circulars for SBPA members

SBPA 45TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:59:20 +0000

SBPA 45TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CALL FOR MOTIONS AND NOMINATIONS

1. Notice is hereby given that the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Singapore Book Publishers Association will be held on Thursday, 24 May 2012 from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the NUSS Suntec City Guild House, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #05-001, Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983.
(Note: Registration begins at 12.30 p.m. Lunch will begin at 1.00 p.m to be followed by the meeting from 2.00 p.m to 4.00 p.m.)

2. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
SBPA is requesting for nominations to the Executive Committee for the two-year term beginning in May 2012. The vacancies to be filled are:
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Honorary Secretary
Assistant Honorary Secretary
Exco members (6 positions)

Members who wish to run for the elections must complete the attached Nomination form and submit to SBPA at the following address: 20 Maxwell Road #09-17 Singapore 069113. The Nomination form must reach the Association by 10 May 2012.

3. MOTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Members who wish to put forward any motion for discussion must submit the motion by 10 May 2012.

Members who are unable to attend the AGM may send a proxy. Please submit the reply slip/proxy form by 20 May 2012.

Members must confirm their attendance by 20 May 2012 to:
Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar
Honorary Secretary
nurel25@yahoo.com.sg

Facebook Marketing: Insights and Best Practices from Leading Global Brands

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:26:29 +0000

What have global brands learned from the billions of dollars they’ve spent on Facebook? How can your company profit from their experience?

Monday, May 7th from 10am to Noon
Plug-In@Blk71, NUS Enterprise
71 Ayer Rajah Crescent

Information & RSVP online at http://nusmdaybrant.eventbrite.com/

Advertise in the new SBPA Member Directory: Deadline 15 April 2012

admin — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:51:45 +0000

Advertise in the new SBPA Member Directory: Deadline 15 April 2012. Click here for rate card!

“Publishing in Singapore 2012″ provides unique insight into the Singapore book publishing industry. This volume is an invaluable tool for industry practitioners as well as those interested in Singapore’s publishing scene. This year’s country overview will focus on the theme “Children’s Books and Education Publishing” and will be written by an industry professional.

The book — which will be retailed in key bookstores in Singapore and given to participants at all regional and international book fairs — provides the perfect platform for potential advertisers to reach publishers.

Two thousand copies of “Publishing in Singapore 2012″ will be distributed at the Frankfurt and Beijing book fairs, all ASEAN countries, Singapore foreign missions, the Media Development Authority and the National Arts Council.

If you are interested to advertise in “Publishing in Singapore 2012″, please download the rate card or email Mr Tony Lund, SBPA Membership Chairperson, at tlund@cambridge.org.

HUMAN RESOURCE CAPABILITY TOOLKIT/PROGRAMME

admin — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 05:18:39 +0000

The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), in collaboration with SPRING Singapore has launched a Human Resource Advisory and Information Service (HRAISS) for the Small & Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs). This service is targeted at Singapore-based SMEs which we think will be beneficial for your members. HRAISS provides HR Advisory service via phone/email.

There is also the HR Capability Toolkit which is downloadable, free of charge at SNEF Website.

http://www.sgemployers.com/public/industry/smehr@snef.jsp

Emily Hill Institute for Creative Enterprise

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 03:27:14 +0000

Emily Hill Institute for Creative Enterprise (EHICE) develops and conducts capability development WSQ Diploma courses tailored for the arts and the creative industries: arts, design and media & communications.

The programmes will be useful for entrepreneurs, managers and creative practitioners who already have with specific skill set in areas such as design, finance, dance etc. EHICE programmes support them by providing additional knowledge and management skills such as marketing, fund-raising, finance, and project management.

The programmes are conducted through seminar-style classes. The classes focus on real life situations that help to facilitate accelerated learning. The courses are structured for adult learners and are delivered through seven modules.

EHICE courses are accredited under Creative Industries Workforce Skills Qualifications (CI WSQ) system and EHICE is an approved WSQ Programme Partner.

