer an OMG moment, these are definitely the folks you need to talk to."

I loved the books I ordered. Customer service was outstanding.
Thank you. I will order again.

"I just walked in the door and opened the beautiful books you did for me and I can only say that they are gorgeous! I am thrilled by the way they look. I went over them page by page and was so impressed by the look of the text and the pictures. They stand out so beautifully on the high quality paper that you use. I love the feel of the books, the materials (the book cloth, the leather, the end leaves) and the hand-sewn pages. A lot of love went into making them!"

"My book on Iceland is simply spectacular.  I had high expectations for the final product and you have somehow exceeded them!  It is difficult to find a custom publisher that is wedded to such a high quality product.  I love the sewn bindings, the heavy paper quality and the custom end papers.  I will use Photo Book Press again for future projects and will gladly recommend you to my photographer friends."

I want to thank you for the incredible job you did in preparing my book. My wife was thrilled to receive it and totally impressed with both the content and workmanship. She will definitely treasure the book as a living memory of our trip.

I have told several photographer friends about your work, the quality and amazing customer service.

"Thank you so much for our beautiful wedding album! You did an amazing job and we are so pleased with the final product. 
Thank you again for everything. We can't wait to show it off!"

Thank you so much! It came out fantastic!!!! :) I am shooting another wedding tomorrow...so be prepared for another one of those. :) You did sooo amazing!