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Reports on the concerns of book publishers over the rising cost of paper in the United States. Effects to book prices; Percentage gains in 1994; Average cost of paper; Trends in the pricing of paperback books; Simon & Schuster Consumer Group's efforts to manage book-making costs; HarperCollins' use of lighter paper grades in book-making. INSETS: Business cycle swings to paper companies' side, by J.M.;Kenaf: A paper alternative to ponder, by Lisa See..

The article discusses the impact of rising costs and supply shortages of paper on publishers in the U.S. Topics covered include increase in price of paper per ton, according to a report by printer Quad Graphics, factors contributing to the reduction in paper supply such as shutdown of some Canadian paper mills and reduced imports from China, factors driving up paper prices, and the need for U.S. publishers to look for alternative sources of paper.

Reports on the effect of paper supply shortage on the book publishing business in Asia. Dependence from exports by most countries; Impact of fall of the United States dollar; Price increases planned by paper suppliers.

The article reports on the increase in paper prices in the U.S. in January 2006. Paper prices rose an average of about 5% in January, and another 5% increase is set for April. While paper demand has risen slightly, the most important reason for the ability of paper companies to increase prices has to do with a sharp drop in supply. Several printers expressed concern that if paper and production costs in general became too high, smaller publishers will decide not to publish marginal books.

Focuses on the commitment of publishers to use more recycled paper to publish books and decrease the use of paper produced from old-growth forests as of March 2003. Publishers involved in the initiative; Paper used by the book publishing industry each year.

Reports on the pressure in book prices due to the increase in paper and printing costs in the U.S. in March 2005. Price increase in backlist titles, according to Jack Romanos, CEO of Simon & Schuster; Expectations of manufacturers and publishers on the state of the industry; Percentage increase in volume posted by printer Quebecor in the last quarter of 2004.

The article reveals that soaring costs of paper and energy are forcing publishers to reexamine ways to keep costs from spiraling out of control. Simon & Schuster (S&S) chief executive officer (CEO) Carolyn Reidy said the escalating prices have made S&S take a fresh look at the way they do business. One large publisher that had a $2-million increase in freight surcharges last year said costs are already running 10% over 2008. Penguin Book Group USA CEO David Shanks believes that the different cost pressures eventually will lead to higher prices.

The author offers her opinion on the economic benefits of recycling for the publishing industry. Publishing is a resource- and energy-intensive business. Every dollar spent unnecessarily on energy is a dollar wasted. Therefore, while going to recycled paper is an essential first step toward mitigating our industry's environmental impact, real change will come only when book sales become nonreturnable.