EHICE currently offers Diplomas in Arts Management, Creative Entrepreneurship. We also offer a few stand-alone Modular courses this year:

1. WSQ DIPLOMA IN ARTS MANAGEMENT
WSQ DIPLOMA IN ARTS MANAGEMENT (WSQ Dip AM) is a one year programme for employees in the arts industry, or for those individuals who are working in other sectors but would like to move in to the arts sector. The trainee is attached to a host company for one year and also attends part time classes over seven months. The classes are conducted on Tuesday mornings – generally from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on Saturdays – half day or full day. This programme is supported by NAC – National Arts Council. We will also conduct 3 master classes over 1 year where an expert arts manager will come and give a talk.

2. WSQ DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
WSQ DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP (WSQ Dip CE) is suitable for start-ups and professionals in the creative industries. It is a part-time course (5 months of class room learning) that develops capabilities, which entrepreneurs need in order to excel in the dynamic and challenging creative industries. Classes are conducted on weeknights and on Saturdays, full-day or half-day.
For the two Diplomas, 70% OF THE COURSE FEES ARE SUBSIDISED BY WDA. In addition, Singaporean citizens who complete the WSQ Diploma for the first time will be eligible for the CET QUALIFICATION AWARD (CQA) OF S$1,000.00.*(*Terms and conditions apply for CET Qualification Award .Please refer to the following link for terms and conditions: http://app2.wda.gov.sg/web/contents/Contents.aspx?ContId=1215).
Furthermore, Companies can claim ABSENTEE PAYROLL. For eligibility criteria and application, please refer to the following link on Skills Connect website: https://www.skillsconnect.gov.sg/web/guest/AP

3. WSQ MODULAR COURSES
EHICE also offers WSQ MODULAR COURSES FOR people who are unable to commit the time for the Diplomas. The modular courses are delivered in 18 to 24 hours. Classes are held on weeknights, once or twice a week. For the year 2012, we are offering three Modular Courses:
1. WSQ Modular Course in LEGAL BASICS
2. WSQ Modular Course in FINANCIAL BASICS
3. WSQ Modular Course in MARKETING
WSQ Modular Courses offer the same curriculum as the modules in the WSQ DipCE. They allow trainees the flexibility to develop specific skills relevant to the arts and creative industries and their entrepreneurial needs. Completing any of the following Management Modules will qualify the participant for a WSQ Statement of Attainment. For the WSQ Modular courses, 70% of the Course fees are subsidised by WDA.
Please let us know if any one of our programmes is of interest and we will be happy to provide more information. You can also refer to our website http://www.emilyhill.org/EHICE/EHICE.php

Please do join us for the EHICE Open House on 4thr April. Otherwise, please feel free to call me and meet me personally for more information.

Mukta Ahluwalia
Assistant Director
Emily Hill Institute for Creative Enterprise
11 Upper Wilkie Road
Singapore 228120
O: +65 6338 3018
F: +65 6337 4204
E: mukta@emilyhill.org
http://www.emilyhill.org/EHICE/EHICE.php

Publishing veteran seeks position in the Singapore publishing industry

admin — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:07:13 +0000

Ilangoh Thanabalan is an 18-year veteran of the Singapore publishing industry who has worked at all levels of retail, distribution and publishing. He is a dynamic individual who understands not only the nature of publishing and distribution but also its supply chain and marketing needs and he brings with him valuable regional contacts. He is currently seeking suitable appointments in the Singapore publishing industry and can be contacted at ilangoh@yahoo.com or at 9168 1471.

SBPA launches inaugural Publishing Awards 2012

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:18:30 +0000

The SBPA is proud to announce the launch of the Association’s awards across six categories.
The awards are open to all publishers based in Singapore; international, regional or local. We aim to raise the profile of the publishing industry and showcase the high standard of publishing here in Singapore. We also aim to acknowledge the role of the bookstore to the industry and will be introducing a special retailer prize. The categories are:

Best novel
Best debut work (any genre)
Best nonfiction title
Best cover design
Best ebook
Best window display or retail campaign

Entries will be drawn from titles published between April 2011 and 2012 with the winners announced at the SBPA Gala Dinner in November 2012 – during the Singapore Writers Festival.

