Perseus Distribution announced yesterday that it would take over sales and distribution for Joy Berry Enterprises, which publishes books by rgw educator and child development specialist Joy Berry. Berry—who has been published by a range of houses, including Scholastic and Grolier, and boasts more than 85 million books sold—began releasing books via Joy Berry Enterprises in late 2008. One year in, the executive v-p of marketing and interactive for the New York-based outfit, John Bellaud, said, things are “so far so good.” Baker & Taylor will be handling the company’s e-commerce fulfillment.
About three years ago, Berry began acquiring the licenses to the wide-ranging children's picture book series she had written, which includes hundreds of books on everything from whining to potty training. In December 2008, JBE rebranded and released about 50 of those titles. “It’s taken us a little while, but now, in 2010, we’re starting to cook.” JBE just signed a promotion deal with Barnes & Noble and will be pushing books out through the Home Shopping Network at the end of January. “We’re starting to understand how to better maneuver and get our books placed,” said Bellaud. Sabrina McCarthy, v-p of client services for Perseus Distribution, said, “We are excited to work with Ms. Berry as she relaunches her list and introduces the books to new parents, teachers, and children.” Perseus will handle JBE’s distribution and sales in the U.S. and Canada effective immediately, with new books releasing in February.
JBE, which is privately held, has about 10 employees. The company is planning initiatives in the digital arena, with online programming and character-driven books based on Berry’s earlier volumes, and even an iPhone potty training app.
