Link: Microsoft launches imprint that aims to be faster than traditional book publishing | Books | The Guardian

Microsoft has launched 8080 Books, a new imprint designed to publish books faster than traditional methods, focusing on technology, science, and business. The name 8080 was inspired by an Intel microprocessor, symbolizing the imprint's cutting-edge approach.

8080 Books aims to shorten the time from manuscript completion to market availability, according to a Microsoft statement. The company highlights that while technology has accelerated most industries, publishing remains slower than necessary.

The imprint released its first book, "No Prize for Pessimism" by Sam Schillace, which discusses the importance of optimism in tech development. A second book titled "Platform Mindset" by Marcus Fontoura is set to launch later this year.

While primarily engaging with Microsoft's internal community and stakeholders, 8080 Books is also interested in featuring external and nontraditional thinkers. However, it is not accepting unsolicited manuscripts at this time.

Alongside new publications, 8080 will reissue relevant works and out-of-print books. The initial focuses are technology's future, business productivity, and societal issues like law, ethics, and policy.

The imprint intends to employ technology to make publishing more efficient and fair while maintaining high editorial standards. PDOCTYPE html [Microsoft is also collaborating with HarperCollins to train AI models using nonfiction books, sharing profits with nonprofits through Microsoft Philanthropies.] #

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