Blog
Category: News
Distribution Change: Owlkids
by Dan
Kids + News / December 08, 2011
Effective January 1, 2012 Owlkids Books will be distributed in Canada by UTP
Distribution. Returns of Owlkids books will be accepted by UTP as of this date.
Raincoast Books will also accept returns of Owlkids product until March 31, 2012.
Canadian sales will be handled by ampersand inc., formerly known as Kate
Walker & Company.
Owlkids Books and Maple Tree Press ISBN prefixes are:
978-1-897066
978-1-897349
978-1-926818
978-1-926973
978-2-89579
New distribution contact information:
University of Toronto Press
5201 Dufferin Street
Toronto, ON, M3H 5T8
(PH) 1-800-565-9523 (North America) / (416) 667-7791
(FAX) 1-800-221-9985 (North America) / (416) 667-7832
Kate Walker & Company Ltd. rebrands itself as Ampersand Inc.
by Dan
News / October 04, 2011
Kate Walker and Saffron Beckwith have announced that Kate Walker & Company will change its name to Ampersand Canada’s Book and Gift Agency inc., effective immediately. The company will continue to focus on growing existing markets and cultivating new opportunities.
“Kate Walker & Company Ltd. has a longstanding history in the book publishing industry, handling both international and Canadian publishers.” said Saffron Beckwith, Vice-President and partner. “The choice of ‘Ampersand Inc.’ reflects our company’s vision as we continue to connect, curate and champion our exemplary list of publishers and gift clients to a growing network of retailers, wholesalers and libraries across the country.”
"Ampersand Inc. is the next and logical evolution of a company that has been part of the book industry for over 50 years.” said Kate Walker. “As a part of the company since 1978, I have seen the tremendous growth and change within the publishing industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."
Ampersand Inc. (formerly Kate Walker & Company, Stanton & MacDougall, Douglas & McIntyre; and earliest as J.J. Douglas Agencies) has a legacy in Canada and through its national sales team, deep relationships with retailers, wholesalers and libraries across the country. In the last ten years, company people have won the Canadian Bookseller’s Libris Award for Rep of the Year more times than any other publisher or sales group in Canada.
Saffron Beckwith is charged with the possibilities that lie ahead, recognizing a growing demand by Canadian retailers for more options in the competitive market. “We will continue to service our longstanding customers, while representing companies in our gift division to give Canadian retailers, and ultimately Canadian customers, more choice,” says Beckwith.
Lonely Planet partners with UN to give relief workers vital information
by Natalia
News + Travel / October 03, 2011
There was lots of excitement in the office last Friday over some big news from Lonely Planet: in celebration of World Tourism Day, Lonely Planet is announcing a new partnership with the United Nations to provide information for first responders in humanitarian emergencies. Staff from UN agencies deployed in the event of a disaster will be able to use Lonely Planet’s information to help them familiarize themselves with the country before traveling.
"Lonely Planet's expert content makes it easier for humanitarian workers to hit the ground running in unfamiliar environments," said Gwi-Yeop Son, Director of Corporate Programmes at OCHA. "We value Lonely Planet's commitment to provide accurate and up-to-the-minute information for our teams on the ground."
“Lonely Planet’s mission is to provide trustworthy and informative content about a destination,” said John Boris, Executive Vice President of Lonely Planet Americas. “Our unique, in-depth information will empower the teams of humanitarian workers to learn quickly about the areas they are working in and the people they will be assisting.”
This is wonderful news, and a huge vote of confidence in the quality of Lonely Planet's information. Congrats to Lonely Planet!
You can read more about the partnership here.
New Lonely Planet Translation apps!
by Natalia
News + Travel / September 28, 2011
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This past week I’ve been on vacation in San Francisco, my first trip outside Canada in some time. Heading back to work this morning through familiar streets, armed with my cell phone, bus pass, and a steaming mug of home-brewed coffee, I was struck by the conveniences of being a local. The everyday practicalities of travel can be frustrating—tracking down wifi, finding a pay phone, dealing with public transit—all these small details of life which you wouldn’t give a second thought at home can become a big hassle in an unfamiliar city.
So I was excited when I heard about Lonely Planet’s latest offering to beleaguered travellers: The Lonely Planet Offline Translator, available on Android and iOs. From the Lonely Planet folks:
The perfect travel companion, Lonely Planet Offline Translator acts as your own personal translator, providing bespoke translations based on what the user has typed or spoken into the phone. Unlike other language translation apps, Lonely Planet Offline Translator is completely offline, which means it can be used anywhere with no data/roaming fees or connection delays.
