We were two hours into a seven-hour list meeting this morning when we got the brilliant news that John Eklund has been named Publishers Weekly’s Rep of the Year. To the best of our knowledge it’s the first such recognition for a University Press rep, and it couldn’t have gone to a better book person.
We sang John’s praises a few weeks back when he was nominated, so we’ll spare him a second telling. Here, though, is a bookseller’s take on John, from Jonathon Welch, owner of Talking Leaves Books in Buffalo:
“When I think of how I would define all of the characteristics that make up a great sales rep, John Eklund springs right to mind. Among other things he is passionate without being overbearing, perpetually informed and informative, informal and professional, attentive to the store, the buyers, and the staff, a great listener to bookseller complaints but a strong advocate for his books and presses, well-prepared and insightful. . . . I want to be like him when I grow up.”
Don't we all!
Congratulations, John!
