FolioFox is strengthening its commitment to Australian authors and publishers with the opening of a new Melbourne showroom and the acquisition of modern edge printing technology.
The expansion is a direct response to what the company calls a growing contradiction in publishing – as the average Australian reads less than ever, sales of physical books, particularly BookTok-fuelled collector editions, continue to climb.
“It might look counterintuitive to be investing in print at a time when screens are dominating everyone's attention, but readership is shifting rather than disappearing,” said Tracy Yong, brand manager at FolioFox.
“The readers who are still picking up physical books are doing it more intentionally, and with collecting and displaying in mind.
"We've watched a number of Australian printers close their doors over the last few years because the economics of commercial printing are tough in today’s market. We're going the other direction, investing in the kind of production that indie authors and boutique publishers are actually asking for.
“Sprayed edges, premium finishes, short runs done locally and turned around quickly, that's a capability that's been lacking onshore.”
The newly opened showroom, available by appointment, is designed as a hub for inspiration and decision-making and offers clients a dedicated space to explore paper stocks, finishes, and binding options in person.
In addition, the company is expanding its services by investing in edge printing technology to support the increasing demand for special edition books. A defining feature of modern special edition books, sprayed edge printing has largely been limited to high-volume offshore runs.
“The current economy has definitely made people more careful about where they invest their money, especially with printing, but it’s also pushed a lot of self-publishing authors and newer independent publishers to look for smarter, more flexible local production options,” explained Yong.
The company has solidified its position as a reliable Australian book printer for short-to-mid production runs, recently partnering with Book Fair Australia and Sorrento Writer’s Festival.
The capability to produce books with sprayed edges, available from August 2026, opens new opportunities for independent authors, publishers and brands to differentiate their work on bookshelves in an increasingly competitive market.
“Sprayed edges are helping to drive strong early and on-release sales, tapping into readers’ desire for beautiful, collectible bookish objects. They elevate the book beyond content alone, creating a memorable, shareable moment that resonates with audiences and create a 'fall in love at first sight' moment for readers,” Chloe Berry, literary agent and founder of The Berry Agency, concluded.