We are an on-demand book retailer, which means that while we stock a good number of our bestselling books, we mostly order and ship directly from publishers and distributors. This way, we are able to offer you the widest range of titles, while keeping shipping charges low. If you have questions about stock levels of a specific title, call us at 800-236-7323
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a full list of our FAQs. For a pared down list, try looking at the page with the service you have a question about. Can't find what you're looking for? Send us an email!
FAQ Topics
BESTSELLER REPORTING | BOOK AWARDS | BOOK CUSTOMIZATION | BULK BOOK PRICING | CUSTOM CHECKOUT | DELIVERY | EDITORIAL COVERAGE | GENERAL | MASS MAILING | NAME CHANGE | ORDERING | PRE-ORDER CAMPAIGNS
FAQ
General
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How can I contact Porchlight Book Company?
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What are your hours?
We are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Central Time.
Our offices are closed the following days: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
FAQ
Ordering
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Are all items on your website currently in-stock?
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How up-to-date is your database?
Our product catalog is populated via a web service, provided by Ingram Content Group, and updated automatically every seven days. If you see information on our site that is incorrect, feel free to fill out the form below, and we will make the necessary changes to our site. (If you would like to submit changes directly to Ingram to update their feed, you can do so here.)
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How is my credit card protected?
Our site uses the latest encryption technology (2048-bit TLS) to make sure your credit card information is safe. Whether you order online or over the phone, your credit card information is always encrypted and sent directly to Authorize.Net, our secure payment processor.
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What is your online order guarantee?
We guarantee your satisfaction. If you order returnable copies, our goal is to make returns as easy as possible for you. Porchlight will refund the full cost of your book purchase, minus the shipping charge, within 30 days after you return to us the returnable book. Books ordered non-returnable may not be returned, though we are happy to work with the publisher to exchange a damaged copy for one that is not. For more information on our return policy, read "What is your return policy?" (below)
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Do you match competitor prices?
We take pride in offering customers high-quality, human-centered service, and a reliable and humane workplace for the people who provide that service. That commitment requires us to support our business with a pre-set pricing model. We offer a 20% discount on all trade titles. Most titles have additional volume discounts starting at 25 copies if purchased non-returnable. Every product page on our website will indicate if additional discounts are available.
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What is your return policy?
Books ordered as non-returnable copies may not be returned, unless we made a mistake. (See “Mistakes” below.)
If you order returnable copies, our goal is to make returns as easy as possible for you. Porchlight will refund the full cost of your returnable book purchase minus the shipping within 30 days after you return to us the returnable book. Please note that returnable books must be returned in their original condition, with no writing or other damage.
Be sure not to open any software included as part of a book until you are sure you will keep the book. We cannot take returns on books (even if we made a mistake) if the seal on any included software is broken.
Mistakes
You may return any type of book (returnable or non-returnable) because of a mistake we made—for example, if we mailed you the wrong book or it is damaged when you receive it. If this occurs, please call 800-236-7323, and one of our Customer Service Specialists will correct this immediately and provide you with a return number. When we receive your return at the “Address for Returns” noted below, we will promptly credit your account for the full cost of the book purchase and shipping.
Address for Returns
For any returns described above, please mail your return to:
Porchlight Book Company Returns Department
544 S. 1st Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
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What is your price guarantee?
We consider our website price our quote to you. On the occasion that the publisher has changed the list price or a new edition has been issued to the book you wish to order, you will be notified by a Customer Service Specialist of the change prior to billing.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and—upon approval—purchase orders.
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Do you charge any tax?
We are required by law to charge sales tax in the state of Wisconsin. For other states, we do not currently charge sales tax, though as new state tax laws go into effect across the country, our approach will have to change accordingly. We will make these updates clear on our website and product pages.
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If there are difficulties with my online order, how will I be notified?
You will be notified via the email address attached to the order you placed within 24 hours of submission.
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Are duties and customs charges included in my order?
Import duties and customs fees are charged to the receiving customer of an international order once the package reaches the destination country. Customs policies vary widely from country to country, and we generally cannot determine what these fees will be for you. We strongly recommend that each customer contact their local customs office for details as to how these fees are assessed and applied.
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Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do! UPS is our carrier of choice for international shipments. For more information about international shipping, see the “Delivery Logistics” section.
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What is your normal turnaround time for orders?
