With over 30 years in the book industry, Jim Sorensen shares insights from a career that spans offset and digital printing, meeting today’s fast-paced demand for flexibility, speed, and smarter inventory management. He highlights how evolving services and capabilities are helping publishers differentiate their titles in a competitive marketplace. He also touches on the evolution of book manufacturing and what the future holds for publishers and printers like Lakeside Book Company.
Q: You’ve been with Lakeside Book Company for 25 years—can you share your journey from where you started, to your role today as President?
Jim: I started in book manufacturing over 31 years ago, working in operations before moving to the publishing side of the business. That dual experience gave me a full view of the industry. I joined Lakeside Book and worked in sales, account management, and leadership, eventually becoming Chief Sales Officer. Now, as President, I lead a team focused on safety and delivering value added service and solutions to our customers.
Q: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in book manufacturing over the years?
Jim: While offset printing remains central to our business, advances in digital print and automation have made short-run production more agile and cost effective. These innovations align with publishers’ increasing focus on sustainability through reducing waste, inventory obsolescence, and maintaining high quality production. Additionally, we have seen a significant increase in demand for deluxe premium editions as publishers strive to differentiate their titles in the market.
Q: What trends in book printing should publishers be paying attention to right now?
Jim: Inventory optimization is key; publishers want to reduce costs and environmental impact. There is also growing demand for premium editions and unique packaging to help books stand out. Balancing efficiency with creativity is where the opportunity lies.
Q: Is there a particular technology or process you’re most excited about in the industry?
Jim: Advancements in automation across digital and offset printing as well as binding, have elevated both speed and efficiency. At Lakeside, our continued investments in these systems enables fast, high quality, inventory replenishment. Additionally, our edge printing, box set design and other special edition capabilities support the premium market at scale. It’s about being nimble without sacrificing quality.
Q: What does a successful partnership between a publisher and a manufacturer look like to you?
Jim: It’s built on trust, collaboration, and early engagement. The more we are involved from the start, the better we can anticipate needs and co-create solutions that align with the publisher’s goals.
Q: What differentiates Lakeside Book Company as a book manufacturer that benefits publishers of all sizes?
Jim: At Lakeside Book, our greatest differentiator is our people and the culture we have built, one rooted in an unwavering commitment to safety, collaboration and customer satisfaction. We take pride in fostering meaningful partnerships with our clients. We work closely with them to develop value-added solutions tailored to their needs. This collaborative spirit coupled with our platform, which spans the U.S. and Canada, truly sets us apart. Whether it is a high volume run or a short run project, our team brings the scale and agility required to deliver quality, consistency and value to our customers.
Q: Can you share an example where close collaboration with a publisher made a real difference in the final product?
Jim: Absolutely. One example comes from a recent partnership with an independent publisher who needed a premium collector’s edition turned around under a tight timeline. From the outset, our teams worked together, sharing ideas and proactively solving design and production challenges. This collaboration allowed us to not only meet the deadline but also exceed our client’s expectations with a beautiful book that stood out in the market. This kind of outcome is only possible when there is true alignment and a shared commitment to success.
Q: What advice would you give to a publisher that is just starting out?
Jim: Work with a well-established book manufacturer who listens and collaborates. Open communication is essential. A good partner helps you build your brand and stay ahead of trends—not just print your books.
Q: Where do you see the book industry headed in the next 5–10 years?
Jim: Book manufacturing is moving toward greater speed, automation, and real-time inventory management. Even in a digital world, physical books continue to play a vital role in education, entertainment and the promotion of literacy. We are committed to evolving alongside publishers and helping them meet changing market demands and capitalize on new opportunities. Additionally, I see continued growth through special editions and enhanced design features, such as unique finishes and effects. These create distinctive, collectible books that stand out in a crowded market.
Jim Sorensen’s insights highlight not only the evolution of book manufacturing but also the enduring value of strong partnerships. At Lakeside Book Company, over 160 years of experience are matched by a forward-looking approach. Whether you’re launching your first title or scaling a major release, collaboration, communication, and craftsmanship remain at the heart of every successful project.