Time Inc. Books arrives at BEA with good news to share with animal-loving booksellers and their similarly minded young customers. The publisher has entered an exclusive three-year deal with Animal Planet, the cable TV channel, to produce nonfiction books for children. The editorial team at Time Inc. will collaborate on all the titles with Animal Planet and incorporate the channel’s particular assets whenever possible. As an example, books could contain a QR code that will link readers to Animal Planet videos or live animal cams.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Animal Planet, one of the world’s most respected and beloved brands,” says Megan Pearlman, executive publishing director at Time Inc. “Packed with vibrant photos and Animal Planet’s informative and fun voice, each title will explore the often ‘surprisingly human’ behavior of animals around the world.”
The publishing program will encompass several formats aimed at a variety of age ranges and reading levels, including hardcover reference, softcover/flexi reference, and chapter books. First will be Animals: A Visual Encyclopedia, which will hit bookstore shelves in September. Six titles will debut in 2016, and nine titles are planned for 2017. Offerings for 2018 are not yet set.
Time Inc. Books is celebrating this new partnership at its booth (2050, 2051) with giveaways of blads for Animals: A Visual Encyclopedia, brochures describing the scope of the program, and a selection of Animal Planet–branded items. Those visiting the booth on Friday, 9:30–10:30 a.m., can pick up giveaways of Discovery’s
Bugopedia: The Complete Guide to Everything Insect (Plus Other Creepy-Crawlies).
This article appeared in the May 27, 2015 edition of PW BEA Show Daily.
