Batch for Books, which offers a simple, efficient way for bookstores and publishers to manage invoices and payments, has added partnerships with Independent Publishers Group, Microcosm Publishing, Arcadia Press, and Blackstone Publishing. They join Penguin Random House, Macmillan, HarperCollins, and Gardners US. Some 400 U.S. bookstores currently use Batch.
"This is an exciting milestone for Batch for Books," said Nathan Halter, U.S. program manager. "We are thrilled to partner with these publishers, whose commitment to supporting Batch underscores their dedication to fostering real, lasting change for independent bookstores. Together, we're building a stronger future for indie booksellers and the publishing ecosystem."
Batch was founded in 2000 by the Booksellers Association of the U.K. and Ireland to serve the book trade and build better relationships between booksellers and publishers. Booksellers in more than 80 countries use Batch.
The four new Batch publishers all expressed great support for the system.
Matthew Gildea, COO at Arcadia Publishing, said, "We're delighted to partner with Batch because we share a common goal. We both want to make the backend processes in the indie bookstores as efficient as possible so staff can focus on what they do that no one else can--putting great books in the hands of great readers."
Joe Matthews, CEO of IPG, stated, "While IPG works hard to empower independent publishers and simplify their lives, Batch is doing the same thing for independent bookstores. It's a partnership that makes sense and will benefit the world of indie publishing."
Joe Biel, publisher and CEO of Microcosm Publishing, said, "Since we started using Batch, backlist sales are up 13% over the same time last year. Batch makes it easier for stores new to us to take a chance on Microcosm authors and many are doing exactly that."
Mike Heuer, national sales manager of Blackstone Publishing, commented: "We've heard from many of our accounts what a time-saver Batch is, and we're convinced this partnership will be a win-win."