Epublisher Xlibris To Expand Into Europe

Posted on October 19, 2000

Xlibris, an epublisher, has announced plans to expand into Europe and Asia in 2001. The company will open offices in London, United Kingdom, Munich, Germany and Tokyo, Japan. John Feldcamp, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xlibris, made the announcement at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Xlibris is based in Philadelphia.

``The establishment of a strong presence in Europe and Asia is a natural evolution for Xlibris, as the company stays focused on establishing itself as a global leader in online publishing,'' according to Feldcamp, adding that ``Xlibris has clearly established itself as a leader in the US market. Writers around the world will benefit greatly from a service that allows manuscripts to be published quickly and cost-effectively. We intend to provide European and Asian authors with the same set of complete publishing services, control of rights, and connections to a broad range of resources that has helped so many US writers become published authors.''

The European operations will be led by a management team, including Pedro Huerta who will serve as managing director; Brian Bishop, spearheading marketing efforts; Cindy Hudson, vice president technology and web development; Ray Beauchamp who will focus on Author Services; and Josh McDowell, manager of production. The company intends for Xlibris UK to be fully operational during the first quarter of 2001, and its German branch to become operational shortly thereafter.

``This is an extremely exciting time for Xlibris as well as all European authors looking for new ways to get published, while controlling their publishing rights,'' says Pedro Huerta. ``Dozens of British authors have already published through Xlibris in the States, and our UK office will allow us to provide more customized local services and capabilities to the vast number of European authors looking to get published.''

In concluding, Feldcamp predicted that Xlibris would continue its global expansion in 2001, particularly in Asia, which he feels offers excellent business potential for the company. The Asian office will be located in Tokyo and will be headed by Henry de La Trobe, managing director.