On Yandaixie Street in Beijing, an area of “hutongs” or alleyways and residences. Image – Getty: Tang90246
By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
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Our Monthly China Bestsellers Update in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Children’s Literature, with Beijing OpenBook
‘Many Synergies Across Our Missions’
Princeton University Press today (March 6) has announced that WW Norton will become its client for sales and marketing in China.
Princeton opened a Beijing office in 2017 and reports in today’s media messaging that its operations in China “have grown significantly.” The facility in the Chinese capital city handles digital, academic, and library, retail, and institutional sales, overseen by eight full-time staffers.
On May 1, Princeton University Press will begin “leading all facets of international English-language sales and marketing for Norton’s trade, academic and select client-publisher lists in mainland China, comprising print, ebooks and courseware.
Norton becomes the second such international sales client of Princeton. The first is the University of Chicago Press.
Titles from both Norton and University of Chicago Press are expected to be made available for D2C purchase in China, through a digital retail capability housed in Princeton’s recently opened online storefront. Nearly 1,000 of the press’ English language titles are reported to be online at that retail outlet, with a capacity for growth to handle all of Princeton’s trade and scholarly books.
As readers of Publishing Perspectives‘ years of China Bestsellers updates know, online retail is enormously popular and impactful in the Chinese book publishing market, and film and television development are easily connected as drivers of sales, as is the case in the West with its entertainment clout and voluminous social media.
‘Our Deep Respect’
Christie Henry
In commentary issued today with the announcement, the Princeton Press director Henry is quoted, saying, “Our entire international team is inspired by Norton’s publishing and its publishing team.
“There are many synergies across our missions and programs that promise to be realized with this new partnership. To be entrusted with the work of peer presses, including such a revered independent publisher as Norton, is every testament to the creativity and caliber of our Beijing-based colleagues.”
LIngxi Li
In 2023, Henry won the 16th Special Book Award of China, administered by China’s National Press and Publication Administration in recognition of the work of foreign translators, writers, and publishers facilitating cultural exchange and awareness between China and other countries.
Princeton University Press China managing director Lingxi Li says, “The team greatly admires Norton’s legacy of academic and trade publishing, as well as the exceptional scholarship of its authors.
“With our track record of building robust sales networks, fostering academic communities, and pioneering innovative marketing strategies in China, we are confident this partnership will open new avenues, expand the reach of Norton’s list, and deepen the connection between international scholarship and Chinese readers.”
Julia A. Reidhead
And Julia Reidhead, chair and president of WW Norton, is quoted, saying, “Norton has a warm and longstanding friendship with Princeton University Press, characterized by our deep respect for Princeton’s publishing programs in both the trade and academic realms.
“To be represented by a publisher of such distinction, and with such keen knowledge, broad reach, and thoughtful relationships in a market of vital importance, is an exciting new development for our 100-year-old firm.”
The Press looks ahead to continued growth in the years ahead, fueled by a spirit of collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and great books.
More from Publishing Perspectives on the Asian markets is here, more on China is here, more on bestsellers in China is here, and more on university presses is here.
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