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The Evolving Landscape of Publishing and Printing
The dynamic between publishers and printers is undergoing significant changes. With a decline in North American manufacturing capacities, printers are diversifying their offerings to include services like third-party logistics to adapt to evolving market demands. The influence of Amazon has fundamentally altered supply chains, compelling all stakeholders to enhance their operations and adapt to an increasingly efficient publishing framework.
David Hetherington, vice president of global business development at Books International, highlights that while there are valid concerns over Amazon’s market power, its presence has spurred innovation and set higher benchmarks for the industry. Books International, a family-run company founded 41 years ago, has successfully navigated the shifting landscape by evolving from its core services of pick-pack-ship fulfillment to encompass digital book manufacturing through print-on-demand technologies, automated stock management, and traditional print-first methods. The company now offers an extensive range of services including logistics, e-book distribution, editorial production, and comprehensive metadata distribution. “Our goal is to provide a complete suite of services that enables publishers to streamline their supply chain operations under one roof,” Hetherington remarks.
By broadening its service offerings, Books International allows publishers to concentrate on content creation and publication. Hetherington notes that, despite some financial reasons for publishers to retain certain functions in-house, there is a growing recognition that the complexities involved in these “back office” services are often better managed by specialized firms with the requisite resources and expertise. “Market conditions are shifting rapidly, and outsourcing these services can lead to better efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Hetherington expresses optimism about advancements in manufacturing technology, announcing that Books International has committed to substantial investments and expansion in this domain. However, he acknowledges several challenges that the industry faces, including declining college enrollments, competitive pressures from offshoring and nearshoring, fluctuating paper costs and availability, tariffs, and the swift transition to digital formats.
“We are optimistic about the future and are confident in our ability to compete effectively and serve the needs of our publishers in a variety of service verticals,” says Hetherington.
One of the paramount challenges involves adapting to new sustainability regulations, particularly those implemented by the European Union. “This is a pressing issue for everyone involved,” Hetherington states. Publishers are understandably eager to see manufacturing partners adopt sustainable practices, but committing to sustainability measures can be costly and entails rigorous reporting standards from publishers and regulatory authorities alike, particularly in Europe.
In response to the European Union’s Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) and General Product Safety Directives (GSPD), along with a comprehensive set of environmental metrics, Books International has prioritized obtaining Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. The company actively participates in initiatives that gather environmental data for prominent publishers, including the Book Chain project and Sedex, as well as organizations monitoring sustainability such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Program and the Sustainability sub-committee of the Book Industry Study Group. Furthermore, Books International has been involved in sustainability discussions at several industry events, including the upcoming 2024 and 2025 London Book Fairs.
Amid these challenges, Hetherington is encouraged by the increasing recognition among publishers of the value of digital manufacturing and the benefits of outsourcing fulfillment services to a unified provider. “We remain optimistic about future opportunities and are dedicated to effectively competing and catering to the diverse needs of our publishers,” he asserts.
A version of this article appeared in the 02/24/2025 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: The New Face of Book Manufacturing: Books International.
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