Getting the Word Out About Audiobooks: AAP Prepares Latest Public Awareness Campaign for BookExpo Launch

Extra: What plans do you have to promote the campaign?
Jordan: The campaign [will mirror] the Get Caught Reading campaign with posters of authors “getting caught listening” to their favorite audiobooks. [These posters are] for book lovers to utilize at book events, fairs, etc. … On the Web site (www.GetCaughtReading.org/listening), we have select authors who share their thoughts on their love of audiobooks …. We also provide ways in which teachers can utilize audiobooks as a learning tool in the classroom.

Extra: What has been successful with the Get Caught Reading campaign that you’ll apply to Get Caught Listening?
Jordan: Similar to Get Caught Reading, media have provided their pro bono support. XM Radio has agreed to air the [PSAs] on their Sonic Theater— their book and contemporary theater channel. In the retail market, we are working with iTunes on some programming, and the American Booksellers Association has arranged to share information on the launch of the campaign to their membership. Previews have appeared on the BookExpo America Web site in line with the launch [at] the convention. So, we are well on our way.

Extra: Which celebrities do you have on board so far?
Jordan: It’s important to provide a variety of talent to such campaigns, so it appeals to readers and nonreaders alike. That’s why we are extremely pleased [about] the selection of talent we’ve enlisted for the launch, inclusive of literary [authors], commercial authors, animated characters and celebrities. I mean, where can you find a place or a campaign that enlists such a wide range of talent the likes of Frank McCourt and LL Cool J in the same sentence? … Lisa Scottoline, Dr. Seuss’ Horton, Jackie Collins, Pearl Cleage, Brad Meltzer, Chelsea Handler, Marci Shimoff and Valerie Bertinelli have [also] enlisted their support in just the first year. …