Audio consumption in New York City. Image – Getty iStockphoto: Kibrick
By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
Another Step in the US Market
The Frankfurt-based digital services company Bookwire has announced this week a new partnership with the New York City-based John Marshall Media.
The American c0mpany, John Marshall, is focused on audio production, digital distribution, and marketing services, specialized in audiobooks, podcasts, and audio tours.
Publishing Perspectives readers who follow our coverage of Bookwire know that this isn’t the company’s first foray into the United States’ market.
The company announced opening a US subsidiary’s creation in March of last year, shortly after naming its first Stateside partner, the California digital publisher Podium.
Founded 29 years ago in 1995, the Marshall company, frequently referred to in the States as JMM, has been producing, recording, and editing audio for publishers including Penguin Random House, Google, Amazon, Scholastic, and McGraw Hill.
John Marshall says it has 21 studios in operation and has worked with more than 1,000 readers (called narrators in the business) and other voice actors. It’s the recipient of three Grammy Awards for work including audio interpretations of the Harry Potter content.
Celebrities with whom John Marshall Media has worked in recordings include Neil Gaiman, Meryl Streep, Cameron Diaz, Michael J. Fox, and Al Franken. More than 20,000 titles have been produced by the company, it says, and
The newly announced John Marshall Media arrangement, according to Bookwire’s media messaging this week, combines the German company’s technological capabilities, as bundled in its “Bookwire OS” offering, and the American company’s work in audiobook production and distribution.
Kevin Stillwell
In a prepared statement, Marshall’s head of independent publishing and distribution, Kevin Stillwell, is quoted, saying, “At JMM, we pride ourselves on delivering audiobooks that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients and listeners.
“Our partnership with Bookwire represents an exciting opportunity to further enhance our distribution capabilities, providing independent publishers and authors with access to a comprehensive suite of services tailored to optimize their audiobook production and reach.”
Brittyne Lewis
For Bookwire, the company’s US manager, says that part of the partnership is a goal “to revolutionize the audiobook landscape in the United States.
“By combining Bookwire’s technology with JMM’s unrivaled expertise, we are poised to unlock new opportunities for publishers and authors, empowering them to connect with audiences on a global scale.”
Videl Bar-Kar
Videl Bar-Kar, vice-president for audio at Bookwire, says, “As the audiobook market continues to experience rapid growth, particularly in the United States, it’s crucial for publishers to leverage innovative solutions to capitalize on this trend and reach new listeners.
“At Bookwire, our mission is to empower publishers to thrive in this dynamic landscape. Our partnership with John Marshall Media signifies our commitment to supporting US publishers in maximizing their opportunities in the booming audiobook market.”
A Programming Note
Our French-language readers and publishing industry players based in France may be interested to know that Bookwire’s next “All About Audio” online symposium is set for March 7.
Speakers include Mathilde Davignon of Madrigall’s Écoutez Lire; Virginie Lancia of Éditions Leduc’s Charleston Audio; and Liza Faja of Editis’ l’Audio.
Full details of the program, which is offered free of charge, are here along with registration instructions.
More on Bookwire is here, more on its base market in Germany is here, more on the United States’ market is here, more on digital publishing is here, more on industry notes is here, and more on audiobooks and other elements of audio in international publishing is here.
Publishing Perspectives is a media partner with Bookwire’s ‘All About Audio’ conferences.
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