Book Distribution

Audible Inc. and the New York Center for Independent Publishing (CIP) have announced a new imprint, Audible IndieFirst. The imprint will publish original works from independent publishers in digital audio format one month prior to the release of the print edition. Audible and CIP previously issued a call for manuscripts from independent publishers, asking them to identify their best and most promising upcoming titles for consideration in the Audible IndieFirst program. From the submissions, Audible has selected a number of upcoming titles to publish in audio, the first of which is Joe Meno’s “Demons in the Spring,” published by Akashic Books. All audiobooks will

Edwards Brother Inc., a book and journal manufacturing firm specializing in medium, short and ultra-short runs, has received chain-of-custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for both its Ann Arbor, Mich. and Lillington, N.C. facilities. FSC certification verifies the source of papers utilized in manufacturing and tracks these certified products throughout the inventory and distribution process. To become certified, companies work with accredited, independent certification agents who evaluate both forest-management activities and chain-of-custody tracking of materials passing through mills, manufacturers and distributors. “This new certification is part of a larger, ongoing effort at Edwards Brothers to be responsible corporate citizens and to better

Baker & Taylor, one of the largest wholesale book and entertainment product distributors, named Thomas I. Morgan chairman and chief executive officer, effective July 7. “Tom Morgan joins Baker & Taylor with a strong background as a leader of some of the largest and best recognized distribution businesses, which will enhance our senior management and allow us to accelerate our strategic plans,” says Gary Apple, vice chairman of Castle Harlan Inc., which owns Baker & Taylor. Morgan was previously president and CEO of Hughes Supply Inc., a Orlando, Fla.-based distributor of construction supplies. “I am excited to be joining the existing senior management

Simon & Schuster Inc. and Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing LLC have entered into a sales and distributions agreement, effective July 8. Simon & Schuster will now handle all new book sales and distribution to bookstores, warehouse/wholesale clubs, mass merchants and other retail outlets. “We are delighted to welcome Chicken Soup for the Soul into our family of distribution clients,” says Joe Bulger, vice president, client management and business development, Simon & Schuster. “We look forward to ensuring they receive a high level of support and service that is consistent with their inspiring brand.” Chicken Soup for the Soul expects the partnership

Observed from 30,000 feet, the modern system for delivering manufactured goods appears little changed from what it was 30, 40, 50 years ago—trucks roll, trains rumble, ships ply the harbors and canals. Only a closer view reveals the logistical revolution made possible by rolling stock, just-in-time ordering and outsourced production. Similarly, the average consumer picking up the latest best-seller at their local bookstore is unaware of how book distribution models are changing. While the book they hold in their hands may adhere to the old “print-and-deliver” model, for instance, the one next to it may have been “deliver and print,” as in large distributors

I started working with digital content 25 years ago, developing interactive products for publishers and other content organizations in New York City. I worked in small media and technology development firms, without much to speak of in terms of infrastructure. I imagined that the larger publishing organizations for which we developed products all had robust systems for the management of digital content. Ten years later, a large textbook publisher hired me to lead a media and technology group and I learned otherwise. There was no systematic approach to the management of digital assets. Following the printing of a textbook, digital assets were stored on

The American Booksellers Association (ABA), a not-for-profit trade organization, has partnered with Ingram Book Co. and Ingram Publisher Services to underwrite bookseller education for the next three years. The partnership will begin with ABA’s Day of Education, which is being held May 29 in Hollywood, Calif., in conjunction with BookExpo America. “We present education to about 1,000 booksellers each year,” says Avin Mark Domnitz, ABA’s chief executive officer. “This strategic partnership will help us extend that reach, and importantly, keep education free to ABA members. This relationship is a boon to both ABA and Ingram.” In addition to the Day of Education,

The publishing industry’s intensified movement toward going “green” was highlighted by recent reports from three major trade groups—the Book Industry Study Group (BISG), the Association of American Publishers (AAP), and the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF). In this column, I summarize the major features of each of these reports, as well as note a bit of contention on some of the findings, that point to the why and how of going “green” for publishers and book printers. (For an extensive and very useful backgrounder, check out the article “The Green Team,” by James Sturdivant, in Book Business, February 2008, also

To commemorate Earth Day, which was celebrated April 22, FreeAndGreen.com is offering free e-books in partnership with BooksOnBoard.com and Abbey House Press. The partners are hoping the initiative helps spur the publishing community’s efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and protect forests, according to a statement issued by BooksOnBoard.com “Greenhouse-gas emissions can be dramatically reduced over time through the advance of e-books and other means of delivering content digitally,” says Bob LiVolsi, president of BooksOnBoard.com. The free books were provided by Abbey House Press’ Abbey House Classics imprint and can be accessed through www.FreeAndGreen.com and at www.BooksOnBoard.com. “Each year, approximately 30 million trees are used

AUSTIN, Texas– April 23, 2008 – Harlequin Enterprises Ltd. has selected the LibreDigital Internet Digital Warehouse solution to provide readers with new ways to access Harlequin titles across digital channels, including online and mobile. Beginning April 2008, Harlequin will make some of its most popular series—such as Harlequin Presents and books by New York Times bestselling authors like Debbie Macomber, Heather Graham and Mercedes Lackey— available for browsing online. “Romance readers are having a love affair with digital,” said Brent Lewis, Vice President Internet & Digital, Harlequin. “With technology from LibreDigital, we can give readers an experience similar to walking into a bookstore and