Auto-Graphics Partners with FastPencil to Power Libraries with Book Publishing Capabilities

POMONA, Calif., Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Auto-Graphics, Inc., a leading provider of tools, technologies and services that enable libraries to create, manage and provide personalized access to print and digital collections, and FastPencil today announced a partnership that provides library patrons with access to FastPencil's book publishing engine through its Library Management Platform™. Library members will have the ability to use FastPencil's next-generation publishing platform to write, design, publish and sell books in print and digital formats directly through their local libraries.

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"We are excited about the prospect of changing the way people view the role of their libraries and we believe that self publishing presents just that opportunity," said Robert Brown, EVP of Auto-Graphics. "Libraries can now provide this resource to any would-be author, allowing them to create, publish and distribute their musings along-side the world's finest authors in either a traditional or ebook format. Participating libraries now have the opportunity to redefine their role as true purveyors of content by delivering new avenues to educate and advance the greater community through the writings of anyone, regardless of their social or economic status."

"FastPencil is thrilled to partner with Auto-Graphics, a highly-respected company with six decades of service, to provide library members across North America with our book publishing engine," said Steve Wilson, FastPencil CEO and co-founder. "Eighty percent of people aspire to write a book in this country, and we are excited to have the opportunity to offer library members all the tools necessary to publish their story, no matter what it is."

FastPencil's platform provides aspiring and experienced authors with the technology to publish any quantity of books with ease, have control over their content, and enjoy higher margins for revenue and increased speed to market. To start, a select group of Auto-Graphics' customers will have access to the publishing engine and over time, patrons of the 5,500 libraries working with Auto-Graphics will have the freedom and power to publish quality books. The service is available as a standalone product or seamlessly integrated into Auto-Graphics' VERSO® ILS, SHAREit™ interlibrary loan solution or SEARCHit™ federated search product.

Through an easy-to-use interface, libraries will offer patrons five powerful features including:

• Connect: Collaborate easily and securely within the content management system and directly connect to publishing and retail industry leaders as well as social networking platforms. 
• Write: Write, edit and manage projects on the web or from any device. Track revisions and version history and work with multiple editors and contributors.
• Convert: Using the Publishing Setup wizard, convert files into multiple formats for both print books and e-books to prepare for distribution into a variety of channels.
• Publish: Through the publishing module, directly upload files as a new project or write, convert and publish directly through the content management system. This module provides a unique ISBN number and distributes to hundreds of book retailers.
• Sell: Access an independent e-commerce and order fulfillment system through FastPencil's Marketplace. Custom URLs and BookBuy widgets are automatically generated upon publishing to assist with marketing campaigns. Royalty reporting is captured and displayed on a dashboard.

Auto-Graphics' solutions help public and private organizations manage their data so users can find and use the most relevant content available. Auto-Graphics partners with public and academic libraries as well as several types of special libraries, including legal, medical, research, government, museum and corporate libraries.

For more information visit – http://www4.auto-graphics.com/web_newsevents/fastpencil.asp.

About FastPencil, Inc.
FastPencil powers publishing by enabling authors, publishers and enterprise customers to write, design, publish and sell books in print and digital formats through their proprietary Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. FastPencil's next generation collaboration and distribution solutions produce quality books at any volume with simplicity, control, speed to market and higher margins. FastPencil also offers enterprises and publishers a customizable platform to create books, manage content and develop imprints for unique branding. Content from thousands of authors is managed under three publishing imprints: PREMIERE, Wavecrest and FastPencil.com. FastPencil PREMIERE houses a world-class, exclusive line of general interest titles by best-selling authors. The Wavecrest imprint offers packaged services and bookstore exposure to professional writers who have a strong community following and FastPencil.com is optimized for all do-it-yourself authors. For more information, please visit www.fastpencil.com.

About Auto-Graphics, Inc.
Founded in 1950, Auto-Graphics has been a technology innovator for more than six decades providing data management solutions to customers across multiple industries. For over 50 years, Auto-Graphics has helped libraries of all sizes become more efficient and patron-centric. Auto-Graphics' Library Management Platform™ – currently used by more than 5,500 libraries in North America – is comprised of VERSO® an integrated library system; SHAREit™ an interlibrary loan and consortial borrowing solution; and SEARCHit™ a federated search module. All products are fully compliant with ISO and NISO standards, and are available for On-Premise installation or over the Cloud, via the Software as a Service (SaaS) hosted delivery model. For more information, please visit www.auto-graphics.com.

© Auto-Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. VERSO ILS, SHAREit and SEARCHit are trademarks of Auto-Graphics, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media contact:
Kim Masterson
Auto-Graphics, Inc.
(909) 569-1529
[email protected]

SOURCE Auto-Graphics, Inc