Scholastic to launch “The Black Booksellers Conference: Connect. Build. Elevate.”
An Inaugural Free Virtual Conference on November 1, 2023
September 21, 2023 — Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children’s publishing, education and
media company, announced today The Black Booksellers Conference: Connect. Build. Elevate, a free
virtual conference to take place on November 1, 2023. This initiative aims to support Black-owned
bookstores, Black booksellers, and advocates by creating a curated space for dialogue and action. The Black Bookselling Conference will showcase a rich collection of books centering the histories and present-day realities of Black people in children’s literature while prioritizing Black stories, storytellers and the communities they serve and reflect. The live, broadcast event will include robust panels featuring bestselling authors and illustrators such as Tami Charles, Alaya Dawn Johnson and Jamar Nicholas as well as educators in children’s literature. The conference will aim to raise discoverability of future publishing from Black creators. An anchor of the program will be an open forum with Scholastic’s Trade publishing professionals to offer bookselling tools, merchandising materials and resources. In this session, a variety of topics and areas will be discussed, all
with the purpose of providing a greater understanding of how best to support Black independent
booksellers to achieve both their revenue and community goals. At the conclusion, attendees will be
invited to participate in breakout sessions that blend community engagement and professional growth. As part of conference registration, attendees will receive in the mail a complimentary kit in advance of the event that will include a copy of each participating author’s book, exclusive promotional materials, resources and more to support the programming throughout the event. Scholastic will also provide an accessibility grant to offset potential lost compensation resulting from attending the conference, aiming to increase access to the event. To affirm the conference’s mission, Scholastic formed a steering committee of Black booksellers from around the country, including members from the American Bookseller Association and regional Trade organizations. They have been actively involved in the planning process, serving as ambassadors and helping to curate and weigh in on content that will deeply resonate and serve as a contribution to the
Black bookselling community. “We are thrilled to support the Black bookselling community from around the country with a much-needed platform focused on this vital group of professionals,” said Ellie Berger, EVP and President of Scholastic Trade Publishing. “With the strategic contributions from the steering committee, The Black Bookselling Conference will foster community while sharing an amazing slate of Scholastic authors and illustrators. We hope this conference sparks lively discussions and that participants feel empowered and walk away with new tools to enrich their bookstores.” “My hope for the Black Booksellers Conference is to help open the door to leveling the playing field,” said Julia Davis, owner of The Bookworm Bookstore. “So often we struggle to get some of the big name authors, the financing and so much more to help us to not only stay open but to help make a difference in our community. The Black Bookseller Conference could be a great asset not only to the booksellers but the publisher, allowing the concerns and differences to be heard plus providing education and resources that black bookstores don’t always have access to.”
About Scholastic: For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been
encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children's learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at
www.scholastic.com.
For more information about Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), visit the Company’s media room:
http://mediaroom.scholastic.com
Participating Authors:
● Shakirah Bourne, Nightmare Island
● Tami Charles, We Are Here
● Alaya Dawn Johnson, The Library of Broken Worlds
● Bernard Mensah, Kwame’s Magic Quest
● Tanisia Moore, I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams
● Jamar Nicholas, Leon the Extraordinary
● Jonathan Todd, Timid: A Graphic Novel
● Traci N. Todd, Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes
Steering Committee:
● Isis Asare, owner, sistah scifi
● Linda Marie Barrett, director, SIBA Southern Indie Bookseller Association
● Tameca Blossom-Lyons, owner, Brown Babies Books
● Kathy Burnette, owner, Brain Lair Books
● Julia Davis, owner, The Book Worm Bookstore
● Heather Duncan, director, MPIBA Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association
● Candice Huber, membership relations coordinator, SIBA Southern Indie Bookseller Association
● D.J. Johnson, owner, Baldwin and Co.
● Carrie Obrey, director, MIBA Midwest Independent Booksellers Association
● Kristin Rasmussen, CALIBA California Indie Bookseller Alliance
● Robin Wood, bookseller/social media coordinator, Books & Books/SIBA Southern Indie
Bookseller Association

● K.C. Boyd, School Library Media Specialist, SLJ School Librarian of the Year, Washington D.C.
Scholastic Media Contact:
Seale Ballenger
VP, Publicity
Trade Division
SBallenger@Scholastic.com

