KQED Books Renamed Bay Books; Debuts New Imprints
Roxane Farmanfarmaian -- 4/20/98
In a year and a half, John Connolly, publisher of San Francisco-based KQED Books, along with the deep pockets of parent company Windmere Durable Inc., has transformed the fortunes of KQED Books. Connolly has rechristened the press Bay Books, moved the offices, changed the corporate image (and logo) and launched two new imprints, one called Bay Books and the other Soma Books. The results - after reporting a loss in 1996 - are a soaring 1997 sales figure ($3 million) and a much-reduced loss of only $20,000; this year's sales are expected to reach $5 million. "KQED had built up the operation to a certain point," said Connolly. "But to expand the telemarketing arm required cash, which it didn't have." With Windmere's backing, Connolly was able to focus on the marketing, bring fulfillment in-house and solidify PGW's role in handling trade and gourmet distribution. Connolly then split the list: he kept KQED Books as the imprint for the long-term contract for KQED's companion TV tie-in books and started Bay Books to do the tie-ins for other public broadcast programs from around the country (a series that was already in progress), including WGBH's Mystery. Together the two imprints will have 10 titles this year. Taking note of Windmere's houseware products, Connolly launched Soma Books, a line of hardcover, illustrated lifestyle titles (Soma stands for South of Market). Soma's unofficial slogan is "Live. Work. Eat." It will publish books on cooking, gardening and interior design. "That's where the niche is," Connolly said. Soma's list will feature 28 titles in 1998. Connolly has just hired Clancy Drake, previously with 10 Speed, as Bay Books' managing editor. Now housed in a revamped warehouse called the Soap Factory on De Haro Street, the company has eight staff members and Connolly is still hiring. "We're looking to grow," he said, "and perhaps to include leisure activities, and even travel." Back To News---> |
