The Chichester-based printer will use the new service to bolster its book printing service by offering provisions such as access for publishers to the national supply chain.

The deal also includes automated ordering systems to High Street chains as well as the storage of books.

Jonathan Harry, managing director of RPM, said: "We were searching for the right partner to help expand the services we provide to our publishing customers and are delighted to have teamed up with BookSource, which has an excellent reputation in the market."

He added that the new service "would be of great benefit to our clients who often find handling the distribution and storage of books a big problem".

Teaming up with BookSource represents another move by RPM to grow its self-publishing book printing division following the acquisition of The Better Book Company in September last year.

RPM offers book printing and binding, jacket design, typography and marketing advice for self-publishing authors.

BookSource supplies books and other print to the retail trade and general public throughout the UK and the rest of the world.

A spokesperson for BookSource said: "Our team is made up of dedicated, friendly professionals, with a wide range of experience and knowledge of the publishing and distribution industries."

"We're delighted to be helping RPM's publishing clients," they added.