In-stock orders generally arrive within three to seven business days, but there are many factors that go into the timing of your order. If your books need to arrive by a specific deadline, please call to talk to a Customer Service Specialist (800-236-7323).
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If a published book is not in stock, do you backorder?
Yes, we do. If a book is past publication date but is not in stock with the publisher, we will email you within 24 hours of receipt of your order (M-F) to discuss alternatives.
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Can I pre-order books before their publication date?
Yes, you can, but it will not be shipped until the publication date. One week before the publication date, you will receive an email reminding you of your order and alerting you to the upcoming credit card charge. If you need a book released early in order to arrive at an event prior to or on publication day, call us and we can work with the publisher to try to make that happen.
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Can I call direct with my credit card information instead of buying my books online?
Yes, you can! We love talking to customers. Call us at 800-236-7323, and we’ll be happy to help you.
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Can you sell my self-published book on your site?
Yes, we hope so! The self-publishing landscape is complicated and constantly evolving, and our ability to sell your book depends on many factors, including the publishing platform you are using. Our Sales & Author Services Director, Aaron, has years of experience working with self-published authors and would be glad to talk with you about options. Email him at aaron@porchlightbooks.com.
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Can I get a formal quote for price comparison or budgetary approvals?
Yes, we are happy to provide a formal quote for any reason. Please fill out the quote form here or call us at 800-236-7323, and we’ll gladly get you what you need.
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Why do the edges of the pages on my book look torn?
They are not torn! They are called “deckled edge” pages (as opposed to “cut edge”), and this is a stylistic choice made by the publisher. Here is a good example of a book with deckled edges.
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How do your bulk discounts work?
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Can I buy single copies on your site?
Yes, you can! Single copies are discounted 20% off list price.
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Can I return bulk books?
Bulk discounts are only for non-returnable titles. If you are interested in buying returnable books at a discount, please contact our customer service team for title availability and pricing.
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Do your sales count for the bestseller lists?
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Are your bulk sales discounted by the bestseller lists?
No, they are not; our sales are counted the same as any other book retailer. For more information about bestseller reporting, contact Aaron at aaron@porchlightbooks.com
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Where can I find your bestselling books?
Each month, we post two bestseller lists of our own: one for business bestsellers and one for general nonfiction. You can find them here.
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Can you match the custom checkout page design to my own website?
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How will I know how my Custom Checkout campaign is performing?
Once your campaign is live, we can update you with order information, including customer emails, addresses, and order quantity.
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Can I prepay for a Custom Checkout campaign so my audience can order books at no cost?
Yes. Payment terms on your Custom Checkout campaign can be configured in a variety of ways, with the goal of giving you total control over the offer you present to your audience. You can prepay for all of the books and defer shipping costs to your users, or else pay for books and shipping upfront and simply let your users order books with no payment required. We’ll work with you to configure the payment arrangement that works best for your specific audience and offer.
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Can I require a promo code before allowing users to access my Custom Checkout page?
Yes. Requiring your users to enter a promo code before accessing your landing page is a simple and easy way to validate your users and lend your campaign an air of exclusivity.
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Can I put my company’s logo on my books?
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How long will it take to customize my books?
Custom orders have a minimum lead time of three weeks from order placement to delivery. Actual turnaround time depends on the customization, quantity, and production details of your particular project.
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Do you have designers to help me bring my customization project to life?
Yes, we do. Design services are available for $125 per customization. You simply supply the imagery (logos or other graphic elements) and copy, and our in-house designer will create three original concepts for your consideration. Once you have selected a design concept, you have three rounds of revisions available. We will also happily accept your organization’s style guidelines at the beginning of the process so we can create something that meets all your organization’s criteria.
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I have an idea that I don’t see on your price list; do you do any other customizations?
Yes, we love trying something new! If you have an idea for customizing a book, get in touch and we’ll make sure we know exactly what you’re looking for; we can then provide pricing and turnaround time.
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If I provide my own printed collateral, can you include or use this to customize my books?
Yes, we can. Depending on the circumstances of your book order, there may be a small handling fee associated with using your own collateral.
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Can I return customized books?
Unfortunately, no. The personalized nature of customized books means they cannot be restocked or resold to other customers.
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What does a ‘clean list’ look like?
Download this spreadsheet template to get started on your mass book mailing list. You must unzip the folder before you can access the template.
