MAIN NEWS HEADLINES
May 17 – May 24, 2007 Edition
PGW/Perseus
to Distribute
Key Porter Books
5/15/07–C. Jordan Fenn, publisher of Key Porter Books Ltd. Has announced that effective immediately, PGW/Perseus will be the exclusive representative for Key Porter’s sales and distribution in the United States.
“Working with our new partners is a great opportunity for Key Porter,” says Fenn. “It allows us the opportunity to broaden our publishing program, expand our market, and introduce our many talented Canadian writers to a US audience. We are excited to create relationships with US retailers, reviewers and ultimately, the readers. As well, the increased print runs will allow us to offer larger advances to the authors and more competitively priced titles for both the American and Canadian markets.”
Key Porter publishes approximately 125 original titles annually, including fiction and non-fiction titles for adults, children and young adults, and is a major force in the Canadian publishing industry. Some of its most successful authors in Canada and the United States include Margaret Atwood and children’s author Dennis Lee. Key Porter has recently become the North American publisher for Gymboree Play & Music’s line of parenting and activities books for babies, toddlers and young children.
The PGW/Perseus deal includes 40 Key Porter spring 2007 titles, 35 fall 2007 titles and several hundred backlist titles. “In the past three years, we have expanded our publishing program from approximately 30 books a season to approximately 65. The growth has generated a great deal of attention for our house and we intend to further build our list with the focus on acquiring North American rights to ensure a steady flow of approximately 50 new releases through PGW/Perseus into the US each season,” adds Fenn.
The distribution agreement will also guarantee more exposure for Key Porter authors in the American market. “We hope to soon see more of our authors touring in the United States to generate awareness for our titles in an effort to help drive sales,” says Fenn. Key Porter is also working with various US freelance publicists to help facilitate this initiative.
Key Porter will be part of the PGW/Perseus display at booth #4212 at the upcoming BookExpo America. Publisher C. Jordan Fenn, Robert Howard, vice-president of sales and marketing, and Sandra Homer, manager of international rights, will be attending on behalf of Key Porter Books.
About Key Porter Books
Key Porter Books Ltd., one of Canada’s leading book publishers, has been a major force in Canadian publishing since its establishment in 1979. Today, Key Porter is the largest independent, 100 percent Canadian-owned trade publisher. It also enjoys an international reputation as a producer of quality books in an extensive range of categories. The company plays a key role in Canada’s cultural industries as a developer and publisher of original literary, entertainment and informational content.
Key Porter publishes between approximately 125 new and original titles annually and has an active backlist of over 700 titles. The list includes fiction, nonfiction and children’s books in a broad range of subject categories. Areas of specialization include Canadian politics, fiction, history, biography, environmental and social issues, children’s literature, health, wildlife and conservation, sports, business and personal finance, cookbooks and photography.
Key Porter’s imprints include the distinguished literary L&OD Editions, and the children’s line, KPk. In July of 2004, H.B. Fenn and Company Ltd. acquired controlling interest in Key Porter Books Ltd.
