Allaboutwriting

David Robbins of Porcupine Press on the importance of marketing and distribution to the publishing process.

After less than two years of operation, Porcupine Press is ahead of the independent publishing pack in South Africa. This dynamic publishing house has achieved such pre-eminence by concentrating its efforts into those areas of independent publishing that have been traditionally weak.

In the whole range of services – from advice to authors and editing, through the entire production process, to marketing and distribution – it is the last two on the list that have tended to be neglected by independent publishers.

But these have become Porcupine’s strengths.

In support of such a statement, Porcupine has already taken on the distribution function for several important South African publishing concerns, Mousehand and Botsotso being the most prominent so far.

Launched at the end of 2009, Porcupine immediately assembled a powerful team of expertise in the fields of writing, book design and production. ‘We were certain we could match and surpass our competition in these areas of publishing,’ says general manager Clare-Rose Julius. ‘So we focused all our extra attention on the really difficult parts – marketing and distribution.’

Porcupine distribution networks include: physical books through a reputable distributor into South African bookshops and libraries; print-on-demand services in Britain and the USA for the supply of physical books in those countries; an online Porcupine bookshop for cut-price online sales; linkages into the five largest online book distributors in the world; e-book facilities; as well as representation at selected book festivals and fairs.

Marketing services range from media liaison packages to promotional material and events. Launches are a speciality, and customised services can be got from our various partners.

‘Obviously,’ says Clare-Rose, ‘the more books we have on our lists, the more we’ll sell. That’s why we’re eager to talk to other small publishing houses and individual self-published authors. Come and join us on Porcupine’s distribution and marketing express.’

About Porcupine Press

Originally established in the late 1990s by photographer Paul Weinberg and others, Porcupine Press is now wholly owned by Gail and David Robbins’ company DGR Writing & Research cc. After years of dormancy, the decision has now been made to actively grow Porcupine Press through a partnership with Clare-Rose Julius who will manage the enterprise.

• David Robbins has been publishing his distinctive and widely read books with commercial publishers since 1985. He brings the experience gained, and several exciting new titles, to the Porcupine adventure.
• Gail Robbins began in print production in the early 1990s. She has worked with high-end service providers (editors, designers, printers) to build an international reputation for quality production work at reasonable prices.
• Clare-Rose Julius adds entrepreneurial flair, particularly in the important fields of marketing and distribution. She has established partnerships with existing distributors, and will make extensive use of the internet.

Our Mission:

To support authors in the production and distribution of high quality books, thereby counteracting the criticism of sub-standard products frequently aimed at self-publishing endeavours.

Our Goals:

• To support the development of South African writers
• To provide professional services and quality craftsmanship to facilitate the dissemination of work by local writers
• To assist in improving the image and quality of self-publishing in South Africa
• To explore both old and new trends in the publishing and distribution environment in South Africa

Why should you choose us?

It’s simple really, because we can get the job done – and at affordable prices.

• We thrive on challenges
• We offer a complete service, from conception to marketing and distribution, or any combination of services required
• We offer free writing and publishing advice
• We maintain high editorial standards for Porcupine Press
• We don’t try to force you into doing something that you don’t want to do
• We believe that the customer is NOT always right.  You are coming to us for our advice and knowledge, therefore we will help you to publish a quality product of the highest standard.