The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group has acquired the book assets of Down East Enterprises, the Rockport, Me. publisher of books and magazine about all things Maine. The purchase involves over 450 titles in four imprints, Down East Books, Shooting Sportsman Press, Fly Rod & Reel Books and Countrysport Press. The magazines that spawned those imprints remain with Down East Enterprises, and RPLG will continue to publish books under the imprints.
RLPG publisher Jed Lyons noted that his company, along with sister company National Book Network, has had lots of success with regional presses citing past purchases of such publishers as Taylor Trade that specializes in books on Texas, and Northland that focuses on the Southwest. The Down East purchase includes books on gardening, Maine history, art, travel guides, and cooking. Michael Steere will remain editor of the entire Down East book line and Terry Bregy and Linda Callahan will continue to sell titles to accounts across the state. NBN has been Down East’s long-time distributor and will continue in that capacity.
