2016 was a good year for APSS and our members, with many positive events. As a result, our membership increased by over 10%. Here are some of the highlights from this year that are exclusive to APSS members:

•  Increased our local chapters so we now have one in Charlotte, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Connecticut, Houston/South Texas, Maine, Mid-Atlantic, Nashville, Nebraska, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Santa Clarita (CA), Santa Fe, Sarasota, Washington State and West Michigan. Two international chapters are open in Canada and Nigeria. If you are interested in starting an APSS chapter near you, please let Brian Jud know at BrianJud@bookapss.org See many reasons to join a chapter at http://community.bookapss.org/page/why-join-a-chapter

• Conducted one-day Book Selling University workshops for many of the local chapters. These replaced the annual APSS conference.

•  Created bookstore-distribution opportunities with Midpoint Trade Books and SPU (subsidiary of IPG)

• Published 12 consecutive issues of The Sales Informer monthly special-sales newsletter

•  Started the APSS Membership Sweepstakes in which one member is chosen monthly. 2016 winners were Ethan Rappaport, Valerie Stastik, Beverly Black, Jim Culberson, Helen Nelson and Jef Gazley

•  Continued our series of 90-minute informative webinars. APSS presented over 60 hours of information this year to help you sell more of your books more profitably. In addition to many webinars on various elements of special sales, we had speakers present information about electronic editing, social media, how to start a publishing business, marketing on a budget, green audiences, cover design, how to launch a book, revenue streams to grow your publishing business, selling to libraries, creating promotional literature, legal issues, subsidiary and foreign rights, networking and many other topics.

•  Tested the concept of APSS Mastermind Groups which will be introduced to all members in 2017

•  Implemented the 10-Steps to Success educational modules that give members step-by-step instructions for finding and contacting prospective buyers in non-bookstore markets

•  Began the weekly Open Mic events in which Brian Jud is on the phone for an hour every Thursday at Noon Eastern time to answer questions about APSS and special sales in general

•  Opened the Ebook store for APSS members to sell their ebooks

•  Created the Suggestion Box on the APSS website that members can use to give us ideas for new programs and make comments on existing programs

•  Held two board meetings with the APSS Board members Guy Achtzehn, Sharon Castlen, Carol McManus, Rudy Shur and Karen Strauss

•  Conducted two surveys of all members for feedback and ideas for how APSS can improve and offer even more services and value to our members.

•  Prepared the new APSS website for its launch in early 2017, which will include an updated list of recommended suppliers and speakers bureau

• We worked all year with SPIRIT  to help our members succeed:
  Service – Anticipate and respond to the needs of our members and supporters
  People first – Deliver the best service to all members and make them the priority in everything we do
  Integrity – Communicate openly and honestly, build trust and conduct ourselves according to the highest ethical standards
  Respect – Treat every individual – those we serve and those with whom we work – with the highest level of professionalism 
  Innovation - -Embrace change and help members reach their goals with creative yet responsible marketing and sales techniques
  Teamwork – Build on the collective strength of our members with an open mind and open communication for mutual success

All of us at APSS wish you a happy, healthy and successful 2017, Kaye, Kim, Sarah and Brian