Baker & Taylor New Title Presentation Guidelines

Introduction

Baker & Taylor provides comprehensive guidelines for publishers to present new titles effectively. These guidelines ensure that new publications are presented in a consistent, professional manner that meets the needs of libraries and retailers while maximizing discoverability and market potential. Following these carefully structured presentation standards helps publishers optimize their exposure across Baker & Taylor's distribution channels.

This document outlines the essential elements required for presenting new titles to Baker & Taylor, including formatting specifications, submission requirements, and best practices for ensuring your titles receive optimal visibility.

Title Information Requirements

Core Bibliographic Data

When presenting new titles, publishers must provide complete and accurate bibliographic information. This includes:

• Title and subtitle (complete and accurate)
• Author/contributor names (spelled correctly)
• ISBN-13 for all formats
• Publisher name and imprint
• Publication date (actual date when available)
• Page count and trim size
• Format type (hardcover, paperback, ebook, audiobook)
• Binding information where applicable
• Language(s) of content
• Original publication date (for reprints)

Subject Classification

Each title must include appropriate subject classification using:

• BISAC Subject Heading List (at least one, maximum three)
• LC Subject Headings or LC Classification where available
• Audience level codes where applicable
• Regional and language identifiers where relevant

Content Description Standards

Product Description

Crafting effective product descriptions requires attention to several key elements:

• Begin with a compelling hook (maximum 25 words) that captures the essence of the work
• Include a concise synopsis that outlines the main content, themes, or arguments
• Specify the target audience or reading level
• Mention awards, distinctions, or notable reviews when available
• Include relevant series information when applicable
• Highlight unique selling points or special features
• Maintain a consistent length (approximately 150-200 words for most titles)
• Use active voice and present tense where appropriate

Description Formatting

Adhering to the following formatting standards ensures your descriptions display correctly across multiple platforms:

• Use standard sentence structure and punctuation
• Avoid ALL CAPS, excessive bold, or italicized text
• Do not include HTML or other markup languages
• Separate paragraphs with a single blank line
• Include author biography in a separate section (maximum 50 words)
• List contributor names with their roles in a standardized format

Review and Acclaim Guidelines

When including reviews or acclaim:

• Cite publication sources accurately
• Include publication dates if available
• Verify rights to quote reviews on marketing materials
• Limit to maximum 5-7 reviews per title
• Organize with starred reviews first, followed by additional reviews
• Ensure all quoted material is accurate and properly attributed

Cover Art and Visual Elements

Cover Image Specifications

Cover Art Best Practices

• Submit final, approved cover art (not proofs or sketches)
• Ensure title and author name match metadata exactly
• Include both front and back cover images when possible
• Remove all promotional stickers, badges, or temporary elements
• Trim any whitespace around the main image
• Avoid excessive compression that creates visible artifacts
• Test visibility at thumbnail sizes (critical for online catalogs)

Digital Content Specifications

Ebook Metadata Requirements

Digital publications require additional metadata elements:

• DRM specifications and limitations
• Technical requirements (e-reader compatibility)
• Fixed format vs. reflowable design specifications
• Accessibility features and compliance level
• Digital ISBN(s)
• File format (EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, etc.)
• File size limitations
• Interactive or multimedia elements documentation

Audiobook Specifications

• Narrator name credits
• Total runtime (HH:MM:SS format)
• Audio format specifications (MP3, AAC, etc.)
• File size details
• Technical requirements and compatibility notes
• Accessibility features

Submission Process and Deadlines

Submission Timelines

To ensure optimal catalog placement and promotional opportunities, observe these submission deadlines:

• For titles publishing January-April: Submit by October 1st of previous year
• For titles publishing May-August: Submit by February 1st of publication year
• For titles publishing September-December: Submit by June 1st of publication year

Required Submission Components

All new title submissions must include:

• Complete bibliographic record in ONIX format (preferred)
• High-quality cover image files meeting specifications above
• Marketing materials and promotional plans where applicable
• ARCs or advance reader copies when available
• Pricing information for all markets and formats
• Availability dates and printing status
• Digital galleys for review consideration (optional but recommended)

Submission Methods

Publishers can submit new title information through:

• Baker & Taylor publisher portal (recommended method)
• Direct ONIX file transfer via FTP
• Secure email submission for smaller lists
• API integration for automated submissions

Marketing and Promotional Opportunities

Standard Presentation Elements

Baker & Taylor includes several standard elements in title presentations:

• Cover image display
• Basic bibliographic information
• Availability status and pricing
• Subject classification and browsing category
• Publisher information

Enhanced Presentation Options

Publishers may enhance their title presentations by providing:

• Author photos and biographical materials
• Interior images or sample chapters
• Book trailers or video content
• Interviews or other supplementary materials
• Teaching guides or discussion questions
• Event schedules for author tours
• Social media assets and campaign materials

Cooperative Marketing Opportunities

Baker & Taylor offers various cooperative marketing programs for qualifying titles:

• Seasonal catalogs (submission deadlines apply)
• Featured title placements
• Email campaign inclusions
• Library collection development features
• Specialized collection spotlights

Quality Assurance and Verification

Data Verification Steps

Baker & Taylor recommends the following verification steps before submission:

• Review all metadata for accuracy and completeness
• Verify ISBNs with BowLink or similar services
• Test cover images for quality issues
• Confirm publication dates and availability information
• Check subject classifications against current standards
• Validate all links to supplementary materials

Common Submission Issues

Avoid these frequent errors that delay processing:

• Incorrect or misaligned ISBNs
• Incomplete author information
• Discrepancies between physical and digital editions
• Low-resolution or improperly formatted cover images
• Inaccurate availability dates
• Inconsistent pricing information across formats
• Outdated or incorrect subject headings
• Missing publication information for translated works

Summary

Following Baker & Taylor's New Title Presentation Guidelines ensures that your publications receive optimal exposure through all distribution channels. By providing complete, accurate information in the specified formats, and meeting quality standards for all visual and descriptive elements, publishers maximize their titles' discoverability and market potential.

These guidelines are updated periodically to reflect industry standards and technological developments. Publishers are encouraged to check for updates at least annually and to consult directly with their Baker & Taylor representatives for publication-specific questions or special circumstances.