Digital publishing is the new way to create high-quality books at economical prices. These advantages are realized through the use of

• sophisticated software for copy editing, graphics, and page layout,
• high-speed digital print technology,
• electronic mail for instantaneous communication between publisher and printer.

Compared to old publishing methods, digital publishing is more efficient, in part, because it shortens the production path: digital publishing does not require special typesetters, photographic film or plates. Further, the labor in setting-up printing equipment is reduced, allowing economical print-runs of from 20 to 4000 copies. Below is a simplified sketch of the process, from author to bound book.

The economics and small-scale of digital publishing are particularly well-suited to academia. It allows print runs of just a few dozen copies, so we can print a new edition of a text every year. This is attractive for

• textbooks in rapidly changing disciplines
• textbooks/class notes in special topics that generate low enrollments
• workbooks and other pedagogical material for laboratory, design, and continuing education courses
• books/portfolios of student projects