Initially launching in eight languages, the app translates words, phrases or whole sentences into immediate audio or text translations. Designed specifically for travelers, the app utilizes over 40,000 words for its translations. It also features a completely searchable dictionary.
I love travel apps, and this one sounds pretty nifty—to my mind, this make much more sense than lugging around a heavy dictionary everywhere you go. What do you all think? Ever used the Lonely Planet apps abroad?
Happy travels everyone!
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Raincoast Announces a New Freight Plan
Effective immediately, Raincoast has dropped the free shipping minimum for book retailers from $400 to $250 net invoice value. Note that this minimum is tied to INVOICE value, not ORDER value and that Raincoast, Publishers Group Canada and Book Express orders consolidate to meet this minimum.
Booksellers need not save their orders to meet the $250 free freight minimum. Simply call Raincoast customer service at 1-800-663-5714 or 604-448-7100 and ask that your account be set to a $250 ship minimum threshold. We will take care of the rest.
Please note that the freight minimum is not to be confused with the minimum order for regular discount, which remains at $250 retail.
Raincoast Book Distribution is made up of two full-service sales and marketing distribution divisions; Raincoast Books in Vancouver and Publishers Group Canada in Toronto, along with Book Express, a wholesale division that drives our customer service standard. Our benchmark is same day shipping for all orders received by 11:00AM. Rain or shine.
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Publicist Position at Raincoast
by Dan
Job Posting + News / July 07, 2011
Raincoast Books is looking for a publicist based in either Vancouver or Toronto to cover a twelve-month maternity leave. The contract would start Monday July 26.
The successful candidate will possess superior written and verbal skills, a minimum of an undergraduate degree in a relevant field and a valid driver’s license. Experience with social media, media relations and design and layout software is an asset. The position will also involve the creation of e-newsletters so strong copyediting skills are a must. Traditional publicity aspects of the job will focus on Travel, Health, Business, Memoir and Politics and Current Affairs categories.
Raincoast Books is a national full-service sales and marketing book distributor for over 20 client publishers from across Canada and around the world. Raincoast has offices in Vancouver and Toronto and the successful candidate will work out of our Vancouver head office or from home office in Toronto.
As Publicist, the successful candidate will work with three other publicists and the VP Marketing in organizing national tours and securing print and electronic coverage for authors in Canada and around the world. The successful candidate will also work with entire publicity and marketing department in creating six monthly e-newsletters.
This position is ideally suited for a candidate who has a passion for a wide range of publishing genres and who is self-motivated and can work on many projects simultaneously.
Candidates should send their résumé and cover letter by July 18 to:
Jamie Broadhurst
Vice-President of Marketing
Raincoast Books
Email
Tel: 604-448-7124
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Return of Macmillan Product Bought From H.B. Fenn
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING RETURNS OF MACMILLAN PRODUCT ORIGINALLY BOUGHT FROM HB FENN
In May, Macmillan sent out a letter regarding returns from Canadian customers, directing customers to return books to their returns depot in Thorold, Ontario.
This letter is available here (PDF).
Fenn’s receivers are working to credit returns against amounts still owing to Fenn. This is part of a legal process over which Raincoast has no control. Raincoast is not legally allowed to credit customers for books bought from HB Fenn at this time, as any credits currently owing are meant to be included in the bankruptcy estate. It is our understanding from Macmillan’s letter that the receivers plan to process returns received up until August 12, 2011.
Raincoast will, after August 12, accept customer returns of Macmillan product that we now distribute subject to our usual returns policy, as long as it was bought from Fenn within 12 months of the returns date.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
For your information, Macmillan’s returns depot is at:
MPS Returns Centre,
c/o Book Depot
Dock #8
67 Front Street North
Thorold ON L2V 1X3
Canada
More room ... to fill up with books!
by Siobhan
News + Vancouver / June 24, 2011
Raincoast has been abuzz in all departments this week, getting everything set up for our new distribution partner, Macmillan.
The warehouse is looking really good, especially with the addition of yet more shelving... And if you love books, you know that new bookshelves really are exciting!
Lots of new space ... soon to be filled up by all those great Macmillan books coming in!
Job Posting: Sales Operations Manager
by Siobhan
News + Vancouver / June 13, 2011
Raincoast is hiring a Sales Operations Manager.
Job Posting: Sales Operations Manager
Reports to: EVP Sales and Marketing
Supervises: Sales Analyst, Inventory Coordinators
Major responsibilities
The sales operations manager ensures that the operational and sales departments are fully aligned in terms of key customer expectations and processes, acting as liaison between the sales team and the company’s operational departments.
