Strategies for effective book publicity in a changing retail market

Publishing and bookselling in Canada has fundamentally changed during the past two years. Extended production times for printing, earlier selling appointments with retailers, longer lead times for media and publicity, and competition for capturing consumer attention for books continue to be issues that all publishers face. Now—more than ever—effective and efficient communication between publishers, media and publicity staff, sales reps, and booksellers is key to ensuring stronger sales and revenue generation when it comes to selling Canadian published books.

Join us for two panel discussions with key players on topics ranging from effective email strategies for publicity staff; the use of online catalogues by sales reps; the most effective media and publicity influencers; and how booksellers and media reps use reviews, blurbs, and other publisher supplied marketing information.

Please find the full program guide and schedule here.

With Ali Hewitt (Ampersand), Andrew Taubman (Indigo), and Jessica Walker (CIBA).

Moderated by Don Gorman (RMB)

Clockwise from left:

A life-long reader, Ali Hewitt got her start in the book industry way back in 2004 at the now defunct Cadboro Bay Book Company. She’s been working as an account manager at Ampersand (formerly Kate Walker & Co) since 2007. During nearly two decades worth of experience, she has sold to bookstores, wholesalers, specialty accounts, Indigo, and Amazon. She even had a stint as Ampersand’s Atlantic rep, truly selling coast to coast! Putting the right book into the hands of the right account is her absolute favourite part of the job.

Andrew Taubman is the Director of Print Experience & Curation at Indigo Books.

Over 36 years in the book industry, Jessica Walker worked at independent, university, and specialty bookstores before joining Munro’s Books in 2000. She is now the managing partner at Munro’s, after she and three colleagues were given the bookstore by Jim Munro in 2014. She is currently the vice president of the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association, and is the chair of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. Munro’s Books is one of the oldest bookstores in Canada, and regularly appears on lists of the world’s most beautiful bookshops.

Don Gorman is the publisher of Rocky Mountain Books (established 1979), one of Canada's most vibrant and long-standing outdoor book publishing endeavours. He has spent the past 25 years working within the book trade and has held positions as a bookseller, publisher’s sales representative, and acquisitions editor. Along with publishing 20 - 30 books a year, he spends much of his time working with other book publishers and sales representatives on issues relating to marketing, metadata, and project management within the book publishing industry. He has served on the boards of the Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP), Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia (ABPBC), the Book Publishers Association of Alberta (BPAA), Pubwest (USA), and is a member of the College of Fellows for the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. An avid fly fisherman, hiker and runner, he and his three children live in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

With Jeanette Ageson (The Tyee), Lisa Escudero (Creative BC), Megan Jones (Greystone Books), and Curtis Samuel (Touchwood Editions).

Moderated by Leslie Bootle (Orca Book Publishers)

Clockwise from left:

Jeanette Ageson is publisher of The Tyee. She joined the organization in 2014 and manages all revenue-generating and operations activities, including growing the Tyee Builders program.

Lisa Escudero (she/her) is a brand and communications strategist working at Creative BC as Brand Lead and Media Relations. At Creative BC she leads all digital and promotional aspects of the organization and delivers integrated storytelling about BC’s creative sector through BC Creates and other platforms. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Communications from Capilano University and specializes in publicity, marketing, and branding.

Megan Jones is Greystone’s marketing director and prior to Greystone worked with ZG Stories, Page Two Books, and Talonbooks. Megan has worked in BC publishing for over ten years and credits her incredible mentors in the industry with instilling in her a passion for marketing, selling, and promoting local and international books—but especially local books!

Curtis Samuel (he/him) is the publicist and social media coordinator at TouchWood Editions. Curtis is interested in promoting Canadian and International authors, with a particular interest in cookbooks and food stories.

Leslie Bootle is the Marketing Director at Orca Book Publishers. She has a background in English and French Canadian Literature (UVic) and completed the Master of Publishing program (SFU) with a focus on sales and marketing. Leslie is also the co-chair of the Association of Canadian Publishers’ Children's and Education Committee. Originally from Calgary, Leslie now lives in Victoria, BC, on the traditional territory of the Lkwungen people.

All attendees agree to abide by the ABPBC's Code of Conduct. Those found to be in violation may be asked to leave.

As of April 8, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required under public health orders to access businesses, events, and services. Both ABPBC and SFU continue to follow guidance of the Provincial Health Officer and will not be requiring proof of vaccination at events, unless health guidelines change at the time of the event. You can learn more here.

Masks are not mandated but are recommended and will be available. Please be mindful that event attendees will have different comfort levels. Please be understanding and compassionate of people's individual circumstances and individual choices.

SFU Harbour Centre campus is fully accessible and has gender-inclusive washrooms. You can find more information here.

Please note any special accessibility requests with your registration and we will make our best efforts to accommodate them.

There are many parking options nearby. See more here.

If you're taking transit, Waterfront Station is very close.

SFU's Segal Centre is located on the unceded traditional territories of the Squamish (Skwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Tsleil-Waututh (səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ), and Musqueam (xwməθkwəy̓əm) Nations.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of British Columbia through Creative BC, and the City of Vancouver for our activities.

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Host or Publisher The Association of Book Publishers of BC