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Google Signs Agreements With On Demand Books

Google has agreed to provide On Demand Books, LLC (ODB; www.ondemandbooks.com), the maker of the Espresso Book Machine (EBM), with immediate access to more than 2 million public domain titles in the Google digital files. This is in addition to the current 1.6 million titles already available directly to consumers via the Espresso Book Machine.

The Espresso Book Machine is a small, patented, high-speed, automated bookmaking machine. In just a few minutes, it can print, bind, and trim a single-copy, library-quality paperback book complete with a full-color paperback cover. The Espresso Book Machine is powered by EspressNet, a proprietary and copyrighted software system that connects EBM to a network of permissioned content. Using industry-standard encryption methods, EspressNet assures the security of publishers' titles, tracks all jobs, and provides for payments to publishers. Content owners retain full ownership and control of their digital files.

"ODB, in effect an ATM for books, will radically decentralize direct-to-consumer distribution," says Jason Epstein, chairman and co-founder of ODB. "With the Google inventory the EBM will make it possible for readers everywhere to have access to millions of digital titles in multiple languages, including rare and out of print public domain titles."

Source: On Demand Books