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[[underline]]Smithsonian Popular Book Publishing Task Force[[/underline]]

Since its inception last September, the Institution's Popular Book Publishing Task Force (with a staff of three and consultants) has explored various avenues to popular book publishing for the Smithsonian.  The task Force has mailed questionnaires to sample the reading habits and preferences of the National Associates, the prime market for Smithsonian books.  Results should be tabulated by mid-February.

The Task Force has envisioned three different publishing projects which would require distinctly tailored marketing techniques.  A series of low-priced paperback children's books, based on Smithsonian subjects, has been planned editorially and designed.  The Task Force is also preparing materials for a test mailing on a large format, highly illustrated volume tentatively titled [[underline]]Here at the Smithsonian.[[/underline]]  In addition the Task Force has initiated editorial planning and design of the first of six large volumes which could come out serially, comprising [[underline]]The Smithsonian Library of America Design.[[/underline]]

For each publication the main market would be through mail order, though the book store market, especially in the Smithsonian Museum shops, would enhance sales significantly.  Financial projections, outlines, sample chapters, dummies and