What's Happening?
Lakeside Book Company, a major U.S. book printer, has reorganized its distribution business by merging sales resources from its long-owned publisher, Dover Publications, with former Baker & Taylor Publishing Services (BTPS) representatives. This move
follows Lakeside's acquisition of BTPS last November, which is now known internally as Lakeside Book Distribution. The goal of this restructuring is to create a unified sales group that handles both Dover titles and those from Lakeside's distribution clients. Todd McGarity, SVP of business development for Lakeside's Book Services division, stated that this reorganization is part of a broader transformative growth phase for the company. The new sales team, led by Jeff Tegge and Mark Hillesheim, includes channel managers for national accounts, trade sales, special markets, and Christian sales. Two Dover sales reps will join the Lakeside Book sales team, and Dover's Judy Kessler will represent Lakeside Book clients in the mass merchandise channel. The Lakeside sales team now comprises 11 members, supplemented by commission rep groups.
Why It's Important?
This strategic reorganization by Lakeside Book Company is significant for the U.S. publishing industry, particularly for small and medium-sized publishers seeking alternative distribution channels. The consolidation of sales efforts and the integration of printing services (offset, digital, and print-on-demand) with distribution capabilities offer a more comprehensive solution for publishers. This could lead to increased efficiency and broader market reach for client titles. For Lakeside, the move strengthens its position in the competitive book distribution landscape, allowing it to aggressively pursue new clients. The company's ability to offer a 'one-stop shop' for printing and distribution could attract publishers who are dissatisfied with existing options or are looking for streamlined operations. The success of this integrated model could influence other players in the industry to consider similar consolidations, potentially reshaping the U.S. book supply chain and creating new opportunities for growth and market penetration for independent publishers.
What's Next?
Lakeside Book Company plans to aggressively add new distribution clients, focusing on small and medium publishers, leveraging its integrated printing and distribution services. The company has already signed approximately 12 new publishers in recent months, with six of them utilizing Lakeside's printing services. This indicates a clear strategy to capitalize on the demand for comprehensive solutions in the publishing sector. The success of this integrated approach will likely be measured by the number of new clients acquired and the overall growth in distribution volume. Other industry players will be closely watching Lakeside's performance, and if successful, this model could prompt competitors to re-evaluate their own service offerings. The company's continued expansion in the distribution market could lead to further consolidation within the U.S. book industry, as publishers and distributors seek more efficient and cost-effective ways to bring books to market. No changes have been made to Lakeside’s Canadian distribution operations at this point.
Beyond the Headlines
The restructuring at Lakeside Book Company highlights a broader trend in the U.S. publishing industry: the increasing demand for integrated services and alternative distribution models. As the publishing landscape evolves with digital advancements and changing consumer habits, traditional distribution channels face pressure to adapt. Lakeside's move to combine printing and distribution under one roof addresses a critical need for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly for smaller publishers who may struggle to navigate complex and fragmented supply chains. This development could foster greater independence and innovation among small and medium publishers by providing them with more accessible and comprehensive support. Furthermore, it underscores the strategic importance of vertical integration in industries facing disruption, as companies seek to control more aspects of their value chain to offer competitive advantages and meet evolving market demands. The long-term implications could include a more diverse and resilient publishing ecosystem, with more options for content creators to reach their audiences.