Judges
A very special panel of judges will be in place to ensure the awards become a keenly anticipated date of the Singapore publishing calendar. Check back soon for a full list of judges.

Entry forms
Entry forms will be issued in April 2012 and will be available for download on this page.

Media enquiries
McGagh PR is handling the publicity. The following press releases are available for download:

SBPA Publishing Awards 2012 Press Release (8 Nov 2011)

End.

Singapore Writers Festival 2011 “Publishing Symposium”

admin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:55:30 +0000

Calling all publishers and authors. Do sign up now for the 2-day Singapore Writers Festival 2011 “Publishing Symposium” to be held 27th and 28th October 2011 at SMU (Reading Room, 5th floor, Li Ka Shing Library). Tickets are available through SISTIC now.

Download the full 2-day programme here.

Day 1 (27 Oct) is for publishers and authors.
Day 2 (28 Oct) is for published, unpublished and aspiring authors.

Day 1 schedule:

9.30-10.30am Loyalties, royalties and the balance of power
Synopsis: A look at the changing roles of publishers, agents and authors. Self-publishing vs. working with a publisher — advantages and disadvantages. An introduction to new publishing models along with value propositions that are changing loyalties, royalties and the balance of traditional power, and keeping the publisher relevant.
Speakers:
Robert Nichols, Marketing & Digital Director, Constable & Robinson, UK
Leigh Cunningham, Founder, Association of Independent Authors, Singapore

Break

11.00am-12.00pm Ebook conversion and distribution
Synopsis: What are the various ebook distribution options available to publishers and self-published authors? What is the landscape for ebook sales like today? Who can help get your titles into as many ecommerce stores as possible and what will it cost? What is the reporting like from these distributors? An overview of the different aggregator models. A look at licensing content instead of selling ebooks. Library sales? Does it make sense to convert your files in-house? If not, who are the partners who can help? How can small publishers and indie authors ensure that in the process of digitizing their titles that quality standards remain high? How do you optimize your titles to compete in the digital market? In-house conversion versus using a conversion house. A brief overview of InDesign 5.5. Best practices when formatting for conversion houses wpr contents pages, footnotes, illustrations, imprint pages, tables and embedding video.
Speakers:
Devan Rajam, Vice-President (Sales and Marketing), Geethik Technologies, Malaysia
Peter Schoppert, Director, PS Media Asia, Singapore

Lunch

1.30-2.30pm Ebook marketing

Synopsis: What are the challenges facing ebook marketers? How do the marketing approaches differ between hardcopy and digital books? Viral marketing (videos, bk trailers, social media, free ebooks), how to create irresistible offers, how to form joint ventures with affiliates, virtual book tours and guest blogging/reviews, how to develop fan bases for independent authors. Facebook vs Foursquare, Twitter, Gowalla, Instagram, Scvngr and Tagwhat. Readers are discovering books through online search. But where are they turning for information about books? To what extent is the conversation being shaped by traditional book media that has migrated into the online space, to what extent by emerging online reader communities on sites like Goodreads?
Speaker:
Robert Nichols, Marketing & Digital Director, Constable & Robinson, UK

2.30-3.30pm Ebooks for kids and young adults
Synopsis: A look at what digital platforms kids and young adults overseas are using, what they are reading and how the publishers and authors are reaching them. Straight ebooks or more interactive? Genres? From trade and educational perspectives, what kind of locally produced kid’s content can be exported and onto what platforms.
Speaker:
Stanley Han, CEO, KooBits Pte Ltd

