Producing books in smaller quantities, typically ranging from 1 to 500 copies, using digital printing technology, is now a widely adopted practice. This approach allows for cost-effective production of limited edition releases, personalized books, or test runs before committing to larger print volumes. An example includes academic departments printing course readers specific to their curriculum.
On-demand book production offers significant advantages for authors, publishers, and organizations. It reduces warehousing costs and the risk of unsold inventory, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness to market demands. Historically, traditional offset printing required large print runs to be economically viable, creating barriers to entry for smaller publishers and self-published authors. Digital printing has democratized the publishing industry, enabling a broader range of voices and content to reach readers.