Is it common to have to send in master photo prints to match for POD reproduction?

Here are some of my photos I'm using in my book. (NSFW)

http://hollywood-la1970s.tumblr.com/

Password: 123

Tried 2 POD book printers and asked them to make me 4 sample prints. Both companies crapped out.

Printer #1 gave me dark 'blue and white' prints instead of black and white. Tonality was OK (just)

Printer #2 gave me good blacks, just too black and muddy. Prints were way too contrasty and dark.

I sent printer #2 some master prints to work from. Hopefully they can do better.
Is it common to have to send in master prints to match for POD photo reproduction?

If so, I will have to print up the whole book on ink jet and spiral bind it to send it to them to work from.

I was really disappointed. I'd figure the printers had some sort of quality ethic. The POD people must not care what the hell they send out. I don't expect the repro to be perfect. But would like it at least 92% - 95% as good as the original.

 

POD Printer #1 "gave me dark 'blue and white' prints instead of black and white. Tonality was OK (just) "

If you sent a grayscale image and they printed it with an undesired tint, it sounds like their printer is not profiled or held to profile to be neutral. Ask them more about it - if sent as an rgb or cmyk image, it's possible there is a mismatch of color profiles of some kind.

POD Printer #2 "gave me good blacks, just too black and muddy. Prints were way too contrasty and dark. "
You could adjust the density curve a bit and have another test print run. Sometimes after you get on the same page you can work easily with a printer knowing what their equipment's strengths and limitations are.