Break

4.00-5.00pm Cross-platform
Synopsis: A look at graphic novels, animation and TV adaptations of books, what can be done, what publishers and indie authors need to know, how should their original content change to attract cross-platform adaptations. How do publishers and authors pitch their work to media houses for possible adaptation into other platforms? What is the role of agents?
Speakers:
Fran Lebowitz, Author and former New York Literary Agent, Singapore
Lingun Sung, CEO, Peach Blossom Media

Day 2 – Fri 28 October

9.30-10.30am The Role of the Author
Synopsis: How and why do authors write? What is the process of finding a publisher? How do you work with a publisher and what kind of expectations should you have / not have? How do you promote yourself?
Speaker:
Duncan Jepson, author of the All the Flowers of Shanghai (HarperCollins US)

Break

11.00am-12.00pm How to Get Noticed by a Commissioning Editor
Synopsis: Why do publishers seem impenetrable? What kind of books and authors do publishers want? What is the role and how do you get noticed by a commissioning editor? What can prospective writers do to increase their chances of finding a publisher? What makes a good submission? What happens after your book is bought? How are books edited?
Speaker:
Jenny Parrott, Commissioning Editor, Little, Brown

Lunch

1.30-2.30pm Marketing Your Book: The role of the Publisher and Author
Synopsis: What is the role of sales and marketing of authors? What are the effects of digital publishing on sales and marketing? Find out more on the financial analysis of how sales of a book relate to an advance and royalties paid to an author. What are the pros and cons of self-publishing vs regional / international publishing?
Speaker:
Daniel Watts, Regional Director, Macmillan Asia

2.30-3.30pm The Future of the Publishing Industry: What Authors Need to Know
Synopsis: What is the future of publishing? What are the challenges, the potential areas for innovation and strategy? Is digital the new frontier for publishing? Do authors still need publishers? How relevant are publishers?
Speakers:
Jenny Parrott. Commissioning Editor, Little, Brown
Duncan Jepson, author of the All the Flowers of Shanghai (HarperCollins US)
Daniel Watts, Regional Director, Macmillan Asia
Marysia J, Peony Literary Agency, HK

Break

4.00-5.00pm Print And Ebook Author Contracts
Synopsis: An overview of the most important clauses in the print and ebook contract and a look at ebook-only contracts. What should publishers and authors be aware of?
Speakers:
Chua Hong Koon, Publishing Director, Armour Publishing, and Vice -President, Singapore Book Publishers Association, Singapore
Koh Chia Ling, Partner, ATMD Bird & Bird LLP

Man Asian Literary Prize 2011

admin — Wed, 04 May 2011 10:29:32 +0000

The Man Asian Literary Prize (MALP) is open to publishers from around the world for books authored by citizens of Asia. Publishers may enter up to three eligible novels for the 2011 Prize, which is US$30,000. As you may know, the MALP is awarded to a published novel and entries need to be made by publishers. Translations of books originally written or published in another language are also eligible as long as the first date of publication in English is 2011. The longlist will be announced in October 2011, shortlist in January 2012 and the winner at a ceremony in Hong Kong in March 2012.

Details of eligibility and all rules and conditions can be found here.

Online entry is available here.

Deadline for entries is 31 August 2011. Five copies of the book should be sent at the time of entry to the Prize Manager:
Marina Ma
Man Asian Literary Prize
Room 201, Kai Tak Commercial Building
66-72 Stanley Street, Central
HONG KONG, CHINA SAR
www.manasianliteraryprize.org

Reclaim VAT on London Book Fair expenses

admin — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:41:52 +0000

Singapore-registered companies exhibiting at or visiting London Book Fair are advised that they may reclaim VAT incurred on many items, such as exhibitions, conferences, training workshops, sales meetings, accommodation and F&B.

There are several companies in Singapore offering VAT reclaim services; we suggest you research them online. These companies don’t charge fees – only a percentage of your VAT savings. This means that if you don’t get a refund, they don’t charge.

One such company, which has been dealing with London Book Fair for many years is VATit Singapore P/L. For more information about VATit, please contact: +65 6323 5426 or visit www.vatit.com.