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independent publishers guild
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Distribution
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Publishers can undertake the distribution of books to retailers themselves — although it is common for the task to be outsourced.
Definition
In publishing parlance, ‘distribution’ is a term that can cover a variety of services, mainly:
1. Basic ‘execution-only’, meaning the physical warehousing, where the pick, pack and despatch operations are from orders/invoices generated by the publisher themselves and then posted or transmitted electronically to the distributor for fulfilment.
2. ‘Billing and fulfilling’ also includes the order-processing facet with the distributor creating the invoices from orders sent direct to them by customers (library, institution, retailer, wholesaler and occasionally individual customers), maintaining the sales ledger and collecting dues. The distributor will have pre-agreed credit terms with regular customers.
3. The service might also include the ‘repping’ with an in-house (or possibly freelance) team of reps calling on bookshops and other book outlets. The type of repping service is usually split according to the potential market:
a. general
b. academic
c. educational (primary/ secondary/ tertiary).
4. The price quoted by a distribution house will depend upon the level of service required.
5. The distributor will also want to know how much stock (ideally the number of pallets, not the number of books) will have to be stored and some indication of the previous or budgeted sale. They will also want to know the mix of home and overseas sales (if applicable).
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Glossary
The IPG commissioned Charles Ashford to write a glossary of terms for distribution contracts so that members would have explanations in plain language, of terms used in typical distribution agreements and the impact these may have on services provided, and costs arising. It should be noted of course that these guidance notes are not intended to entirely avoid the need for legal representation. Follow the link at the bottom of the page for the glossary.
Resources
Reports of IPG presentations on distribution.
Distributors
Lists of distributors can be found in various publishing directories. The Bookseller's Association Directory of UK and Irish Publishers has contains a comprehensive listing, including an indication of which distributors work with smaller publishing companies. Before appointing a distributor it is best to talk to other publishers already using the distributor you are considering appointing, as this is a good way to find out about their strengths and weaknesses. It is important to find a distributor who you can work closely with - and a number of different factors will influence your choice.
The following Supplier members of the IPG offer distribution services to publishers (in the UK):
BEBC Distribution
15 Albion Close, POOLE, Dorset BH12 3LL
contact: John Walsh
BookSource
50 Cambuslang Road, Cambuslang, GLASGOW, G32 8NB
contact: Louise Wilson
Bertram Publisher Services
1 Broadland Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0WF
contact: Ros Wesson
Combined Academic Publishers
15a Lewin's Yard, East Street, CHESHAM, Buckinghamshire HP5 1HQ
contact: Nick Esson
Hoddle, Doyle, Meadows Ltd
Station Road, Linton, CAMBRIDGE CB1 6UX
contact: David Meadows
Horizon Logistics
Area D, AWD Future, Boscombe Road, DUNSTABLE LU5 4SE
contact: Andrew Simmonds
Lavis Marketing
73 Lime Walk, Headington, OXFORD OX3 7AD
contact: Jim Lavis
Chris Lloyd Sales & Marketing (in association with Orca Distribution)
Stanley House, 3 Fleets Lane, POOLE, Dorset BH15 3AJ
contact: Chris Lloyd
National Book Network International
Plymbridge House, Estover Road, PLYMOUTH PL6 7PY
contact: Sheila Bounford
Portfolio
5 Perivale Industrial Park, Horsenden Lane South, GREENFORD, Middlesex UB6 7Rl
contact: Charles Arnold
The Trade Counter
Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk IP14 5NA
contact: Patrick Curran
Turnaround
Unit 3 Olympia Industrial Estate, Coburg Road, LONDON N22 6TZ
contact: Claire Thompson
Vertigo Communications (in association with Littlehampton Book Services)
37 Eton Avenue, London, N12 0BD
Contact Jenny Boyce
Vine House Distribution
Waldenbury, North Common, Chailey, East Sussex BN8 4DR
Contact: Richard Squibb
Windsor Books International
The Boundary, Wheatley Road, GARSINGTON, Oxford OX4 9EJ
Contact: Geoff Cowen
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The following full publishing members of the IPG also offer distribution services to publishers (in the UK):
Portland Press
Commerce Way, Colchester, CO2 8HP
contact: Adam Marshall
Summersdale Publishers
46 West Street, CHICHESTER, West Sussex PO19 1RP
contact: Ros Hart
Tor Mark
United Downs Industrial Estate, St. Day, REDRUTH, Cornwall TR16 5HY
contact: Paul White
York Publishing Services
Ebor Industrial Estate, 64 Hallfield Road, Layerthorpe YORK YO31 7ZQ
contact: Duncan Beal
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Safeguarding yourself, by John Wilson, John Wilson Book Sales
Distribution means different things to different people.
In the US a distributor as well as being responsible for the physical handling of the stock also undertakes the sales and marketing functions. In the UK distribution means warehousing and carriage of books.
Follow the link below to read more...
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Other Related Pages
Safeguarding yourself, by John Wilson, John Wilson Book Sales
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