It also means that authors can go in to the store and print out copies of their own books. So far, they've had six authors do that. They print them there and then send them out to readers who've asked for a copy. The books come out as "full-sized trade paperbacks, with handsome paper and a sophisticated color cover indistinguishable from books on the store's shelves."
The store did an initial run of 26 copies for their shelves, and another 250 for him. [Author Pat McNulty figures it cost him just shy of $11 per copy to become a published author. He counts it a bargain.Eleven dollars a book is still high if you're hoping to make a profit off your book, but I still like the idea.
As far as I know, there's no Espresso machine near me.
Wow, I'd really like to see one of those machines in action.
ReplyDeleteSo now the indie bookstores are getting in on the self-publishing action? How interesting!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen one of those machines yet, but it sounds like a great way to inexpensively print books!
ReplyDeleteIt probably would be great for an indie author who sells primarily in eForm, but occasionally gets a request for a print version.
ReplyDeleteYou gotta love it ... one more reason for the traditional publishers to worry.
ReplyDeleteThat is wild. Yeah, that seems a bit expensive, but if he sold them himself for twenty bucks, he made a good profit.
ReplyDeleteMany years ago, I saw an Espresso at a conference. It was indeed huge, but impressive.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds similar to the Kiosks that B&N said they were going to put in shopping malls when e-books first debuted almost 20 years ago. I was one of the authors who sold a book to a small publisher who published e-books on floppy disks and paper via Lightening Source. Neither versions sold well at all. The e-book and POD bubbles that were predicted to grow back then got stalled for many years. LOL
ReplyDeleteI looked into these a few years ago when I wanted to open a tiny bookstore. Very cool, glad they're still around!
ReplyDeleteso the Tattered Cover has met customer demand by becoming a publisher of sorts. Very Cool! Amazing what technology is bringing into our lives everyday. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea. I've never heard of an Espresso machine being for anything other than coffee, I wonder if we have them here.
ReplyDeleteSue
I read about the machine a few years ago, when (like Leslea) I had a notion to open a small bookstore and had just written a book about my dad and his life and the business he built. I thought the machine was for people who wanted to have a book for their family or a very small run.
ReplyDeleteI'd still like to have that bookstore!
That's a cool idea for a customer wanting to buy a book in the store, but not cost effective for the author to print out and send. I can order my print books sent to me from Createspace for $4 - $5 each, including shipping.
ReplyDeleteHi Helen .. I heard about that Expresso machine - so I'm pleased it's rolling out in place .. I'm sure it'll take time to adjust, but I hope these can take off in some way ..
ReplyDeleteIt's an additional method - which I'm sure will help some people .. cheers Hilary