At The Stable, independent publishers have a distribution partner that truly understands the unique challenges facing them in the market. PW spoke to The Stable’s Chief Sales Officer, Jodi Weiss, about how The Stable stands out from other distribution partners and the company’s mission of making every title a success.
What makes The Stable Book Group unique in the publishing and distribution space, and what drew you to want to join the team?
What makes The Stable so special is that we truly offer the best of both worlds. We provide boutique-level care where every publisher is a top priority and back it up with the powerhouse infrastructure of Hachette as our back-end fulfillment partner. I knew from the moment I heard about The Stable that I wanted to be involved in some way. Between growing up working in my mother’s bookstore and going on to spend over two decades at Workman, indie publishing is practically in my DNA. I love that we treat every publisher, whether they are a client or wholly owned, with the same heart and energy.
What is The Stable's key mission?
Our mission is to maintain a deliberately curated, intentionally small roster so we can give each publisher and every title the thoughtful, hands-on attention it deserves. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, strategic planning, and long-term partnership—not just moving books, but nurturing them. For booksellers, we want to be known as the trusted place to find the very best independent publishing has to offer.
The book business is ever evolving. From your perspective, what makes this moment the perfect one to be involved in the publishing ecosystem? What are the primary challenges?
It’s a dynamic moment because readers are discovering books in more places than ever, which opens exciting paths for growth and experimentation. The flip side is unpredictability—tight margins, shifting retail landscapes, and fierce competition—making it vital to partner with a distributor who treats every book as if it were their own.
What strategies does The Stable employ to allow publishers and authors to stand out?
We see ourselves as a natural extension of our publishers’ teams. Because we aren’t juggling hundreds of clients, we have the space for those unhurried, deep-dive conversations where the best breakthrough ideas are often born. Whether it’s a tailored sales pitch or a clever marketing pivot, we’re right there in the thick of it with them. That level of personal investment is what helps a title find its voice and claim its space on the shelf.
From McSweeney's to Gloo Books, The Stable partners with a broad range of publishers. What's your criteria for selecting and forming these relationships?
Selecting a new partner is a big decision for us. It’s about finding a deep alignment in values and publishing vision. It’s also a two-way street—we only move forward if we’re confident that our specific strengths will bring genuine added value to a publisher’s business.
For independent publishers looking to expand their distribution, what is your advice?
Know what makes your list distinctive and be ready to articulate that to potential partners. Strong metadata, consistent publishing cadence, and open communication go a long way in helping a distributor advocate for you effectively.
There must be some incredible books on your radar. Are there any landmark titles or publisher milestones you are particularly eager to share with the world?
Yes—our upcoming seasons are brimming with bold, surprising, and beautifully crafted titles from across our list. Watching our publishers achieve new milestones—be it breakout debuts, awards recognition, or expanding international reach—is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
As more changes come our way, how is The Stable both weathering the storm and embracing new opportunities?
This really brings us back to what we discussed at the start: that “best of both worlds” balance. We stay steady by anchoring ourselves in Hachette’s operational excellence, which acts as a powerful foundation. Because that world-class infrastructure is so reliable, it frees us up to stay nimble and creative on the front end. It allows our team to focus on scouting new opportunities and finding bespoke ways to help our publishers thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.
