April Casual Networking Bowls Us Away

(Cut us some slack on the headline. It really was a great response from members and others at Sacco's Bowl Haven.)

I am a self-proclaimed non-bowler, and I still enjoyed this one. There was flatbread pizza, after all. And doesn't this look like fun?



I met colleagues from Jones & Bartlett, EBSCO, Pearson, Brill, Christian Science Press, Bedford St. Martin's, and Focus/Pullins. And, as I look at the happy faces in these pictures, I see how many people were there that I didn't have a chance to meet.

 

I am sure we'll repeat this venue, and next time I'll see about renting some bowling shoes. How can I fail with the mini bowling balls used for candlepin?

I have to say that I was a little worried about this one ... being in Somerville and all. Bookbuilders events held outside the city have been a little dicey. But this was a sellout.

 

It would be hard to find a better way to learn as much about Boston publishing--jobs, trends, projects, etc.--and enjoy great company at the same time. Thank you to everyone who contributes to this friendly professional community.

March Networking Hosted by Back Bay Social Club

Spring is coming (despite the weather in Massachusetts today!), and Bookbuilders welcomes everyone looking for a fresh start in building a professional network.

Our March Casual Networking Event, held at the Back Bay Social Club, included participants from VitalSource, Pearson Learning, Copyright Clearance Center, Symmetry, Brill, and Hamilton Printing. This time around, I learned a bit about some new types of electronic products being produced, as well as an emphasis on "content creation." We have a lot of educational publishing in Boston, and content creation often prevails over the traditional royalty author model. If I were starting new and in Boston, it's something I would explore.

Join us next month for bowling in Davis Square. Details are on the Bookbuilders website!

New Cambridge Venue for Bookbuilders Casual Networking

This past week's casual networking event was held at UpStairs on the Square in Cambridge.

We had a warm welcome and a good turnout. Excellent drink service. And what a cute logo!

There were about 25 people gathered, and -sniff- I think I was the oldest among them. For a fresh perspective, I'll quote from one of our new prospective members, who sent me this after the event:
 

I walked away from the event with a MUCH better sense of what the publishing world is looking for in terms of qualifications, skills, etc. and where I may fit in. I also picked up on some key terms and the language of the industry.

 

I made a couple of good contacts ... and look forward to connecting and continuing my exploration.

 

We also have an unrelated DEAL to share in this post. Last week I received an email advertisement of a course being held by the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) in New York. The event caught my attention because of the title: Book Metadata & ONIX: Practical Guidance and Best Practice. Since working for a book wholesaler and attending subsquent conferences, I came to feel that the importance of metadata has been understated in the Boston publishing community. The topic may have a different impact on textbooks, which have their own means of discoverability, but on the whole, metadata is critical for sales.

 

I am pleased to say that BISG will extend its member discount to all Bookbuilders members for this course (members: $449; nonmembers: $799). Please request a coupon code from info@bisg.org for this offer, and be sure to mention your membership in Bookbuilders of Boston. The original March 4 date is sold out, but there are still seats available for March 5. The course takes place at Random House in New York. Check it out--your career will thank you.

4th Annual Digital Book World in NYC

It is always useful to recap developments in the industry, especially when the landscape is changing as quickly as it has been over the past several years. Featured here are some of the topics and insights from this year's Digital Book World conference.

On the topic of ...

DISCOVERABILITY

"Closing the New Book Discovery Gap": Angela Tribelli (HarperCollins Publishers) is second from left, and Matt Baldacci (St. Martin's Press) is second from right.

This continues to surface as the holy grail with bookstores on the decline and old-fashioned "hand-selling" nearly impossible. Notable observations:

• Trends and publishing company leadership lean toward audience-specific marketing, enabled by social media. Audiences are more narrowly defined than they were in years past. 
• There is a need for publishers to engage “authentically” in social media. (Angela Tribelli, Chief Marketing Officer, HarperCollins Publishers)
• Matt Baldacci (Vice President and Associate Publisher, St. Martin’s Press): Publishing needs more influential reviewers. Reviews were not supported by advertising in the past.

“Recommendations from friends make the sale.” (Jim Hilt, Vice President, eBooks, Barnes & Noble) 

Based on Jim Hilt's comment, publishers aim to simulate the endorsement of a friend by appealing to consumers directly and through natural, informal channels. Continue reading now, or subscribe (top left) to receive this blog via email.

Bookbuilders 2012 Holiday Party

Switching things up this year, Bookbuilders held a holiday cocktail party at Petit Robert Central in Downtown Crossing.


Carolers in Downtown Crossing


The change to a smaller venue and scaled-down event was appropriate for the times. Appetizers were hot and plentiful, and the service was terrific.

A $30 ticket price made it possible for many to attend on December 12, and the most notable feature of the party for me was the range of attendees. I spoke with several "newbies"--two of whom received Bookbuilders scholarships in the spring, and all of whom landed their first jobs in publishing just months ago. Founded in 1937, Bookbuilders continues to attract new members!

I also spoke with a former president of one of Boston's biggest publishing houses who later established several successful start-ups. Another Bookbuilders board member introduced us, and we are always happy to do this.

It was also very nice to see several printer representatives visiting from out of town. The Wednesday timing made this convenient, since New England trips can be scheduled for the business week around the party.

We are always working to make events accessible, fun, and productive. If you have comments on this or any Bookbuilders function, please feel free to comment below.

Bookbuilders Summer Networking on the Common

On the last Wednesday in July, Bookbuilders gathered on sunny Boston Common for a potluck casual networking event. Shakespeare in the Park followed for those who could attend.

At the various times that I have been on the hunt for a new job, I've adhered to a self-imposed rule: every day, try something new. A new job board, a new alumni group, a new resume, etc. If networking on the Common had been an option, it would have been a no-brainer in that strategy. Happy faces, good food, and Vitamin D followed by free entertainment! 

Spring 2012 Bookbuilders Events

The 55^th Annual New England Book Show will be held on May 2, 2012, and we encourage members and nonmembers to attend. Join us at Boston Symphony Hall for this signature Bookbuilders event—free viewing of award winners from 4:00-5:30, followed by a dinner and celebration from 6:00-9:00 with networking and edibles. Members: be sure to take advantage of the early-bird member discount, which ends tomorrow, April 25^th ($55 versus $65 after the deadline). This promises to be an elegant and memorable show.

If you missed the March 29^th forum on DRM and e-piracy, we’re happy to pass along some of the Internet buzz that followed. From Chirpstory, read notes taken live as the presentation unfolded. From Appazoogle, read one audience member’s thoughtful take on this exciting topic.  Join us again for educational events in the fall, when basic seminars resume. These are all free events—open to the public and sure to inform!