Book Printing Outlook : Rolling With the Changes

"Today, many publishers are moving to multi-print strategies to maximize the lifespan of every title and capture short-term opportunities, while reducing inventory and obsolescence costs," explained James Conway, Courier chairman and CEO, in a release. "By leveraging Courier Digital Solutions' expertise at our Kendallville plant, we can make that process a lot easier. Through this initiative, customers who already rely on Courier Kendallville for outstanding quality in four-color offset will gain access to offset-quality digital production for shorter runs right in the same facility. They'll also gain a full set of complementary capabilities, including content management, seamless customization and a direct-ship option from a convenient geographic hub."

Back in the spring, Courier announced it had forged a strategic relationship with Ingram Content Group. Under the deal, Courier is using Ingram's print-on-demand and digital distribution services, while Ingram relies on the book manufacturer's printing capabilities to streamline workflow and speed delivery to retailers and readers on a global basis.

Another key move for Courier saw the company acquire FastPencil, a developer of end-to-end, cloud-based content management technology. A startup headquartered in Campbell, CA, FastPencil serves authors and publishers with full-featured, open-platform solutions spanning content, workflow, marketing and distribution.

"FastPencil is a great fit for our existing customer base and a superb means of entry into one of the fastest-growing segments of our industry," Conway says. "Our current publishing customers will appreciate the extra options presented by FastPencil's cloud-based collaborative platform, intuitive design and development tools for both print and e-books, and integrated use of social media at every stage from concept to distribution.

"And self-publishers, who are already taking advantage of FastPencil's easy-to-use technology and licensing expertise, gain tremendous added value on the print side through Courier's ability to deliver top-quality books at attractive prices, on short order and in virtually any run length." PI