This series highlights success stories, tips and tricks, and more from our Penguin Random House reps across the country. Meet Noreen Batdorf, our PRH rep in the PA/Philadelphia area, nominated this month!! Below she delves into her history as a rep, some really great advice for new reps, her favorite PRH titles, and more!
What is your favorite genre and/or book(s)?
I love selling all books but Children’s is my favorite.
What are you currently reading?
Currently reading Anne of Green Gables
How long have you been a rep?
I have been a Random House rep for 24 1/2 years and started selling Penguin 2 years ago.
What are your go-to books for children’s, cooking, and gift for an easy sell-in?
My go to books for an easy sell are : Wonderful Things You Will Be, Avocado a Day, Jersey Shore Cookbook, Stuff Series, any Emily Winfield Martin Book.
What tip would you offer to a new rep?
I tell all new reps to carry as many samples as they can fit in their car. Your sales will continue to increase if you show new samples at every appointment. I show newly received samples but also show samples of other books I know they would do well with.
What is your favorite resource to use while selling?
I think the PRH site is very helpful. I also look at the NYTimes best seller list every Sunday so I can tell my accounts what we have that is on the list. Everyone wants the best!
How do you prepare for account meetings? How do you make sure to get through all of the titles you’d like to show them?
I print off a sales history before every appointment and make a plan of what new titles I think the account should add in to their assortment. I tabbed all my catalogs for every appointment to make sure I am presenting new titles to them and not just taking reorders.
Do you have a method for visiting your accounts/scheduling appointments so no one is forgotten?
I always try to schedule my next appointment before I leave my appointment. This helps make sure you do not miss anyone.
What’s a new store/ existing account you’re really excited about and why?
I opened up a new toy store in March. This account has displays for SIR, Mad Libs, Dr. Seuss, Who Is/ What Is, Goodnight and 2 wooden displays. They are opening another store in 2020 and we are already planning the book department.
Share a success story with us!
A new account of mine was written up in a local newspaper and they commented on what a fabulous book department they have.
Thanks Noreen!!
Interested in being highlighted next in this series? Reach out to us or nominate a colleague you would like to hear from and know others would benefit from! We’ll be touching base with reps who go above and beyond for future installments.
