Events: IDPF Voting: Board Nomination

Dear IDPF Members,

I am entering my name into the competition for the open board member position and would greatly appreciate your vote.

The IDPF is a vital organization in the fast-growing digital arena. And we are at a critical juncture as digital publishing is about to reach the “regular” consumer. The IDPF needs to work through technical standards, but just as importantly it needs to envision the future and be the leader in spearheading all aspects of digital publishing, including the needs of readers, publishers and writers.

Harlequin Enterprises Ltd. is in a unique position as a publisher because it is a destination brand for customers in both the print book and eBook worlds. We entered the digital market just slightly more than a year ago with several different initiatives: a mobile application (Harlequin on the Go), downloadable audio and, of course, our eBook program. We launched eBooks in October 2005 and have since quadrupled the title output (to 40 plus titles a month), launched an eBook Boutique on our website (www.eharlequin.com), and published exclusive eBook content (the Harlequin Mini) with plans to develop and launch original eBook content in the very near future.

As a representative of Harlequin Enterprises Ltd. I bring a brand and consumer perspective along with the very practical experience of being in the trenches launching and managing an eBook program. Multiple formats, metadata, xml are not my natural bailiwick, but they help or hinder the customer experience, which is my focus. Let me share with the IDPF these three key strengths: being a leading eBook publisher with diverse and interesting insights about how digital can transform the publishing industry; being a publisher with a deep and rich understanding of the consumer, especially the female perspective; and having the experience of how to bring the power of the brand to digital.

I am a reader, a writer, an editor and a digital publisher. During my 17 years at Harlequin I edited hundreds of novels and then moved to the Internet division where I acquired and edited serialized content for the web. This meant convincing authors to write a new kind of story (well, Dickens did it first, but this kind of storytelling was out of style). I have launched new imprints and am currently the Editorial Director of New Business Development with a focus on digital publishing. I am also the author of seven published romance novels, so I am uniquely positioned to understand and appreciate the author point of view.

I couldn’t end without throwing in at least one politician’s promise: If elected, I promise to deliver one humorous speech at the IDPF annually. (Although not necessarily with a low, husky voice.)

Thank you.

Malle Vallik
Editorial Director, New Business Development
Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.