Perfect together

Yesterday, Publishers Weekly reported that on-demand production of books surpassed conventional (print-to-inventory) methods for the first time.

The switch is a function of three things: a decline in publisher willingness to print to inventory; growth in non-traditional publishing services; and awareness that POD makes sense when annual demand is low or unpredictable.

Earlier this week, PW also noted that large-print formats are coming into their own.

While that trend is linked to a growing number of e-book readers in the market, it also demonstrates the value of more agile content workflows that can create large-print versions at minimal cost. Single copies of these large-print editions can then be printed on demand and delivered without creating more and likely slower-moving inventory.

BISG’s annual conference, “Making Information Pay”, included a Bowker study that uncovered strong support for the Kindle among mature boomers and their elders. This reader-led growth in on-demand and large-format sales is a sign that publishers who do more to make “write once, read many” a reality will reap rewards from grateful consumers.

About Brian O'Leary

Founder and principal of Magellan Media Consulting, Brian O’Leary helps enterprises with media and publishing components capitalize on the power of content. A veteran of more than 30 years in the publishing industry and a prolific content producer himself, Brian leverages the breadth and depth of his experience to deliver innovative content solutions.

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