Deconstructing Distribution
Wholesalers’ role
Any discussion of distribution seems incomplete without mentioning the role of the wholesaler. The classic distinction is that the wholesaler essentially “works” for the bookseller, while the distributor really “works” for the publisher. But when it comes to assuring timely distribution and backlist sell-through, the economic benefit of wholesaler efficiencies in combining orders from diverse imprints is enormous to both publishers and their outsource distribution partners.
Eugene G. Schwartz is editor at large for ForeWord Reviews, an industry observer and an occasional columnist for Book Business magazine. In an earlier career, he was in the printing business and held production management positions at Random House, Prentice-Hall/Goodyear and CRM Books/Psychology Today. A former PMA (IBPA) board member, he has headed his own publishing consultancy, Consortium House. He is also Co-Founder of Worthy Shorts Inc., a development stage online private press and publication service for professionals as well as an online back office publication service for publishers and associations. He is on the Publishing Business Conference and Expo Advisory Board.