The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

IPG launches Amazon schemes

14.10.08 Catherine Neilan

The Independent Publishers' Guild has secured two initiatives to give its members more exposure through Amazon.co.uk. The first scheme, which is already up and running, gives a month-long platform to an independent publisher, in which its books are featured alongside a history of the publisher, reviews and discounts, and the books given Amazon’s Search Inside treatment.

Birmingham-based Tindal Street Press, which is home to a number of award-winning and nominated authors, is the first beneficiary of Amazon’s Independent Publisher of the Month. Old Street Publishing, Allison & Busby, Alastair Sawday Publishing and Short Books will follow.

The second initiative allows Vine Voices - Amazon’s customer review platform - early access to books published by IPG members. Vine, which has been running since last August, lets Amazon’s "most valued" reviewers access to a range of products, and reviews can appear on the site months before publication.

Bridget Shine, executive director of the IPG, said: "Amazon is immensely important for independent publishers, and the IPG is delighted to have brokered this exclusive access to its promotions for our members." Christopher North, vice president of media at Amazon, said he was "delighted" to be introducing customers to books "they might not otherwise encounter". He added: "Independent publishers play a vital role in the books industry and it is one that we are keen to celebrate and highlight to our customers."

IPG members interested in the Vine programme should visit www.ipg.uk.com for full details and to find out how to get a placement.

Amazon.co.uk IPG Independents Home Catherine Neilan

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