It only took a decade for titles printed on demand to exceed titles printed in traditional offset, but Jim Milliott of Publishers Weekly confirms it.

Out of 560,626 new and revised books published in the US in 2008, POD’s edged traditional by a score of 285,384 to 275,232.

In fact, POD increased so rapidly – 132% in a year – it actually lapped traditional printing on the racetrack. But wait – it gets better! “The jump in on-demand output in 2008 followed on even bigger increase in 2007 when production skyrocketed 462%.” writes Milliott. “Since 2002, production of on-demand titles has soared 774% compared to a 126% increase in traditional titles.”

Milliott cites Kelly Gallagher, vice-president of publisher services for Bowker, as indicating that improved printing technology is the reason for the soaring POD use. PW attributes the shift to self-publication as well as increased reliance on POD by online publishers. Which is it? We put our money on vanity.

RC