Sounds True, the Louisville, Colo.-based audio company best known for its recordings focusing on self-improvement and spirituality, is now venturing into the book publishing arena. On March 1, 2004, the company will launch a series of hardcover books, each packaged with a 75-minute CD and priced at $19.95.
The first four titles in the line are Spiritual Power, Spiritual Practice by Caroline Myss; Lucid Dreaming by Stephen Laberge; Shamanic Journeying by Sandra Igerman; and Meditation for Beginners by Jack Kornfield. An additional six book-and-CD titles will be released by the end of 2004, with plans to publish 12 book-and-CD titles per year after that. The book line is being spearheaded by senior editor Randy Roark, who will be assisted by existing staff. Sounds True publisher Tami Simon will oversee the projects.
In a statement, Simon commented, "This is a natural next step for us to establish Sounds True in new markets." In recent years, Sounds True audio titles have done well in such niche markets as health food stores. According to Sounds True publicity director Beverly Yates, "We know this material works, but sometimes people are unsure of audio. These titles can introduce people to what you can do with audio." Yates said that going forward, the book-and-CD titles will be a mix of new material and new adaptations of popular Sounds True backlist audio.
Like all Sounds True products, the new line will be offered through the Sounds True mail-order catalogue and other catalogues, such as Chinaberry. The line will also be sold through its established trade distribution channels, which include Ingram, Baker & Taylor and New Leaf. Borders and Barnes & Noble are already on board to carry the line.
