Hello, Rich, and welcome to The Mystery Reader! Tell us how and why Buttonwood Press got started.

In the early '90's I discovered great pleasure in writing novels. I would come home form work as Director of Special Education for the State of Michigan and spend evenings writing my stories, about nine in three to four years. As retirement became a real possibility, I decided to publish some of my books.

So, when I retired in 1997, after 33 years in education, I followed my dream. While most writers seek and desire to be accepted by a publisher, at my age I wanted to get my stories into the hands of interested readers. The quickest way to reach this goal is to do it myself, so I decided to self-publish my work.

Did you have a mission in mind when you began producing books?

Yes, I wanted to provide readers with stories that were fun to read, easy to read, and entertaining yet introduce the reader to some of the issues in special education. I had been observing that people were bringing a variety of worksettings to the mystery reading public or specializing in some aspect of the workaday world.

My philosophy is to not use the Lord's name in vain nor to use profanity. I wanted to give readers a story free of these characteristics, an option. Finally, it is the policy of Buttonwood Press that a portion of each book sold, regardless of site of purchase, goes to an organization serving people with disabilities.

In what format are your books published?

My mystery books are printed and are trade paperback.

Do you do print-on-demand books?

I produce several hundred books and reprint as needed.

How are your books distributed? Do you get help from Ingrams or B and T, or are you on your own?

My wholesaler is Partners Book Distributing in Holt, Michigan. I have consignment arrangements with a few bookstores. In some instances I sell directly to bookstores. I travel to many educational conferences, primarily in Michigan, to exhibit, give talks, and sell my books to interested readers. I have spoken to numerous groups: Friends of the Library, Service Organizations, Schools, and Chapters of Professional Groups. In these instances I take my books with me and sell to interested persons.

Tell us how you advertise. Where do the dollars go, primarily?

I buy some ads in professional periodicals as my mysteries are geared toward people in education. I have created flyers, post cards, and bookmarks which serve as marketing tools. I have a website which also serves as a means of advertising. Finally, I have an exhibit which I take with me to state and national conventions.

How does the Internet figure into your promotional plans?

I am currently involved in "mystery" activities beyond the production of books. I put on interactive mystery shows at conferences and staff retreats. I also write original, 2 single-space page mysteries for people who wish to contract with me to create the perfect gift for the mystery reader who has everything. The Internet is a wonderful vehicle to communicate these services and to make my products known to people throughout the world.

8. Who are some of the authors you've contracted with? What releases do you have out or soon out? At this point and for the foreseeable future, I only publish my own work. I have written three mysteries called the Lou Searing and Maggie McMillan Mystery series. Books produced to date in order are: A Lesson Plan for Murder, The Principal Cause of Death, and Administration Can Be Murder. I plan to produce one mystery a year.

What is the price range of your releases?

All three mysteries sell for $12.95 in the U.S. and $16.50 in Canada.

How can readers purchase your books?

They can copy the order form on my website and order from Buttonwood Press. They can ask their favorite bookstore to order the book from partners at (800) 336-3137. Finally they can obtain the mysteries from Amazon.com

Do you have a website with more information?

Yes. My website is www.buttonwoodpress.com Please visit and watch me follow my dreams. I'd also like to congratulate The Mystery Reader for offering a marvelous website to all of us who enjoy reading mysteries. Having a "home" to enjoy our passion is wonderful. Thanks.

Rich, thanks for joining us, and best of luck!

March 10, 2000