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Can you provide a single invoice for a bulk book shipment to multiple recipients?
Yes, we can! We are a small, flexible company and can work with you to meet your accounting needs.
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Can I use my own return address on my mailing’s shipping labels?
Yes! In fact, we prefer it. That way, your list recipients will more easily identify you as the sender, and if a package is determined undeliverable, it will be returned to you instead of to Porchlight.
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Will Porchlight notify my recipients of tracking status or send shipment emails to my recipients?
By default, we do not contact the recipients on your mailing list—for any reason. If you would like us to send tracking emails to your list after we ship, we can configure and send this upon request (additional costs may apply).
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One of my recipients has moved since their book shipped; what can I do?
Most single-copy mail classes do not include an address change option, so once we dispatch your mailing, no changes can be made to address labels or package contents. If the recipient returns the package to us or if the postal service handling final delivery determines the package to be undeliverable, we will happily reship the package for an additional shipping fee.
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How can I get my book reviewed?
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How can I get my book featured on your social media channels?
The books we promote on our social media channels are those we are covering, selling, or featuring in our weekly book giveaway.
(To learn more about book giveaways, contact Dylan at dylan@porchlightbooks.com)
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How do I get published on ChangeThis?
We publish one manifesto per week. To be considered, please submit a draft (2000-5000 words) to our Editorial Director, Dylan at dylan@porchlightbooks.com.
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How do I submit my book for awards?
You can find all the details on the Awards page.
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How much does it cost to submit a book?
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How many books can I enter?
Each publisher or imprint may enter up to 30 books.
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Which books are eligible for submission?
Any business book with a U.S. publication date in 2019.
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I am a business book reader, and I want to submit my favorite book. Can I do that?
Books must be submitted by the publisher, agent, or author of the book.
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Can I submit ebooks?
Only if a book is not available in physical format.
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When is the submission deadline?
All books must be entered online and review copies postmarked by Monday, October 7, 2019.
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Who judges the awards?
The Porchlight Editorial Team serves as the awards jury.
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Finished copies of my book will not be ready until after the submission deadline. Should I wait to send you those?
No, as our jury starts reading books before the deadline. Please send bound manuscripts (loose sheets not accepted) or galleys until the time that you can send the two finished copies.
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Can I save my entry form and finish later?
Unfortunately, you cannot. Please have all the required information on hand before you start the form.
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Is there anything I should know about shipping the review copies?
Please do not use paper-filled mailers, as they fall apart easily.
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How can I get the entry form to you if I am sending books directly from a warehouse or other third party?
You can either print them out and mail them separately or email them as a PDF to Blyth at blyth@porchlightbooks.com
or
Porchlight Book Company
c/o Blyth Meier, Marketing Director
544 S. 1st Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204 -
Can review copies be returned to me?
Unfortunately, they cannot.
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If the author is not available to attend the awards party, is their book still eligible?
Yes! While we love to have as many longlist authors as possible at our event, we realize that schedules are hard to coordinate. The availability of the author or publisher for the party will have no effect on the outcome of the awards.
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When will the awards be announced?
The Awards Longlist will be announced in November, the Shortlist in December, and the Book of the Year on January 16, 2020.
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Who has won in previous years?
Last year, our Business Book of the Year was Anand Giridharadas’ Winners Take All. You can see our full Awards history here.
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Can you fulfill requests for signed books?
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Can you fulfill book bundles?
Yes, we have experience executing creative bundling options—whether that is a copy of a backlist book bundled with a new book, or different variations of a book. Really, any kind of bundle you can think of, we can sell and fulfill for you.
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Can you fulfill bonus materials?
We sure can! Whether your bonus materials are physical or digital, we have you covered. Digital bonus materials can be hosted by Porchlight and easily delivered in the order confirmation email.
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Can you customize my new book for a special order?
You have come to the right place! We have an entire department dedicated to book customization and would love to work with you on your upcoming book. You can find more information about customization here or you can contact Michael, our Project Development Director, at michael@porchlightbooks.com.
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Can you deliver books to a hotel?
Yes! Please include this information on your order (Checkout>Shipping Method>Additional Order Info) and note the guest arrival date—or simply call customer service directly (800-236-7323), and we can arrange this.
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Can I get tracking information for my order?
