Pomona, U.S.A – On October 3, Auto-Graphics, a provider of tools, technologies and services that enable libraries to create, manage and provide personalized access to print and digital collections, and FastPencil 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.

“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.

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Campbell, U.S.A – On October 3, FastPencil announced the launch of “World Enough, and Time” – the first title in the classic sci-fi series “New World Trilogy,” a spell-binding, fantasy adventure trilogy written by New York Times multiple best-selling author James Kahn, who is known for his books “Return of the Jedi,” “Poltergeist” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”

“World Enough, and Time” carries the highly selective FastPencil Premiere imprint reserved for best-selling authors and experts.

“I’m reintroducing my ‘New World Trilogy’ with a fresh look and new original content that I know readers will enjoy,” said author James Kahn. “Readers will meet the new narrator, Ishmael, in an added plot twist that sends waves through all three novels in the trilogy. FastPencil is a seamless way to publish, with speed-to-press, higher margins and a wide distribution reach and I’m thrilled to have FastPencil release this first in the series, ‘World Enough, and Time.’”

“World Enough, and Time” is the beginning of the sci-fi fantasy trilogy where humans are a dying species in a post-apocalyptic world 200 years from now. Joshua experiences personal tragedy when a gryphon and a vampire kidnap his wife. He and his comrades – a centaur and an android – set out to rescue her in a surreal landscape filled with science-based mythological creatures. The odyssey is not over until Joshua and his warriors come face to face with the evil cabal whose goal is to see the human race extinct.

FastPencil will release a “New World Trilogy” title each year with “Time’s Dark Laughter” coming out in 2013 and “Timefall” in 2014.

Kahn is a best-selling author who has worked with acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg, “Star Wars” creator George Lucas and renowned sci-fi editor Judy Lynn Del Rey. His books include “Return of the Jedi,” which held a spot on the New York Times Best-Seller List for months, as well as “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “The Goonies” and “Poltergeist.” He has also written for numerous television shows including “Star Trek: Voyager” and “Xena: Warrior Princess.”

“When it comes to the genres of fantasy and science fiction, James Kahn is one of the most celebrated and successful writers out there,” said Steve Wilson, FastPencil co-founder and CEO. “Fans of Kahn’s work, as well as new sci-fi lovers, will be happy to add this trilogy – with new artwork, characters and plots – to their libraries.”

Kahn is part of an illustrious number of best-selling authors who have signed with FastPencil Premiere for its proprietary partnerships in technology and distribution, speed to press, wider market reach, higher author royalties and greater transparency throughout the publishing process.

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