Waterstone's Launches Self-Publishing Packages Through Their Flagship Store
BLOOMINGTON, Ind., May 5, 2005 — AuthorHouse UK (http://www.authorhouse.co.uk), a wholly owned subsidiary of AuthorHouse, today announced an exclusive distribution partnership with UK's largest bookseller, Waterstone's (http://www.waterstones.co.uk). Through this partnership, AuthorHouse will provide Waterstone's Self-Publishing Packages, which include, among other things, guaranteed shelf space for self-published authors in Waterstone's flagship store at 311 Oxford Street in London, England.
"Big publishers do not have the monopoly on good books," said Scott Pack, Buying Manager for Waterstone's. "Some of the most exciting books we see nowadays are from small independent publishers or self-published authors."
Customers shopping Waterstone's will notice a new "Self-Published" book section which will display and sell authors' books being published through the AuthorHouse UK/Waterstone's partnership. Self-published authors will have their books stocked a minimum of eight weeks, giving Waterstone's buyers a chance to see how their book sells.
"Retail distribution for any author, especially self-published authors, has always been a challenge," added Bryan Smith, President and CEO of AuthorHouse. "Our authors have complete control over the look, size, release time, royalties, and now, retail distribution of their books."
To kick off the announcement of their partnership, Waterstone's is hosting a book signing today with Luke Rhinehart, internationally acclaimed author of "The Dice Man." Rhinehart was originally published traditionally, but choose to self-publish his latest work through AuthorHouse UK.
"We're starting to see this trend in the United States as well," added Smith. "Traditionally published authors are coming to AuthorHouse to regain control over their work. These authors understand the importance of owning their copyrights and maintaining editorial control. Consequently, they also reap the financial benefits of higher royalty payments on books sold."
Waterstone's will promote the AuthorHouse UK Self-Publishing Packages with in-store posters, point-of-purchase displays, and a new "Self-Published" book section in the store. Customers will go to the http://www.authorhouse.co.uk Web site or call AuthorHouse UK to publish their work. Waterstone's and AuthorHouse UK plan to extend this service to other Waterstone's storefronts throughout Britain, England, and Ireland within the year.
About AuthorHouse
With over 27,000 books in print, AuthorHouse is the most experienced provider of publishing and marketing services for authors. Founded in 1997 in Bloomington, Ind., AuthorHouse has led the revolution of authors who want more control over their work by helping them write, publish, distribute and promote their books. AuthorHouse titles are available for order at more than 25,000 retail stores worldwide and through major Internet booksellers including http://www.Amazon.com, http://www.BarnesandNoble.com, and http://www.AuthorHouse.com.
About Waterstone's
The first Waterstone's bookshop opened on Old Brompton Road in London in 1982. By 2003 the company had grown to become the UK's leading bookseller, with nearly 200 retail stores across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Waterstone's is part of the HMV Group plc, which launched on the stock market in 2002.
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