Can you sell more books? Non-returnable? AAPSSolutely!

On January 1, 2013 I assumed the position of Executive Director of The Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN). As of June 1, 2013, SPAN will formally be known as The Association of Authors and Publishers for Special Sales (AAPSS).

The AAPSS mission is to become known as the premier source of information, education and help for publishers of high-quality content published in printed, electronic or audio form for sale to consumers, non-bookstore retailers and non-retail buyers. AAPSS intends to become the respected brand-name entity that provides high quality, functional and innovative sales and marketing resources that enhance our members’ efforts to grow their businesses profitably.

Armed with a new Board, many volunteers, a vision for success and a youthful vitality, AAPSS will help its members become more profitable publishers by selling their books in special-sales markets.

This new direction parallels the evolving nature of the book-publishing industry. With hundreds of thousands of new titles published every year, the competition for a profitable share of consumers’ minds and wallets is intense. The opportunity for independent publishers to increase their sales, revenue and profits selling their content to non-bookstore buyers is exciting.

Much of SPAN’s existing marketing and educational programs will continue, but with the emphasis on special sales. For example, AAPSS will continue the program of co-op mailing programs, but now recipients will be non-bookstore buyers instead of bookstores and libraries.

In addition, AAPSS remains the host of the series of Book Marketing Matters bi-weekly, 90-minute webinars on topics to help members sell their books in large, non-returnable quantities. Guest speakers cover specific topics such as social networking, ecommerce, ISBNs, metadata, personal networking, cover design, publicity and marketing books to non-traditional buyers.

Reinstated are a monthly newsletter (The Sales Informer) and an annual conference to be held in Philadelphia on November 9, 2013. Both will address topics to help publishers sell their content to non-traditional buyers, both retail and non-retail.

Furthermore, AAPSS is working with industry suppliers to offer members discounts on printing, shipping, promotional products, website development and staffed tradeshow exhibits. A new emphasis on marketing ebooks lead to discounts on ebook conversion, awards and distribution. An agreement with Pubmatch.com gives SPAN members access to publishers and agents seeking mew material. And AAPSS members are eligible to discounted distribution to buyers in corporations, associations and schools.

Publishers know there is always much to learn in the fast-changing book-selling industry. AAPSS is a dynamic, growing organization dedicated to the success of our members. We will continue to deliver on SPAN’s promise to provide members with benefits that will help them sell more books, make more money, and raise their standing as experts in their field. Can AAPSS help you sell more books? AAPSSolutely.