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Janet and her team for the past decade, but she was championing bookselling and reading throughout Southeast MI long before that. I first called on Janet on a cold winter day in February 2014 – Detroit was just starting to emerge from its economic woes and the Cass Corridor in midtown was on the cusp – with Source anchoring a neighborhood on the rise. What I remember most that day is the warmth and acceptance radiating from Janet and the team for every patron walking through the door – including myself. Janet led Source through its most impressive feat by pivoting during the pandemic in previously unimaginable ways with an online store, virtual events with leading voices in the social justice movement and doubling their physical space. Another important reason Janet deserves this award is the groundwork she has laid for other Indies opening in the Detroit area. A mentor to these younger booksellers, Janet’s impeccable taste in great books and tireless grit make for a great role model for the bookselling community. Congratulations Janet – keep smiling.”
- John Tewsley, Sales Rep (IPS)

“There is never not a time when I'm visiting Source Booksellers and Janet Jones isn't planning for something. Usually, it's planning for an event later that evening -- an author talk, a community discussion, a panel of thinkers -- that always, inevitably, enriches our home city's intellect. Or she might be planning to order more books from local authors, as they routinely sell out based on her recommendations to customers. Janet is always busy -- and in the best way possible, because Source is a crucial part of not just Detroit's literary scene, but one of the city's premier small businesses period. Her commitment to education and enlightenment is why people keep coming back over and over, always served with warmth and care.”
- Aaron Foley, Journalist and Author

“Janet Jones is the absolute best sort of independent bookseller. She fell into it naturally after a career in teaching when she found herself continuing to teach informally by selling books on folding tables at events. When she opened her modest bricks and mortar store, she, in her words, "was answering the needs of people." Which is the best way to come to bookselling. She understood that "the business has to be meaningful in the community where it is." For these reasons and so many more--her clear sense of purpose, her erudition, passion for what she does, her kind encouragement of young BIPOC booksellers, her prioritizing of mission over profit--I can't think of a better person to receive this recognition.”
- Kris Kleindienst, Owner (Left Bank Books, MO), 2022 Voice of the Heartland Winner

“Janet Jones, founder of Source Booksellers, is an exemplar of the entrepreneurial spirit, the wisdom of elders, and concern for community. She is a reflection of perseverance and academic striving within the Black experience in Detroit. Dedicated to the love of books - even in the midst of increased E-readership - she is a pillar of Midtown Detroit redevelopment, and engagement with ideas, connection and counsel. She has been a mentor in my life as a writer, and I am ever thankful for her presence when I cross the threshold of the bookstore that she runs with her daughter – their generational legacy. She is the very definition of a Voice of the Heartland, in her amplification of literary voices, in Detroit and beyond.”
- Marsha Philpot, aka Marsha Music, Detroitist, Writer and Poet

“I always feel like I'm in the presence of royalty whenever I interact with Janet: Book Industry royalty, Detroit royalty, African American royalty, woman-owned business royalty-- but without all the pomp and circumstance, because she also feels like family. I'm never at a loss for something to talk about with Janet... and really, books just end up being the catalyst for the good conversations. So, it never feels like a job. Source Booksellers is legendary. And I'm so lucky to have been able to peer behind the curtain and meet the queens running the place! 
 - Chris Conti, Creative Producer & Manager (MASS Moca Research and Development Store)

“Janet is someone that I really admire. She has brought books to her community for years, and still has the drive and energy of someone who is just starting out in the industry. Top that off with her spirit of generosity with everyone she comes in contact with, and you have someone who is an example to all of us of what it means to truly connect people through books.”
- Tim Smith, Operations Manager (Schuler Books, MI), GLIBA Board President 

Janet has been someone I have admired from the moment I met her. Her work within the community is remarkable and has helped to change the face of the Detroit literary scene. This accomplishment or her work as a judge for the National Book Award alone would make Janet worthy of the Voice of the Heartland Award. But on top of her professional and community-driven accomplishments, Janet is one of the most generous, loving, welcoming, and motivating people you will ever meet. Every conversation with Janet leaves you happier, more peaceful, enlightened, and optimistic. Janet is a rare individual who is truly kind and effortlessly generous with her time. We are a better community because Janet is a part of it.
- Larry Law, Executive Director (Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association)

The Voice of the Heartland award is a collaboration between the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association and the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, who come together each year to produce the Heartland Fall Forum – a trade show for independent booksellers across the Great Lakes and Midwest. Voice of the Heartland is an annual highlight of the joint awards celebration hosted at the trade show.

Ms. Jones will be presented with the award during Heartland Fall Forum in Detroit at the Heartland Booksellers Award Ceremony, on Wednesday, October 18. ​

The Penguin Random House Children’s Field Sales team is seeking two Associate Manager/Manager, Sales to join the team!  If you have a passion for reading, enjoy connecting readers with stories, and thrive on building strong business relationships, this may be the perfect role for you!

