Crackjaw Community
Crackjaw Community is a place for publishers and artists to post introductions their work, curriculum vitae, link to their own websites, or even set up a store for purchases (this can be done rather easily with Paypal‘s Merchant Services).
Contributors create their documents using the online document creation system PLink, and Crackjaw Community is automatically updated with all edits. Anything posted is not monitored by Crackjaw. Offensive material (whether it be derogatory or, worse, grammatically unsound) should be reported to crackjawpublishing @ gmail.com. To become a contributor, first put your material into document form on PLink. Then email Crackjaw Publishing to request a review with your PLink login name. The “Publisher Resources” section is an example, which is created HERE and published in the Crackjaw Community. Click the “Read More” button in any section to see it in its full glory.
Publisher Resources
This section serves as an example of a PLink document imported into the Crackjaw Community. These subsections each consist of one paragraph, using the Textile markup language (which allows for embedded links and photos, among other things). Elements such as links, photos and HTML code can also be added separately using the other features of PLink documents.
This section is also a handy reference for new publishers looking for distribution tips. If you have something to add to the list, please email crackjawpublishing @ gmail.com.
Independent Distribution
PMA, The Independent Book Publishers Association
The largest non-profit trade association representing independent publishers. PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association is a trade association of independent publishers. Founded in 1983, it serves book, audio, and video publishers located in the United States and around the world.
Its mission is to advance the professional interests of independent publishers. To this end, PMA provides cooperative marketing programs, education and advocacy within the publishing industry. -from the PMA website
PMA provides online profiles for all of its members and offers US-wide review mailings, bookstore mailings and library mailings in a full-colour catalogue with synopses and ordering information. Membership dues plus a mailing for one title comes out to about $300USD. The one I’ve signed on for is set to mail out this month. I’ll report on how that goes.
Canadian Booksellers Association
CBA works for the current and future economic well-being of booksellers, by promoting their interests and meeting their needs. -from the CBA mission statement
I have just signed on for the next CBA mailing, which touts 1000 mail recipients and many more electronic viewings. At $65 a title for a non-member, it’s pretty economical, though the information in the mailing is not as extensive as the PMA mailings.
Amazon Advantage
The Amazon Advantage program allows you to add titles to their database (though only to amazon.com; there is no Canadian equivalent for amazon.ca). Amazon takes 55% of the cover price, and they like to order 1-2 copies of each title, postage paid by the publisher.
Chapters
Chapters/Indigo might just be willing to let you add your titles to their database without going through a distributor. What they asked me to send was a catalogue, sample books and current distribution methods. They’ll get back to me in 2-4 months.
Barnes and Noble
This is a direct link to the Barnes and Noble application to become a vendor of record (allowing you to upload titles to their website). Instructions are included on the form.
Book Fairs
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| Norman Dubeski at Toronto |
Toronto Small Press Group Book Fair
The Toronto Small Press Group organises two small press fairs a year, registration is $15.
Eden Mills Writers’ Festival
On the Sunday of the Festival, you can set up shop on Publishers’ Way. Registration for a publisher is $75 (other rates quoted on site).
Word on the Street
This links directly to the Toronto event, though there are five in Canada. The registration is steep, but they promise massive exposure.