Book Sense and the History Channel Join Forces Once Again

Book Sense, HarperCollins, and the History Channel are launching a significant new promotional opportunity for independent bookstores participating in the Book Sense national marketing program. Designed to tie in with the April 21 History Channel broadcast of a documentary based on the book April 1865: The Month That Saved America, by Jay Winik (HarperCollins), the cooperative promotion will begin in mid-March and will run until the end of April.

As with the successful "Fire on the Mountain" campaign, which ran last fall, it is expected that this new promotional campaign will provide independent booksellers with an exciting marketing event for their customers, said Meg Smith, BookSense.com business development and marketing manager. "We're excited to be working again with the History Channel, and, also, with HarperCollins, to highlight great books and fascinating programming," she said. "The History Channel and independent booksellers share the passion of providing rich information to their customers, and the April 1865 event will give booksellers the chance to reintroduce their customers to an important period of American history."

The History Channel presentation, April 1865: The Month That Saved America, brings Winik's acclaimed bestselling book to life. The documentary examines perhaps the most crucial 30 days in the history of the United States -- the final days of the Civil War. From interviews with top Civil War historians to historical reenactments of significant events, the documentary brings to television a detailed description of a remarkable time in history, from the fall of Richmond to Lee's retreat, to the surrender at Appomattox and Lincoln's assassination.

The History Channel is seen in over 82 million households and is ranked the third-favorite basic cable channel overall among cable subscribers.

Stores that participate in this national promotion will be able to offer their customers the chance to "Win a Trip Through History," where they will retrace the steps of those who engaged in the Civil War. Bookstores will receive special in-store promotional materials, including an in-store counter easel explaining the promotion, which will have a tear-off "take one" that directs customers to the BookSense.com Web site or a special Web page, where they can enter the contest.

Additionally, Book Sense will hold a Bookseller Display contest. Booksellers who send in photos of their April 1865 in-store display by April 30 will be entered into a contest giving them a chance to win their choice of a trip to historic Charleston, South Carolina, or an in-store appearance by author Jay Winik.

This new promotion will provide independent booksellers in the Book Sense program with a unique opportunity to increase store traffic and book sales. Additionally, since the contest will be publicized to consumers through e-mail, the History Channel Web site, and the BookSense.com Web site, it will raise the national awareness of the Book Sense program. The promotion, the second such partnership with the History Channel, will conclude at the end of April.

Booksellers who wish to participate in the promotion must sign up by February 21. To do so, or for more information, click here or contact Meg Smith at (800) 637-0037, ext. 1239, or via e-mail to [email protected] and include "April 1865" in the subject line.