(June 15, 2008) A new book to help quick and small commercial printers make money with digital technology is now available. 12 Secrets for Digital Success by John Giles outlines the best practices that successful printers use to make money with digital services.

According to Giles, a quick printing industry consultant, most printers use only a fraction of their digital technology's potential. "The printing industry is rapidly changing and the technology alone won't ensure a printing company's success," said Giles. "Successful printers have integrated technology into the culture of their entire organization and use it to sell more profitable types of printing services. They offer the customer a higher value and no longer have to sell printing based on price."

The new book looks at the different digital services printers have to sell and the tools and techniques that successful printers use to sell it. It outlines how a printing company must be organized and how the digital responsibilities and tasks are divided among employees and customers. The book also defines the selling opportunities printers have and offers pricing suggestions for a variety of digital tasks.

Standards for today's digital workflows are critical if a printers plans to automate the job process and improve productivity and profits. Even the smallest shop has the equipment and software that is needed to be successful, but employees must understand the new technology's standards. The book outlines what standards must be in place if a printing company expects to benefit from today's technology.

The book also explores the latest opportunities for web-based printing services and which customers will use them. The Internet plays an important role in the buying and selling process and Giles describes how digital services can be integrated to make the buying process easier. "Web-based services can open new marketing opportunities as well as provide production efficiencies to lower costs," said Giles. "Successful printers are combining web-based services with digital automation for better production and higher margins."

The book costs $49 plus $6 for shipping. It is available at www.johngiles.com or by calling 304-552-5363. You may also order by email at [email protected].

Giles is a long-time industry consultant and speaker who focuses on prepress production,  marketing and pricing issues.  He is currently conducting onsite digital audits to make working with customer-created files easier and more profitable for small commercial and quick printing companies. He is the author of the DTP PriceList, a price book for desktop publishing. He also authored the books The Digital Original and Digital Directions.