Book Publishing Report

Volume 27, Number 11, March 18, 2002


IN THE LOOP

That's A Wrap... For the past few years, publicists have searched for effective ways to use the Internet to promote books- with limited success. Now Bookstream, a startup founded by former R.R.Bowker chief executive officer and current Pubnet chairman Charles Halpin, says it has the answer. Its product, called Bookwrap, is a multimedia package of information about a book- reviews, excerpt, author bio and plot synopsis- that can be placed on any Web site. What makes Bookwrap different from other book information sources already available on the Web is that it uses streaming video and audio, so readers can watch and listen to short clips of an author discussing a book. "What we're really trying to do is make books come alive for the reading public," Halpin said, Unlike other forms of Internet marketing, Bookwraps don't require a publisher to do much. Bookstream produces the package and sends it out to as many Web sites as the publisher wants. The $3,000 price tag gives publishers lifetime rights to the product. The company has produced 25 Bookwraps so far and plan to do 200 by the end of the year. It's also working on a version of the product for audiobooks. Bookwraps are now appearing on Web sites, including Bookreporter.com, Booksamillion.com, Booksite.com, GoHastings.com, Powells.com, Titlesmart.com and WordsWorth.com.