HarperCollins to discontinue paper catalog

HarperCollins Publishers will launch a beta version of an interactive, electronic sales catalog later this year that will ultimately replace its paper catalog. 

“It has been clear to me for some time that catalogs are out of date as soon as they are printed,” said Jane Friedman, president/CEO of HarperCollins Publisher Worldwide, in a statement. “So much of what we do today is in real time. Why not our catalogs?” she added. An electronic version of the catalog will reduce a waste in paper, production and shipping, Friedman added.

The catalog will use a dynamic application linked to all HarperCollins' publishing data systems. As a result, book covers, prices, on-sale dates, reviews, quotes and media alerts will be updated in real time as soon as they have been entered. Booksellers will be able to create lists and place orders online as they review front list book pages, and an author's entire backlist will be visible as well. The catalog pages will feature links to rich media content including author interviews, promotional videos and audio samples for many titles. Booksellers will also be able to read a portion of a large selection of galleys and complete editions for certain titles.

HarperCollins mails approximately 100,000 catalogs three times a year, according to an Associated Press report.