The Bookseller.com

20th November 2008

Legend Press plans indie books scheme

26.09.08 Catherine Neilan

Legend Press has received a £6,000 grant from Arts Council England to help to set up a scheme for independent publishers to promote their titles through independent bookshops.

The initiative aims to create a shelf-size display of the top titles from smaller independent publishers and make them available to participating bookshops.

The titles will be selected by an independent panel comprising professionals from the industry including authors, publishers and retailers.

The books will come with point-of-sale promotions, discounts and "high-profile marketing support". The shops will also be able to organise such events as book signings and readings.

Tom Chalmers, m.d. and founder of Legend Press, said the company had spoken to a number of publishers and booksellers, and would be looking to "finalise names over the next couple of weeks". He added: "Initially, up to 10 publishers have said they would want to be involved, but hopefully that number will rise over the next few weeks.

He added that 20 bookshops had already expressed an interest in entering the scheme, with a plan to grow that in coming weeks.

Legend said the scheme would "compete with larger chains and offer an alternative option to the mainstream book charts". Chalmers added: "The key thing is it is an independent initiative—one of the ideas is to promote quality books which may struggle to get into shops, or secure distribution, normally."

More details can be had from project manager Lauren Parsons on 020 7253 7019 or laurenparsons@legend-paperbooks.co.uk.

Independents Home Legend Press Catherine Neilan

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