SPEAKEASY SIGNS DISTRO AGREEMENT WITH DIAMOND

[MattBrady]

Press Release

Speakeasy Comics has selected Diamond Book Distributors as the exclusive worldwide distributor of English-language editions of its graphic novels and books to the bookstore, library, warehouse, mass merchandise, specialty mass, and comic book specialty markets.

Founded in 2004 by industry veteran Adam Fortier, Toronto-based Speakeasy Comics focuses on independent comics and provides a home for both existing and up-and-coming creators and projects. While the company was initially created as an umbrella for Fortier's own comic ideas, Speakeasy's commitment to showcasing creators and introducing fresh faces to the industry was evident when the company opened itself to new submissions from creators both new and established. Some projects already lined up for 2005 include an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's works plus an all-new project by Japanese superstar Yoshitaka Amano.

"We are pleased to welcome Speakeasy to Diamond's collection of publishers," said Diamond Vice President of Purchasing Bill Schanes. "Fortier's experience in the industry will insure that every project he publishes will be of the highest quality. We are excited about the projects already lined up for 2005."

"I have worked with Diamond Comics for a number of years, and through a number of different companies." said Adam Fortier. "But now, with my own company - Speakeasy Comics - I'm especially pleased to have their support in both the Direct and Mass Markets for our Comics and Graphic Novels. Their experience and skills will help Speakeasy hit the ground running."

Diamond's Sales Team will begin working with bookstores, book wholesalers, warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers, and libraries to place Speakeasy Comics titles across the country.

[idkidd]

Tom Fortier's name is very familiar -- what has he done in the past?

Also, will Speakeasy's comics be distributed non-exclusively through Diamond?

[Dery]

Speakeasy Comics have 3 books solicited in this month's PREVIEWS. Atomika #1 (Monthly series), Amano's Hero GN and The Grimoire #1 (Monthly series). Check them out, all 3 books are going to be excellent.

[bishop-m]

All Three of these books looks great! I think Grimoire looks to be my early favorite, but I will be checking them all out. Good Luck to all those affiliated with Speakeasy!

[Egg]

Excellent, excellent, excellent! I'm glad Speakeasy is doing well! I'm looking forward to laying my hands on some of your work!

Sincerely,

An American in a Canadian Comic Company - Egg Embry
Editor - www.ArcanaStudio.com
Writer - www.KamenComic.com

[AdamYoung]

So you are using Diamond...wouldn't it be foolish not to?

[United Comics]

Originally posted by AdamYoung
So you are using Diamond...wouldn't it be foolish not to?

Diamond BOOK Distributors is a separate division of Diamond COMIC Distributors, which handles bookstore sales. Distributing material through Diamond Comics does not mean that your book will be handled by the book distribution division. That's a separate agreement (with technically a separate company).

But would it be foolish not to use Diamond? Difficult, yes, but not necessarily foolish.