Simon and Schuster Inc.

Self-publishing and online services, e-books, and digital demand printing are joined into a new and powerful sector that is transforming the industry. For industry professionals whose career satisfactions and livelihoods are bonded to the future of the book, this new sector offers a wild ride and a venturesome future.

In previous columns, I've explored the strategic reasons to consider outsourcing distribution operations and the request for proposal (RFP) process for outsourced distribution partners. Now, let's assume that you have evaluated all the third-party proposals and selected the finalist among the various bids.

Today, the U.S. book industry passed a meaningful environmental threshold—approximately 50 percent of publishers now have environmental commitments in place–most with goals and timelines for vastly improving their environmental and climate performance

Alameda, Calif.-based Vook LLC announced the launch of its first "vooks," all published in partnership with Simon & Schuster imprint Atria. According to the company, a vook is a blend of a book and videos to create "one complete, instructive and entertaining story."

The first step in the RFP process is to identify the companies you wish to consider as potential bidders for your distribution business. You have, essentially, two options: specialist firms that provide distribution services to book publishers, and book publishers who handle distribution for other publishers.

As the second quarter of 2009 drew to a close and a subdued BookExpo America winded to a conclusion, the news from the book publishing industry continued to be mixed at best and, in some cases, downright depressing.

45 Number of James Patterson titles that have appeared on The New York Times Best-Seller List—a Guinness World Record. Patterson received the honor from Guinness at this year’s BookExpo America.

Triangle Peak Partners and Adams Capital Management Invest in Digital Distribution Platform for Publishers

From multimillion-dollar acquisitions to multimillion-dollar best-sellers, powerful women stand at every pivotal, decision-making point in the book publishing process. Book Business’ first annual “50 Top Women in Book Publishing” feature recognizes and honors some of these industry leaders who affect and transform how publishing companies do business, and what—and how—consumers read.

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