Published May 2, 2008 at 11:03 am · Filed under Printer / Copier
A major benefit of digital printing technology is that, with none of the set-up costs associated with analogue processes, short print runs can be produced very cost-effectively.
This, combined with an explosion in digital media and on-line distribution methods has led to a boom in vanity publishing, or self-publishing as it now tends to be known.
Using a service provider such as Blurb, Lulu and BookSurge (part of Amazon), anyone (or any business) can design, publish and market a book in print runs of as few as one copy, with prices from £6.95 per book (in Blurb’s case).
Eileen Gittins, founder and CEO of Blurb, argues that this capability is transforming the publishing industry.
“For some, success is creating a book that helps raise money for a foundation, for others it might be selling 25 copies of one’s own book, and for still others it might be a marketing piece like an event book or portfolio. Unlike traditional publishers whose
economics drive a focus on the best-seller, Blurb is expanding the book market to include books for millions of very small, niche markets.”
Last year Blurb produced nearly 80,000 titles. To put this in perspective, Simon & Schuster publishes approximately 1,800 titles annually, and Random House, with more than 100 editorially independent imprints worldwide, published 9,000 new titles in 2006.
According to InfoTrends analyst Mette Eriksen, much of the growth in self-publishing is being driven by the dramatic increase in digital camera sales and the popularity of photo sharing websites.
“Although consumers are still new to the opportunities of self publishing, the tools are now in place to help them create high quality books using their own content,” she said. “InfoTrends estimates that the photo book market grew by 166% in 2007. This market will continue to grow as more consumers become aware of the opportunities that companies like Blurb offer.”
To find out how easy it is to create, publish and market a Blurb book, visit http://www.blurb.com/.
