ABA members can now buy or lease the On Demand Books (ODB) Espresso Book Machine at 10 percent off the up-front software license fee if they sign up before April 5, 2012.

The patented EBM and its EspressNet® software system link to a vast network of content, enabling the instant distribution of books on demand at the point of sale. With the push of a button, the technology prints, binds, and trims a bookstore-quality, perfect-bound paperback book in minutes in any language with a full-color cover. The environmentally friendly technology eliminates shipping, returns, and the pulping of unwanted books.

By offering retail-level on-demand printing, indie bookstores can explore new custom publishing business models and more quickly and efficiently meet consumer demand for books. The new relationship between ABA and ODB helps lower the barrier to entry for our members to participate. In May 2011, ABA and On Demand Books signed a joint marketing agreement whereby ABA will market the EBM to member bookstores and help permission publisher titles to the EBM sales channel.

Under the agreement, ODB will offer a 10 percent discount off the up-front software license fee to ABA members that purchase or lease an EBM before April 5, 2012. For lease agreements, the discount will be folded into the overall lease price. The up-front software license is currently $25,000, so the 10 percent discount adds up to savings of $2,500 for ABA members. (This fee is subject to change.)

Booksellers interested in learning more should email On Demand Books' Justin Beatty.