In the post about Texbook Torrents a while back we mentioned an ideal model for textbook distribution and pricing. Publishing firm Flat World Knowledge will follow the same multi-format pricing schedule that we recommended when they launch their textbook line in January 2009. The materials will be offered in several formats, including as free online text, audio, and printed in black and white or color.

In an interview with Campus Technology magazine, Flat World claimed their market research indicated that offering textbooks for free online did not significantly decrease the number of customers opting for additional services. Moreover, by building a system for a la carte textbook consumption they could offer their authors higher per-unit royalties than traditional publishers. The result has been a radical revisiting of the textbook publication model—proof that the days of bloated publishers and overpriced textbooks are numbered.

In addition to offering textbooks in audio and print form, Flat World will also offer a subscription service featuring podcasts and interactive textbook supplements. Upper level textbook users will also have the option of participating in a job recruiting process at firms seeking professionals with a particular course’s background (accounting students are likely the biggest target). The advantage of these bundled services is that they offer additional revenue streams for authors (the 20% royalties agreement applies to the services as well)—proving that the publication of open-source textbooks can be monetized as lucratively as traditional closed-source textbooks.

Tags: Learning Technologies, Online Education