The monstrous looking machine in the picture is the Espresso Book Machine, the latest innovation in print on demand technology. I've been hearing about this for a while and it sounded more like science fiction than fact. Well, today the exec. admin. and co-owner of The Wild Rose Press sent an email to all WRP authors, informing us that they've signed a deal with Lightning Source, who already handles our book printing. Now all our print titles will be available on the Espresso. This is huge news! This means that at long last, POD books may find their way into bookstores across the country. And not only bookstores, but many other venues as well. Yippee!
Here's a quote from Lightning Source: "Lightning Source is pleased to announce the launch of the Espresso Book Machine (EBM) Channel officially at BookExpo America starting this Friday. The EBM, an ATM for books, is located in bookstores, libraries and other sites. The Espresso Book Machine is the latest pioneering distribution channel to join the Lightning Source family of publisher-to-market pathways. The Lightning Source Espresso Book Machine Channel will give publishers the option to make available the books they have stored in the Lightning Source digital library, and have those titles printed, bound, and delivered at point of sale, on demand, in minutes."
To learn more and see a video of the machine in action, go to http://www.lightningsource.com/ebm.aspx
Devon
WOW!!! I guess that's good news, though the machine is a little crazy looking. Uh, which end is which?
ReplyDeleteJennifer, this is definitely good news. Although the machine does look clunky, compared to the tiny electronics we're used to, just think about what it does. On the spot, it prints, binds, slaps on a full-color cover, then spits it out in something under five minutes. While it was in development, the process was also supposed to be cheaper than the regular pods, but I don't know if that will carry through to the retail price or what. I'm anxious to learn more about this.
ReplyDeleteWonderful news, Devon! Imagine standing there watching your book being made. Or better yet, standing there with someone who wants you to sign it when it pops out of the machine. I love this technology! I hope it will make small press books into bigger business. Go Espresso!
ReplyDeleteMags, it is wonderful news. Just getting these into the bookstores and having digital titles available--on the spot--in print is a dream come true for all of us POD published authors. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this technology cathes on and does well.
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