With over 30 years in the book industry, Jim Sorensen shares insights from a career that spans the era of offset printing to today’s fast-paced demand for flexibility, speed, and smarter inventory management. He reflects on his journey, the evolution of book manufacturing, and what the future holds for publishers and printers.
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 into publishing roles. 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, culture, and delivering great service to our customers.
Q: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in book manufacturing over the years?
Jim: The shift toward speed, flexibility, and efficient inventory management has been huge. Long-run offset printing used to dominate, but short-run and digital printing have changed the game—letting publishers manage inventory smarter without losing quality.
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’s 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: Digital printing has come a long way in both quality and automation. At Lakeside, we’ve invested in systems that allow fast inventory replenishment. On the offset side, our edge printing capabilities support collectible editions 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’re 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: We have the scale to handle large projects and the flexibility for smaller ones. Our industry-leading sales team focuses on understanding each customer’s needs, helping us deliver quality and efficiency across the board.
Q: Can you share an example where close collaboration with a publisher made a real difference in the final product?
Jim: A smaller publisher approached us with a premium edition under tight deadlines. Through close coordination and flexibility, we delivered a high-quality product that made a strong impact in the market. It was a great example of partnership in action.
Q: What advice would you give to a publisher that is just starting out?
Jim: Work with a 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 book manufacturing headed in the next 5–10 years?
Jim: The future is about speed, automation, and real-time inventory. Physical books still matter in a digital world, and we’ll keep evolving to help publishers meet new demands and seize new opportunities.
Jim Sorensen’s insights highlight not only the evolution of book manufacturing but also the enduring value of strong partnerships and innovation. 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.