Print on (Immediate) Demand

There was a story in our local paper this morning that promises an interesting future for Print on Demand

http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2010/10/portland_state_university_book.html.

It seems that Lulu and HP have produced a print-on-demand machine that looks kind of like a large photocopier. Books uploaded and designed in a special section of Lulu can be printed on the spot with no long waits or shipping costs. Portland State University Bookstore is one of three locations trying out these "publishing machines." Professors can provide tailored text books at a fraction of the usual price, and test out the content before committing to the expense of traditional publishing. A 300page novel will cost around $12; a 100page book with color illustrations around $18... And, if I'm reading the article correctly, real people will really be able to publish there.

Just think, if this takes off; the machines might be installed in Office Depot or Kinkos, making print on demand affordable and immediate. Imagine printing small runs of our books for family and friends without the cost and hassle of postage. And one day, they might be installed in supermarkets, connected to the Lulu store on the internet, giving everyone immediate access to the whole Lulu bookstore... and more...

Comments

Grace Bridges said…
It's not Lulu - it's Lightning Source and Ingram's, who print and distribute for many publishers including Lulu. Just sayin'...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso_Book_Machine#Distribution
October 19, 2010 at 2:24 PM
Alex J. Cavanaugh said…
Didn't the Expresso book machine come out last year? Is it the same thing?
October 19, 2010 at 4:03 PM
maryrussel said…
It sounds like an exciting future for POD.
October 19, 2010 at 4:03 PM
Sheila Deeth said…
I don't know how similar the Expresso machine is. I suspect part of the attraction of this one, for college libraries (and self-pub), is the link to Lulu that helps in formatting your own books and covers. Part of the attraction to me is that it's close to home, and sounds like a neat step forward in self-pub!
October 19, 2010 at 4:19 PM
Bearman said…
$18 for color book doesn't sound too bad...nice
October 20, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Nikki (Sarah) said…
I printed through my university on an expresso machine. I love that it's closeby...I can order however many books I want as I need...and the cost was minimal. But like everything there are pros and cons.
October 21, 2010 at 6:54 PM
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