Publishers in Boston and N.Y. enter Super Bowl rivalry

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

To celebrate the Super Bowl face-off between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, two publishers have made a little wager. If the Patriots win, New York-based Other Press will promote two of Boston-based Beacon Press’ books for a week, and vice-versa if the Giants take the trophy.

In a press release, Beacon Press wrote, ‘The classic New York-Boston sports rivalry struck the publishers, both independent presses, as a ripe opportunity to engage in some fun, harmless, book-loving competition.’ Neither Beacon Press nor Other Press focus on books about sports. Both are independents with scholarly, literary lists. Gender studies, fiction, and the environment? Yes. The gridiron? No.

If there is a history of cross-promotion, this may be the first winner-take-all promotion. ‘I’m thrilled to be working with our friends at Beacon Press on this promotion,’ said Terry Aikers, manager of online publicity and social media at Other Press in its competing press release.

The two sides -- I mean publishers -- have adopted the boastful stance of pro sports players. “I think it’s great that Beacon is basically volunteering to do my job for me for a week,’ Aikers added. ‘Maybe I’ll take a vacation.’

There is also a giveaway connected to the contest. The publisher located in the winning city will give away a selection of books in celebration. Beacon Press writes, ‘Details of the giveaway will be posted online after the inevitable Pats victory.’ Confident that that the Giants will win, Other Press is already sending out a link to the publishers’ giveaway entry page.

RELATED:

Tim Tebow: Football success equals book sales

Walter Payton bio riles old friends; Mike Ditka’s spitting mad

A tennis star vs. a football coach: LA Times bestsellers Aug. 1, 2010

-- Carolyn Kellogg