Yes! As soon as we have tracking information for your order, you will receive an email. If you cannot find the email, you can also find tracking information in your Order History of your account (click on the Order ID#). If tracking information is not showing up, please contact customer service (customerservice@porchlightbooks.com or 800-236-7323), and they will be happy to help!
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Can you ship my order to more than one location?
It may add a couple of days to your delivery time, but we can do that! Call customer service (800-236-7323) in order to place a split shipment order.
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If I pre-order a book, will it be delivered on the release date?
Sometimes! Pre-ordered books are normally shipped on the release date; if you have a special circumstance that requires books to be delivered on the release date, we will work with the publisher to help accommodate your request. Call us (800-236-7323) for more information!
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Do you ship to [insert country name] country?
If UPS can ship it there (here are the countries), we can get it there!
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Which delivery carriers do you use?
UPS, USPS, FedEx, and various consolidated shipping options. Please note: we do not currently use DHL for general orders.
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Why are international shipping rates so expensive?
Think of it this way: it’s like you are buying a seat on an international flight—which is expensive! We do not determine international shipping rates from our carriers; we simply pass them on to you with no upcharges.
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How long does international delivery take?
It depends on your location, but you can safely estimate two weeks for international shipping. Be aware that customs varies by country and can hold up shipment for an undetermined amount of time. If you have concerns, contact customer service, and we will do our best to help get your package released from customs.
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What information is needed for customs forms?
Our expert customer service staff has shipped internationally for years, and they take care of the paperwork for you.
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Is my international order trackable?
Yes! As soon as we have tracking information available for your order, you will receive an email with that information. Note that some destination countries, due to local delivery logistics, are not able to provide us with tracking information. If you have a question about your order at any stage during the process, please feel free to call a Customer Service Specialist directly: 800-236-7323
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If my order has already shipped, can I change my shipping address?
Sometimes! It depends on many factors—contact customer service (800-236-7323) and we will do our best to help get your package rerouted.
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Can I use my UPS or FedEx account to ship my order?
We try to accommodate that request for bulk orders only (no single copy orders); please call customer service to see if your account can be applied to your order.
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Do I have to provide a phone number for my order?
Yes, you do. If there are any questions or problems with your order, it is the best way to contact you. And if you are shipping internationally, customs paperwork requires it.
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Why is my international order taking so long to deliver?
For small (e.g. single-copy) international shipments, we use a consolidated shipping vendor, which offers our customers delivery times comparable to USPS First Class International, at roughly half the published price of USPS’ service. This financial savings means your package will take slightly longer to enter the mailstream and be scanned for tracking. This, in turn, means your tracking number might take a few days to update with information about your shipment. If you have a question about your order at any stage during the process, please feel free to call a Customer Service Specialist directly: 800-236-7323
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What is the benefit of choosing Porchlight for shipments to Canada?
Porchlight is a nonresident importer to Canada. By prepaying customs import fees at the time of order, your bulk books are delivered to your door without having to broker the shipment through Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
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Are you the same company as 800-CEO-READ and Dickens Books?
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Why did you change your name?
Our company sprang from the business book section of Milwaukee’s Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops. That business book foundation has given us an expertise in the category and helped us build great relationships with its authors and imprints. The services we’ve built to serve them, however, can be applied to any book in any genre. In fact, we’ve sold books across the spectrum of publishing—from biographies and self-help to cookbooks and even fiction—for many years now, and we’ve decided we need to update our name to reflect that reality.
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Did your ownership change?
No! We are still owned by Rebecca Schwartz and Carol Grossmeyer. You can read more about our company history here.
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Did your services change?
No, we are still doing the same things we have always done to help publishers and authors get their books in the hands of readers around the world. You can read more about how we do that here.
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Did your tax ID number change?
No, we still use the same tax ID number and resale license to conduct business.
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Did your location change?
Not at all—we are still based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where we have always been. You can find us at 544 S. 1st Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
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Are you still business book experts?
Why yes, we are! We built our business and reputation over the last 35+ years working hand in hand with authors and publishers in the business book world and have no intention of abandoning our good friends. In fact, we will continue our annual business book awards <link to awards main page> to celebrate the genre. Our editorial scope will expand to all genres, but we are by no means leaving behind what got us here. You can read our latest reviews here.
How can we help?
Our expert Customer Service team is happy to answer your questions.