Springer to collaborate with CreateSpace on inventory-free book distribution

Springer Science+Business Media (Springer) has signed an agreement with CreateSpace, part of the Amazon.com group of companies, which will make Springer's paperback book catalogue and front-, mid- and backlist available via print-on-demand (POD) in the US. In addition to moving a significant amount of its paperback selection to POD, Springer will also supply many new paperback titles via POD only. A large number of hardcover titles are being converted to paperback for inclusion, and Springer will also make new large-print paperback editions of some of its most popular selections available via POD. Springer is the world's leading publisher of scientific and business books, and is among the world's largest publishers overall. CreateSpace is a leader in manufacture on-demand services for independent content creators, publishers, film studios and labels.

Syed Hasan, Springer's President STM Sales Americas said, "Springer, as the largest book publisher in the STM sector, has played an innovative role in the development of STM eBooks, and this shift to an inventory-free distribution model using print-on-demand is the next logical step for the future of book publishing. The convenience for our customers and the obvious economic advantages made this an easy decision to make."

All of Springer's books will remain continuously available, ensuring that titles will never be out-of-stock. In addition, the development of the POD model enables publishers to economize on inventory and shipping costs associated with getting inventory to retailers.

"Springer, a leader in fostering communication within the scientific community, required a more flexible printing solution than traditional offset methods typically provide," said David Symonds, general manager - POD, CreateSpace. "Springer selected the CreateSpace print-on-demand solution to help them transition to a more flexible, customizable, inventory-free supply chain."

With CreateSpace Print-On-Demand, Springer's titles can be manufactured and shipped to customers on the same day they are ordered. Springer's print-on-demand titles are also eligible for Amazon's popular shipping programs, including Free Super Saver Shipping and Amazon Prime, as well as enrollment in Amazon's Search Inside the Book program.

"This is great news for customers ordering through Amazon.com. With its new inventory-free print-on-demand initiatives, Springer is not only expanding the selection of titles available to our customers, but it is also ensuring all of the titles they want are always in-stock and ready to be shipped to them in a time-efficient manner," said Russell Grandinetti, Vice President, Books, Amazon.

Source: Springer