Coming off a strong financial finish for the year, Vermont-based independent book publisher Chelsea Green today announced a series of new hires and strategic reorganization for 2012.
“We had a very strong finish to the year, with significant growth overall for both print and digital. We remain focused on the content, acquiring the very best books in our niche, but we’re also strategically experimenting with digital content and enhanced ebooks,” said Margo Baldwin, President and Publisher of Chelsea Green.
In 2011, Chelsea Green reorganized its in-house sales staff to focus its efforts on key markets — such as book trade, library, academic, corporate and special sales, and digital — rather than geographic territories. In 2012, Chelsea Green is returning to using independent commission groups to represent its books to the independent bookstores, where it has spearheaded an innovative branded area program with select stores.
In 2012, Chelsea Green expects to expand its digital book offerings and further enhance its online presence as an effort to further meet the needs of its readers and to help build a stronger sense of community around the company mission, its books, and authors.
To further its digital book development across multiple ebook platforms and to introduce enhanced ebooks for key titles, Chelsea Green hired Justin Nisbet, formerly of Workman Publishing, as its director of digital development.
To augment its communications and outreach strategy with its readers and its community, Shay Totten, a longtime journalist and former editorial director at Chelsea Green, has been named communications director.
Chelsea Green also hired Melissa Jacobson, formerly of Quirk Books, as its in-housebook designer in order to better handle the demands — and costs — of ebook production.
In addition, Chelsea Green opened up an office in Burlington, VT, in late 2011. This office houses key communications, website, and author-events staff. Moving these functions to a new office was an effort by Chelsea Green to attract high-quality talent in a more urban setting, said Baldwin.
Justin has worked in publishing and digital media for more than 15 years. Before joining Chelsea Green he spent 10 years at Workman Publishing where he oversaw the design, development, and upkeep of the company’s web properties, and helped launch their digital publishing program.
Shay has worked in publishing as a writer and editor for more than 15 years, including a stint as Chelsea Green’s editorial director. Shay has been recognized for his use of social media tobuild brand identity and effectively engage and inform communities of readers.
Prior to joining Chelsea Green, Melissa worked at Quirk Books where she coordinated print production, managed and designed sales materials, and established a digital-content conversion program.
Founded in 1984, Chelsea Green Publishing is dedicated to the politics and practice of sustainability, and seeks to inspire present and future generations to reduce their ecological impact and to participate in the restoration of local communities, bioregional ecosystems, and a diversity of cultures.
