WRITE-ON Publishing of St Francis Bay has launched a “novel” book sales pilot project in association with Pinpoint Print, also of St Francis Bay.
The project, the Eastern Cape Bookshelf, involves the placing of a shelf containing books either about the Eastern Cape, or by Eastern Cape authors, into existing businesses. Initially, these books will primarily be those published and produced by Write-On Publishing.
“We are very excited by this new venture, and we have high hopes that it will prove a hit with the residents of St Francis Bay,” said Cathy Williams of Pinpoint Print.
The scheme is the brainchild of Write-On’s Frank Nunan, who said that with the closing of the local bookshop and the restrictions placed on other possible outlets like the St Francis Market, local authors lack a physical outlet for their books, and this concept provides that, in a readily accessible way.
“Authors supply us with a small number of books on consignment, and these are placed on the shelf. Should they be sold, authors are paid the usual ‘bookstore price’, leaving a small commission, shared by Write-On and the physical outlet,” said Nunan.
The idea is not to take up too much space in the hosting business with the cobranded bookshelf, but to try to make it as attractive as possible within a limited budget.
Should the St Francis Bay pilot project prove even moderately successful, discussions are already underway to expand the concept to other centres and outlets.
It is hoped to specifically make use of small, entrepreneurial businesses to host the concept.
There are currently 15 titles available on the St Francis Bay Pinpoint Print bookshelf, and this number will be increased with time.
“This idea has been in the back of my mind for some time, but until fairly recently, I did not have sufficient titles in my portfolio to make it worthwhile,” said Nunan.
The Bookshelf at Pinpoint Print offers, as its special launch attraction, the brand new book by St Francis Bay author and historian Bartle Logie, Travels with 20/20 Vision, which deals with the history, people and flora and fauna of the region starting from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), through the Kouga, down the Langkloof and back up the Garden Route.
The shelf itself is currently quite rudimentary, but as the project grows, hopefully, this will be improved upon.
- Businesses in the Kouga region outside of St Francis bay who might be interested in the concept are asked to contact Frank Nunan on WhatsApp 061 485 5491 or at frank@writeonpublishing.co.za.
