Historic Candle Factory Adds Sparkle to New Kids' Books

It’s a win-win for tiny book publisher Steeple Ridge Publications and the Davisburg Candle Factory in Michigan. Locals love the new children's books, and the factory is being rediscovered.

Clarkston, MI (PRWEB) October 23, 2006 -- Steeple Ridge Publications, a tiny children's book publisher from Michigan, is finding success by honing in on an unusual place. When the company released its first children's title in 2005, they knew it would be difficult to make an impact in the competitive world of children’s books. They've found that a unique and historic setting can make all the difference.

On the high hills north of Detroit sits an undisturbed little “burg” whose citizens petitioned years ago to not to allow a freeway exit onto Interstate 75. The resulting town of Davisburg remains rural and quiet, largely undisturbed by burgeoning growth in surrounding communities and the buzzing traffic that flows up and down the freeway. That’s just how the residents like it.

It came as a surprise when a former town business owner put its main street on the cover of her first children’s book, "The Cat in the Candle Factory" ($15.00, Steeple Ridge Publications). Author Barbara L. Johns once owned the Davisburg Candle Factory, which still makes tapers and pillars the old-fashioned way, hand-pouring and molding dozens of shapes, sizes and scents. It’s obvious she still loves the old place, which is housed in a quaint 19th century building.

“I know the setting is unique in children’s literature,” commented Johns. “While running the business and taking care of the original cat, it always seemed to me that children might find it fascinating.”

It turns out that they do. Johns’ first title brought parents, grandparents, and children back to the candle factory and book sales were strong enough to support a second title, "Christmas at the Candle Factory" ($16.95, Steeple Ridge Publications), that heralds the joys of candles during the holiday season. The publisher appropriately released the book during Downtown Davisburg Days right in front of the candle factory.

Phoebe Bojanzyk, who has owned the factory along with her daughters for seven years, says the books have brought them quite a bit of new business.

“We just love them,” Bojanzyk said “And we’re really glad our store is the setting. Young readers come in and can’t believe they are standing in a place they just read about. Their eyes are as big as saucers.”

She recalled one girl walking into the building and saying to her grandmother, “We can’t visit a story.” Gram assured her “This one we can.”

The books have also brought success to the publisher according to spokeswoman Pamela Dorsey.

“Our first title, "The Cat in the Candle Factory", introduced the setting and the main character, Midnight the cat,” said Dorsey. “The first printing did exceptionally well from our perspective, especially when you consider the comparatively small size of our promotional budget and the fact that we had no distributor to the book trade.”

All that has changed. The inquiry of a major bookseller helped the small company find a book distributor and now both titles are easier for the consumer to find. As the holiday season approaches, the small firm is hoping the new development will translate into higher sales.

“Having distribution is essential if you want to sell your titles in the bookstore setting,” said Dorsey. “Now "Christmas at the Candle Factory" and the original title can both be obtained from Borders and Barnes & Noble as well as fine independent bookstores everywhere. They are also found at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and our website, steepleridgepress.com.”

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