Craft Focus - October/November (Issue 75)

33 INTERVIEW Does the company work closely with retailers to ensure they’re stocking titles that will suit their client base? We target our trade marketing to ensure that our customers only see books that are relevant to their audience. We’re currently working on a more targeted email campaign and will be enhancing our trade website so that retailers can create their own subject catalogues, generate bestseller listings and download materials for their own use. We also have a team of expert reps with a wealth of experience in the art and craft world. They help guide their customers to ensure they’re stocking the most relevant books for their market. Search Press launched Debbie Shore’s Half Yard Club recently – tell us more! The club was developed in response to the massive success of the Half Yard book series, which shows readers how to make anything from bags and purses to Christmas gifts, cushions and tea cosies using just half a yard of fabric. For £5.99 a month (or £60 a year), crafters can get access to exclusive projects, online feedback sessions with Debbie, special offers and an insight into techniques, tricks and tips. So far, our subscriber numbers are well over target, and the figure is growing daily. Does the company exhibit at any trade or consumer exhibitions? CHSI Stitches is the big trade show for us and we invest heavily in it. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet our customers face-to-face and understand their needs. We’ve also increased the number of consumer shows we attend. These are as much about raising our profile, collecting customer data, and meeting new authors as they are about book sales. The most successful exhibitions are those where we host book signings or demos. We like to think of these as Search Press ‘events’. We often we attend shows with local retailers too. Are there any significant new launches coming up? As a publisher every new title is in effect a new product launch. Each book has a PR and marketing plan and we always work closely with our authors to maximise their contacts with local retailers. We are constantly looking to create exciting new formats. In November we’re publishing the first two books in the Paint Pad Poster series. These will provide a poster book, watercolour art pad and step-by-step painting book all rolled into one! We’re also excited about two new titles in Debbie Shore’s innovative Build-a-Bag series, Satchels and Backpacks. +44 (0)1892 510 850 searchpress.com