Simon & Schuster Enters Pact With Self-Publisher

Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg
The Wall Street Journal
November 27, 2012

Simon & Schuster is putting its toe into the self-publishing book world, striking an arrangement with a company that helps writers looking to publish their own works.

Simon & Schuster, one of half a dozen big traditional publishers, has licensed its Archway Publishing trademark to Author Solutions Inc., one of the biggest companies that arrange the digital formatting and distribution of self-published titles and sells related services.

The pact is the latest confirmation that a once-scorned corner of the book industry is gaining increased credibility with publishers and readers alike.

Under the deal, writers can have their books published under the Archway name, and take advantage of such services as inclusion in an online catalog used by retailers, wholesalers and librarians; and video production to create trailers that can be distributed via Simon & Schuster's syndication relationships with online video networks.