In this exciting role, you will be responsible for selling titles across all Penguin Random House Children’s book imprints, as well as titles for select distribution clients, within an assigned territory. Accounts within the territory will include bookstores, book fair accounts, and distributors.  You’ll collaborate closely with sales and publishing colleagues and maintain ongoing communications between them and your accounts regarding popular titles, backlist opportunities, and market trends.

The Northern California-based position will interact with accounts in California and Idaho. The Midwest-based position will interact accounts in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Missouri.

Other specific responsibilities include:
Overseeing the sales, marketing and merchandising of Penguin Random House Children’s Books and client publishers’ books to accounts within designated territory.  
Selling frontlist titles into accounts on a seasonal basis and actively soliciting reorders.
Developing and implementing territory strategies and sales plans for backlist and frontlist titles.
Collaborating with accounts on marketing plans and promotions.
Maintaining knowledge of the account base and addressing customer needs.
Communicating with the Sales Director, internal sales teams, and coordinating with Penguin Random House sales counterparts to maximize title growth.
Attending and participating in sales conferences, teleconferences, and regional trade shows.
Presenting titles to key accounts on Rep Nights, staff presentations, educator events, etc.
 
Please apply if you meet the minimum qualifications:
Minimum of 2 years sales experience; Minimum of 3.5 years sales experience to be considered at the Manager level
Awareness and interest in children’s publishing industry, including titles and authors.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong follow-up and organizational skills
Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to think creatively
Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a deadline driven environment
Works well independently and in a team setting
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to travel regularly up to 50% of the year by car or plane
Ability to work some evenings and/or weekends, as needed

The salary for the Associate position is $63,000 and the salary range for the Manager level is $70,000 - $73,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subjected to company results. 

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Company: Penguin Random House LLC 
Country: United States of America 
State/Region: Indiana 
City: Crawfordsville 
Postal Code: 47933 
Job ID: 263211
Date:  Aug 15, 2023
Location:  Crawfordsville, IN, US, 47933

Our Adult Sales division has an exciting opportunity for a Chicago-area-based Field Sales Manager to join their team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building business relationships, has a passion for reading and for talking about adult books, and is interested in helping to get books into the hands of readers!
 
Overseeing the sales, marketing, and merchandising of adult titles from the Random House and Crown Publishing Groups and Kensington Publishing Corp., the Field Sales Manager will maintain ongoing communication regarding new and upcoming titles, backlist opportunities, and market trends between our publishers and the accounts. This role will also provide consistent feedback internally regarding the sell-in of titles and account needs.
 
This position will interact with a variety of independent bookstores throughout the Midwest. 
 
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
 

1. Oversees the sales, marketing, and merchandising of assigned publishers’ books to accounts within designated territory to select indie bookstores.
2. Services these same accounts in order to manage and grow their business in the most effective and productive ways.
3. Communicates account and marketplace feedback to sales management and publishers.
4. Implements management goals, directions, and requirements.
5. Remains current on assigned publisher titles and authors, industry related trends and competitors to allow for the maximization of sales and for accurate forecasting.
6. Attends regional trade shows, author signing/pre-pub events, and other industry and account - related events in the territory. 
7. Self-manages the territory and office: Itinerary, travel, analysis, email, sales materials, etc. 
8. Speaks confidently and buoyantly to and with groups of book-lovers about books and reading

 
Requirements:
 

• Minimum of 3 years prior retail or sales experience
• Awareness of and interest in publishing industry, including titles and authors
• Passion for reading and for talking about books
• Ability to cultivate and maintain business relationships specific to book sales
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize multiple projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to access/follow various social media accounts, authors, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel via car up to 35% of the time
• Ability to work some evenings and/or weekends
• Prior direct account management experience a plus
• Bookstore or publishing experience is a plus 
• A love for cookbooks and the culinary arts a plus
• Proficiency in Edelweiss is a plus

 
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $73,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.
 
Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.<http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/>

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
 
Company: Penguin Random House LLC 
Country: United States of America 
State/Region: New York 
City: New York 
Postal Code: 10019 
Job ID: 263260

Date:  Aug 15, 2023
Location:  New York, NY, US, 10019

The Telesales Account Manager, Comics and Independent Specialist is responsible for selling our complete list—S&S Wholly Owned Adult, Children's, Audio, and Distribution Clients—to more than 63 comic accounts, as well as other general independent bookstores. 

