Book Sales and Merchandising

Editorial, marketing, publicity, finance, and management all rely upon an expert Sales division. In this course, students will learn the interconnectivity of the sales team with all major divisions of a publishing house, and how the marketplace viability of a potential acquisition must pass the test of the sales department¿s scrutiny. Students will also learn how to evaluate a book by reviewing every aspect of the Title Information Sheet. Because sales feedback on the developmental stages of a book is critical, we will explore how Sales influences the timing, pricing, format and positioning of every book. Students will learn to evaluate effective sales campaigns across multiple markets including major retail chains, online retailers, independent bookstores, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, specialty retailers, mail order catalogues, and international customers, as well accompanying merchandising plans. Students will act as publishers, pitching the book to a sales team, as well as acting as a major house sales rep, pitching the book to Amazon and Barnes & Noble.