Book producer Tehabi Books has signed a four-year agreement with the PGA Tour to develop a publishing program built around professional golf. A minimum of four books are scheduled to be released in 2005, and the agreement runs through at least 2008.
Tehabi will produce finished books and will sell the titles into special markets itself, while partnering with a traditional house to sell the line into bookstores, said Chris Capen, president of Tehabi. Capen said he expects to announce a publishing partner soon. Capen estimated that about 60% of sales of the line will be generated through nontraditional outlets, while 40% will come from the trade. Although none of the titles will have sponsors, Tehabi plans to work with the PGA's corporate backers to develop customized books with features such as a company logo on a book jacket. Nontraditional sales channels will include pro shops and tournament hospitality tents.
The first title in the line will be an illustrated book that uses the association's slogan, The PGA Tour: These Guys Are Good. That title will be followed by the first of what will be an annual fans' guide to the tour. Capen said the line will feature a variety of formats, ranging from paperbacks that will be priced below $10 to illustrated books in the $50 to $60 range.