This position also is responsible for inventory forecasting and analysis, including communication with client publishers and management.
Goals
- Ensure that operational departments, especially systems and warehouse, fully understand and implement the specific requirements of key customers as identified by senior management, with an eye to maximizing profitable sales.
- Work with the sales team to develop realistic title-level forecasts each season, and continue to monitor and adjust as necessary throughout each season.
- Communicate forecasts to key stakeholders, including client publishers and management, meeting varying deadlines
- Through forecasting and regular reviews of current stock holdings, help the inventory team to maximize turns while supporting the sales team in the achievement of annual sales goals.
- Work with sales analyst to develop new reports and streamline existing reports, both to support sales and to satisfy the needs of client publishers and management.
Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will be fluent in both written and spoken English and will hold a post secondary certificate or degree from a recognized public institution. Experience or study in areas such as business operations management, database applications, supply chain management, business processes and inventory forecasting would all be assets, as would relevant work experience.
Applicants should be proficient in the Microsoft suite of products and have extensive Microsoft Excel experience.
This position requires excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships at all levels within the company and with external stakeholders.
Experience in book publishing or distribution would be a plus.
We regret that we can only acknowledge applications from candidates selected for interviews. No phones calls or agencies, please.
To apply, please email your resume to Paddy Laidley by June 24, 2011:
paddy [at] raincoast.com
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Macmillan Announces Raincoast as Sales and Distribution Partner in Canada
by Dan
News + Vancouver / June 09, 2011
MACMILLAN ANNOUNCES RAINCOAST AS SALES AND DISTRIBUTION PARTNER IN CANADA FOR INDEPENDENT, LIBRARY AND SPECIALTY ACCOUNTS
June 9, 2011 — Raincoast Books has reached agreement in principle with New York-based Macmillan U.S. to handle sales, fulfillment and marketing for the Macmillan imprints previously sold by H.B. Fenn and Company in Canada.
Raincoast will be responsible for the independent bookstore, library, and specialty markets as well as for Costco Canada. Farrar, Straus & Giroux will continue to be sold by Douglas & McIntyre in Canada.
Both companies will begin the transition immediately. Raincoast will be responsible for selling in Macmillan’s fall lists and books will be available to ship from Raincoast in early July.
In a unique arrangement to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, larger Raincoast accounts located in the eastern half of Canada will receive books directly from Macmillan’s Gordonsville, Virginia warehouses. The sales, billing and customer service for those shipments will remain with Raincoast in Vancouver.
John Sargent, CEO of Macmillan said, “We are pleased to have found an excellent business partner in Raincoast for Canada. Raincoast has a stellar reputation, knows the market and was creative in helping us find ways to make the fulfillment portion of the agreement more sustainable.”
Alison Lazarus, President of Sales added, “We met with many fine companies in Canada, but Raincoast’s systems and reporting strength, adept and creative marketing, modern warehouse and network of award-winning sales representatives made them a great fit. We are looking forward to working closely with them to renew our strong Canadian sales.”
John Sawyer, CEO of Raincoast said, “In discussion with Macmillan it soon became apparent that the two companies share common values; total focus on customer service, respect for the environment and great optimism about the future of quality publishing. Our partnership with Macmillan sends a strong signal about the book market in Canada and the importance of Canadian customers.”
Paddy Laidley, Executive Vice-President of Sales & Marketing agrees. “The independent and specialty market in Canada has always been core to our business. We choose our distribution partners carefully; for the quality of their publishing, how they fit with our other publishers and the way they do business. We look for companies that can make us better at what we do. Macmillan fits the bill perfectly.”
About Macmillan:
Macmillan is a global publisher of books, magazines, textbooks, scientific information and digital content and services. In the U.S., the group includes Farrar,Straus & Giroux; Henry Holt; St. Martin's Press; Tor Books; Picador; Macmillan Audio; Bedford St. Martin's; W.H. Freeman; Worth Publishers; i-clicker; Hayden-McNeil; Palgrave Macmillan; Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; and Scientific American Magazine.
Macmillan is a subsidiary of Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck, GMbH, a global media company based in Stuttgart, Germany.
About Raincoast:
Founded in 1979, Raincoast offers full-service sales and marketing expertise for leading publishers from Canada and around the world, along with a wholesale division that drives our customer service standard. Raincoast has been awarded an Ethics in Action Award for Environmental Excellence for our commitment to sustainable environmental practices and has been voted Distributor of the Year by the Canadian Booksellers Association more times than any other publisher or distributor.