I have done 3 shutterfly books, so I'm an old pro!! I make pages at 12x12 as well and my books are also 8x8.
Step 1: figure out the order of all your pages. I copy all my layouts into a new directory and then rename them page1, page2, etc. Remember that page 1 will be on the right side, alone.
Step 2: open each layout in your program, the original file with the layers.
Step 3: resize to 7.75 x 7.75, NOT 8x8.
Step 4: check your page, do you have anything really important on the edges, like text? if so move it in a little, especially if the page will be in the binding.
Step 5: Save as a .jpg file
Did you make the cover and spine? I get the templates from the shutterfly site for the cover and spine, do not put any images too close to the edge, they will be folded over as the cover is made.
When you upload each image to shutterfly, after it's "in" your book, click on the page and you will see some options. TURN OFF the color fixing tool, you do not want them "enhancing" your layouts!
Leave a lot of time... uploading to their site is a LONG process!
Make sure you use a coupon or click on a banner with a sale, most big digital scrapbooking sites have shutterfly banners with cheaper prices. I know for sure that
www.thescrappinggarden.com has them currently.
And... if you want to see my 3 books:
http://community.shutterfly.com/gal...postId=/gallery/1/post/GMGDFgzYOW7loyZAIR213E
http://community.shutterfly.com/gal...postId=/gallery/1/post/GMGDFgzYOW7loyZA_9Xr_K
http://community.shutterfly.com/gal...postId=/gallery/1/post/GMGDFgzYOW7loyZAfpV2W-
There seems to be a problem with the Shutterfly gallery right now, so hopefully those are the correct links, I know it's not working right now.