Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Technically Speaking Live Session: Website Launch

Thanks to everyone for attending our first Technically Speaking Live session, held Thursday, May 22. This session covered our new Website Launch. We very much appreciate all your questions and feedback.

Below we’ve included some of the information shared at the meeting.

If you have additional comments or suggestions for the Website, please email: webmaster@hbgusa.com.

If you have topics which you would like to have discussed for future sessions of Technically Speaking Live, please email: david.stack@hbgusa.com.


HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW HBGUSA WEBSITE

Rich Content:

Every book and author published by HBG has its own page on the new site. Book Detail pages are automatically generated with basic title data and enhanced with rich content and media such as articles, interviews, links, and the unique “lightbox” video player (new videos will be added to the site continuously, starting with a handful at the initial release). HBG’s OpenBookTM program will be available for some titles, allowing visitors to preview pages and read first chapters; enthusiasts can then place the widget on their blogs and social networking sites to share with their online community. HBG will soon be rolling out many more book-browsing widgets on the site.


New Pages:

Among the new content on the site is the Media & Publicity section, a convenient resource for journalists and producers seeking Author Experts to speak to specific topics for interviews. Also new to the site are unique pages for each of HBG’s publishing groups and imprints, complete with histories, publisher bios, and featured authors and books.


Better Searching:

The Advanced Search feature enables users to search for both books and authors or illustrators by title, author/illustrator name, ISBN, format, publisher, imprint, genre, and pub date. The Book Rights & Permissions pages include a new rights availability search feature that connects users with information about serial, audio, international, or film and TV rights to HBG titles. Author Tour & Appearances details are also readily searchable from any page within the site.


New Contemporary Design:

The contemporary new look of www.HachetteBookGroupUSA.com creates a vibrant and cohesive feel throughout the site, while allowing for individual designs specific to key markets, such as the unique Kids and Teens sections.


Improved Content Management:

HBG partnered with POP, a Seattle-based design and technology firm, to design and build the site. The site content is managed by the RedDot Content Management System, an enterprise class, user-friendly tool that allows site management to be shared across the company.

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