Key Facts:
- FolioFox has opened a new Melbourne showroom and invested in edge printing technology, reinforcing its commitment to Australian authors and publishers at a time when many domestic print presses have been closing.
- Despite falling national reading rates, demand for physical books, particularly collector and special edition titles driven by BookTok, continues to grow, prompting the company's counter-trend investment in premium print production.
- The Melbourne showroom, available by appointment, gives clients a dedicated space to explore paper stocks, finishes, and binding options, while new sprayed edge printing capabilities will be available from August 2026.
- Sprayed edge printing has previously been largely limited to high-volume offshore runs; FolioFox's onshore capability will offer indie authors and boutique publishers access to short, locally produced runs with faster turnaround times.
- The company has recently partnered with Book Fair Australia and Sorrento Writer's Festival, positioning itself as a flexible local production partner for authors, publishers, and brands seeking to stand out in a competitive market.
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, a significant onshore investment at a time when Australian print presses have been closing and national reading rates continue to fall.
"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. The readers who are still picking up physical books are doing it more intentionally, and with collecting and displaying in mind," said Tracy Yong, Brand Manager at FolioFox.
The expansion is a direct response to 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.
"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," said Yong. "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. It offers clients a dedicated space to explore paper stocks, finishes, and binding options in person.
In addition, the company is expanding their 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," said 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," said Chloe Berry, Literary Agent & Founder of The Berry Agency. "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."
