Oak Knoll makes big business out of niche publishing.

By James Sturdivant

Insights at a Glance … from Bob Fleck, Oak Knoll founder and president

Best management tactic: Keep re-inventing yourself in this fast-paced, electronic world. Think of a new concept once a week and try it! We are small, and our ability to act quickly should be our strength.

Biggest challenge as president: Managing cash flow—but this should not be a surprise to anyone out there.

What you are most focused on right now: Development of better electronic methods to check library holdings and quote them titles they haven’t purchased.

Oak Knoll’s biggest strength: Our cross-pollination—sell new books to collectors of rare books and sell the concept of collecting books to new book buyers.

Fastest-growing product or segment: Publishing titles for people interested in getting away from computer screens and TV sets, and doing things with their hands—hand-printing, bookbinding, papermaking, calligraphy.

Amid the arterial cacophony of northern Delaware, the city of New Castle is a quiet outpost of an earlier age. Cobblestone streets laid out during the 17th century offer fine dining, museums, river views and, every October for the last 15 years, Oak Knoll Fest, a celebration of the art of fine press bookmaking. Participants come from around the world to meet master printers, attend panel discussions and browse exhibits from artisans specializing in engraving, binding, papermaking and letterpress.

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Down the Long Tail