The Telesales Account Manager, Comics and Independent Specialist is required to perform sales analysis to make recommendations on product selection and volume to their accounts based on knowledge of their customer as well as Simon & Schuster priorities. Responsibilities include seasonal sales calls, influencing buyers, managing coop budgets, planning promotional placement in-store and online, proactively soliciting frontlist and backlist orders, managing sales order processing, and managing operational issues around stock, orders, and shipment. 

SKILLS REQUIRED
•    Minimum 2 years of sales experience in a mid-size or large publishing company.  
•    Experience in the comic marketplace a plus.
•    Retail account experience a plus.
•    Experience with sales order processing and account analysis.
•    Experience and strong ability using Edelweiss and Microsoft Office.
•    Ability to prioritize competing demands and deal with a high volume of transactions.
•    Attention to detail is critical.
•    Strong, passionate comic reader and enthusiast 

I created this graphic with the intention of conveying a concise message regarding the challenges faced by independent bookstores in their competitive landscape.

As we are in Prime Days it is vital to show customers what the true cost of Amazon is. It is accessible to bookstores as a downloadable poster and bag stuffer. - Larry Law, Executive Director of GLIBA

Please share this week during Prime Days and and tag us on Instagram
GLIBA @glibabooksellers
Larry Law @wormwood

​
DOWNLOAD 8.5X11" SIGN
DOWNLOAD 11X14" POSTER
DOWNLOAD 2-UP BAG STUFFER

​Co-founded by Pacific Northwest book workers Justin Walls and Spencer Ruchti, the Cercador
Prize recognizes works of literature in translation as selected by a committee of independent
booksellers based across the United States. Ruchti will serve as the inaugural committee chair.
A novel approach to the landscape of literary awards, the Cercador Prize for Literature in
Translation will be awarded annually by a committee of five independent booksellers. During the
initial prize cycle, each committee member will be responsible for nominating two full-length
translations published in the U.S. between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023. Publishers,
agents, authors, or translators may not submit titles for eligibility. Instead, committee members
rely on organic discovery, discussion, and recommendations to determine their selections.
The ten finalists for the Cercador Prize will be announced no later than October 15, 2023, with
one winner to be announced no later than November 15, 2023. The committee will award the
winning translator(s) a prize of $1,000. Translators based anywhere in the world are eligible for
the prize.
“The Cercador Prize is about bolstering visibility for translated literature,” says Walls. “It’s also
about drawing an explicit connection between the work of independent booksellers and literary
translators whose contributions to our reading culture are often similarly obscured. Beyond
seeking out the best books currently being published in English-language translation, the
Cercador intends to serve as an act of collective curation across disciplines.”

The inaugural prize’s five committee members include Thu Doan of East Bay Booksellers
(Oakland, CA); Riley Rennhack of Deep Vellum Books (Dallas, TX); Javier Ramirez of Exile in
Bookville (Chicago, IL); Gary Lovely of Prologue Bookshop (Columbus, OH); and Ruchti of
Third Place Books (Seattle, WA).
Details about the prize can be found at https://www.cercadorprize.com/.
Justin Walls is coeditor of Du Mois Monthly, a translation-focused pick-of-the-month series
launched in 2019, and previously served on the 2020 Best Translated Book Award fiction jury.
Spencer Ruchti is the Author Events Manager for Third Place Books in Seattle. He has
previously worked for Tin House Books, Broadway Books in Portland, OR, and was the
Assistant Events Manager for Harvard Book Store. With Walls, he is the coeditor of Du Mois
Monthly.

​A huge thank you to our Spring Forum Sponsors: Dan and Gary at Prologue Bookshop, bookstore tour stores: Beanbag Books, Birdie Books, The Book Loft of German Village, Bookspace Columbus, Cover to Cover Children's Books, Gramercy Books, Eric Obenauf, Eliza Wood Obenauf, Brett Gregory and the entire staff at Two Dollar Radio, 7 Stories Press, Sarabande Books, Tin House Press, Biblioasis, Mariner Books, HarperCollins, Peachtree Teen, Chronicle Books, Bloomsbury and She Writes press for making this year's event incredible. We welcomed 75 attendees to Columbus over two days.

We started Spring Forum with a seven store Columbus area bookstore tour ending with a reception at Prologue Bookshop. Followed Spring Forum at Two Dollar Radio featuring authors Alex Crespo, Christine Lai, Gabi Burton, Linda Kass, Sara Herchenroether, Thao Thai, Nina Barret and Abra Berens. We had a day full of education, author presentations, lunch, bookselling camaraderie and ended the evening with a poetry reading from Hanif Abdurraqib.

Full Spring Forum Schedule >>