Arsenal Pulp Looks to U.S.

Vancouver-based Arsenal Pulp Press has changed distributors, joining Consortium Books Sales and Distribution in a move the company hopes will increase its penetration into the U.S. market.

"We've seen unprecedented growth over the last few years, and Pulp is committed to furthering that growth. We think that Consortium will help us to do that," Arsenal marketing director Blaine Kyllo told PW. He believes the switch to Consortium, based in St. Paul, Minn., will help by placing the press within sight of other like-minded publishers. "It puts us in with a great group of publishers," Kyllo explained. "We're a fiercely independent press, and it is important for us to hold on to that identity." Arsenal, which had been distributed by LPC Group, publishes an eclectic list that ranges from serious nonfiction to humor and literary fiction.

In contrast with publishing trends, Arsenal Pulp's sales have increased rapidly over the last few years, while return rates have been low. Two years ago, Arsenal's sales were up 72% from the previous year, while in 2001 sales were up 80%. Halfway through this fiscal year (which ends May 31), Arsenal's sales are up 50%, while returns continue to hover at about 20%. "We're working harder to get attention for our books and authors," explained Kyllo. "Also, the kinds of books we are doing have changed. A few years ago we decided to publish books that will appeal to a broader audience, that's when the Unknown City Books [travel guides] started and we began looking at cookbooks."

Arsenal's biggest U.S. seller is How It All Vegan, a cookbook that has sold more than 40,000 copies. The authors of the cookbook plan to follow up with a second vegan cookbook, slated to come out in spring 2003.