Digital BW, The Print

Hi Folks

I have had a bit of an issue with Blurb printing, and am wondering if anyone has suitable solutions to my issues.  Blurb unfortunately says that B&W is a big problem for them...but I refuse to believe great B&W cannot be accomplished.

Blurbs recommendation is sending a totally greyscale image to the press.  The output is good, but lifeless.  Strikes me it should be possible to get great toned images from Blurb.

I tried using rgb curves then sending it to the press to get a subtle tone.  OK, blurb runs seem to vary dramatically...so one book will be cool and one book warm.

My next attempt will be to go to Duotone and then Convert to CMYK.  Anyone have any experience sending a Duotone to Blurb?

I know, I know...Blurb may never be anything as nice as a Quadtone press.  But I know they do have a great press capable of decent output.  I am looking to get the optimal B&W workflow for Blurb.


Thanks

Phil