Press
Alyson Books Reorganizes to Focus on E-Book Publishing
The world’s oldest LGBT book publishing house adopts a 21st century business model as it embraces changing consumer preferences
October 1, 2010 (NEW YORK) – Alyson Books, the world’s oldest LGBT book publishing house, today announced reorganization plans that position the imprint to become the leading voice of LGBT literature in the digital age. Recognizing that LGBT audiences read and consume literature in new, tech-savvy ways, Alyson Books will be at the forefront of LGBT e-book publishing. Additionally, Alyson Books will recruit a new publisher to lead the iconic brand in an evolving consumer marketplace and to capitalize on new, dynamic revenue streams.
The LGBT consumer is consistently an early adopter of new technologies, and Alyson Books welcomes the opportunities these technological advancements present. In June 2010, Amazon.com announced that for the first time it sold more Kindle e-books than hardcover books. As book publishers evolve and adapt, Alyson Books remains committed to preserving the gay and lesbian voice in the growing e-publishing environment.
As part of its new business model Alyson Books will undergo a major reorganization during the next 12 months. This forward-looking plan positions Alyson Books as a strong, powerful, and relevant imprint in the publishing arena. Alyson Books’ many talented authors and writers will collaborate with a new publisher dedicated to making LGBT literature an integral part of the 21st century publishing world.
Alyson Books Publisher Don Weise worked tirelessly to continue the label’s success under the traditional book publishing model. As Alyson Books looks to the future, Mr. Weise is moving on to pursue new opportunities. Alyson Books thanks him for his dedication and wishes him well in all his new endeavors.
John Knoebel, Vice President of Consumer Marketing at Alyson Books’ parent company Here Media, has been named interim Publisher during the reorganization. Under Mr. Knoebel’s supervision, Here Media successfully launched digital editions of Out and The Advocate print magazines. His many years of marketing and publishing experience qualify him to lead the reorganization.
About Here Media
Here Media Inc. produces and distributes niche content across all platforms worldwide. Here Media’s iconic brands distribute gay media and world cinema programming with universal, humanistic appeal. Its distribution platforms include television, VOD, broadband, online, print, and mobile. It earns subscription, advertising, and licensing revenue from its award-winning content.
Here Media owns and operates a variety of media assets, including:
- here! Networks, a premium television network featuring programming that appeals to a gay and lesbian audience airing in 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets, including every top 10 market.
- Iconic brands including Out, The Advocate, and HIV Plus as well as Alyson Books.
- The Advocate/Out group of online sites, including Gay.com, Advocate.com, Out.com, and SheWired.com.
Paul Colichman is Chief Executive Officer of Here Media and Stephen P. Jarchow is Chairman. Together, they have produced and/or distributed over 200 motion pictures, including Academy Award® winners Gods and Monsters and Departures.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the limited operating history and variability of operating results; ability to achieve its operating plan; competition; timing and success of product launches; success of marketing efforts; and dependence on technology infrastructure, cable and satellite operators, and the Internet.
Contact:
Mark Umbach
310-943-5957, Mark.Umbach@heremedia.com