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Monday, Jun 11, 2012 7:46 AM UTC

Independent bookstores embrace digital publishing

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Topics: From the Wires,

Independent bookstores embrace digital publishingIn this June 5, 2012, photo, a customer reads a book by the Espresso Book Machine, known as Opus, at Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington. Self-publishing has been made easier since the machine by On Demand Books debuted in 2006. The machine also can makes copies of out-of-print editions. The first machine was installed briefly at the World Bank’s bookstore. Through a partnership with Xerox, the company now has machines in about 70 bookstores and libraries across the world including London; Tokyo; Amsterdam; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Melbourne, Australia; and Alexandria, Egypt. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)(Credit: AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Aspiring authors are getting less dependent on book publishers to help them realize their dream.

Self-publishing has been made easier since the Espresso Book Machine by On Demand Books, based in New York, came on the scene in 2006. The machine also can make copies of out-of-print editions.

The first machine was installed briefly at the World Bank’s bookstore. Through a partnership with Xerox, the company now has machines in about 70 bookstores and libraries across the world.

The new technology can help book retailers in two ways: It gives them a huge virtual inventory and provides them with a new role, making them a place to create books as well as sell them.

More Stacy A. Anderson.

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