The History Press, a publishing company based in Charleston, South Carolina, proves that niche publishing on a small scale can be profitable. They print small runs of books — typical print runs are 1,000 to 1,800 copies — that focus on the local history of various communities across the United States. According to a recent article in South Carolina newspaper The State, the company sold more than 200,000 books in 2008. Not bad.

History books ranked third in U.S. book sales last year behind biography and romance according to Michael Norris, editor of Simba’s Book Publishing Report. The History Press also secures its place in the publishing world by appealing to local interests. “There’s an inherent appeal in local products because people care about their communities,” said Brittain Phillips, chief operating officer of the company.

The History Press takes the local appeal one step further. “[The publisher] has no trouble placing its books in local stores of the national chains, and [its] entire catalog is available online,” writes Joey Holleman in The State article. “But most of the sales are at the grass-roots level in gift shops, restaurants and retail stores.”

Authors and book publishers, what are some ways you have used local interest to promote your books? What types of publicity opportunities do you pursue within your own communities?

SOURCE: “S.C.-based publishing company thrives,” 12/26/08