The BookMasters Group Announces Launch of CONVERSO

A Digital Production and Distribution Service for Small and Mid-Sized Publishers 

ASHLAND, OH--(Marketwire - 04/27/10) - The BookMasters Group has announced the launch of a new digital conversion and distribution alternative for publishers called CONVERSO. With the launch of CONVERSO, the company has created a competitive global service to make the digital production and distribution process simple and more accessible for small and mid-sized publishers.
CONVERSO offers:

• Publishers a better deal on revenue-sharing and conversion than competing offerings
• Produces files that will be clearly owned by publishers to take wherever they want after the initial contract
• Distribution to more than 40 digital outlets
• Gives publishers the ability to earn credits toward hard copy reprints and distribution for their books.

In commenting, Robert Kasher, Business Development Manager for Integrated Solutions stated:
"CONVERSO is the best and most comprehensive offer on the market today for small and mid-sized publishers looking to digitize their collections and distribute them worldwide."
According to The International Digital Publishing Forum (IDBF), the digital eBook market has grown by more than 100% last year and by 300% this year. BookMasters goal is for small and medium sized publishes to engage in that growth for their titles without the hassles and capital commitments required of larger scale solutions.
The BookMasters Group is a $100m owner/operated publishing services company established in 1972. Dedicated to providing the highest quality services for publishers at globally competitive prices, the company offers the most comprehensive menu of integrated services available in the publishing industry today. The BookMasters Group handles every step of the publishing process -- from developmental editing and digital production, to book printing, and global distribution, both traditional hardcopy and e-content.
For further information go to http://www.bookmasters.com/converso/index.html

NEW DISTRIBUTOR LANDS THREE PUBLISHERS!

August 24, 2009 – OHIO– BookMasters Distribution Services, Inc, (BDS) the new midwest trade distributor, who made a great impact at the recent Book Expo America, signs three publishers and will begin distribution for the Spring 2010 season.

Jeremy Nurnberg, Vice President of Sales, announced today that BDS has signed CRW Publishing, Exisle Publishing, and Ian Allan Publishing to North American distribution arrangements. Nurnberg says, “we’re thrilled to add these publishers that complement what we are building at BDS, which is to tactfully expand our list and have a broad reach into various categories.” 

CRW offers their international best selling Collector’s Library series, which has sold approximately 5 million copies worldwide, but has never been available to the trade in North America. Starting with 24 titles this Spring, the series offers a new twist to traditional classics, a “gifty” approach.  These wonderfully packaged unabridged classics are attractively priced beginning at just $7.95 in hardcover, with real cloth binding, gold edges and ribbon markers.

Exisle Publishing offers a wide selection of non-fiction titles in categories such as humor, equine, health, body/mind/spirit, and science, among others. Entering the North American market for the first time, Exisle will begin by distributing approximately 5-10 new titles per season via BDS.

Ian Allan Publishing produces high quality illustrated titles on a wide range of subjects, including railways, race cars, history, sports & leisure, aviation, maritime, military, and many others. BDS will take on a substantial backlist and approximately 40-50 new titles per season. Distribution had previously been through Casemate Publishers and Specialty Press.

BookMasters Distribution Services (BDS) is an innovative, integrated worldwide sales and distribution system.

BookMasters, Inc creates vertically-integrated distribution powerhouse

BookMasters, Inc. (BMI) CEO Dave Wurster today announced a reorganization of the company’s operating units designed to strengthen BMI’s sales and distribution offering to independent publishers.

BookMasters Distribution Services, as well as AtlasBooks, which will continue to operate independently. Matt Wurster will lead Digital Services and Ray Sevin will continue in his role as President of Manufacturing. Wurster said: “Over the past 40 years, we have created a strong set of services around book production and distribution and this new structure will reinforce these core operations.

BMI is looking to capitalize on the combination of its existing strengths and the market opportunity presented by independent publishers’ appetite for flexibility and efficiency. Conceived as a one stop shop for printing and binding, digitization, domestic and international sales and fulfillment, BookMasters Distribution Services offers full-service international distribution and promises savings throughout the publishing value chain.

The company, says Wurster, is proud to be ‘owner-operated’ and is funding BookMasters Distribution Services from existing activities: “I’m happy to share our financial's with prospective clients. This is not a speculative start-up as we already have high quality production, fulfillment and distribution operations in place. We’re now bringing it all together to offer publishers a full menu of end-to-end services.” BMI’s state of the art warehouse is strategically located in central Ohio. BMI already boasts a 24/7 customer service team, 24 hour order turnaround, a client base that includes Pearson and Thomson, and a wholly-owned $100m sister company that is a tier one supplier of toys and sporting goods to Walmart and Target.