Filed to GERWECKRADIO.NET:
It’s TRUE. That’s the BIGGER news. BearManor Media is now the proud owner of Theme Park Press, one of my favorite publishers. I’ve long admired what Bob McLain has achieved and think his titles are Wonderful. I didn’t want to spill the beans until Bob told his own authors and mailing list, but here’s what he broadcast today:
Let me introduce Ben Ohmart of BearManor Media. Some of you may know him; those who don’t, soon will.
It has lately become apparent that I’m no longer able to run Theme Park Press in the efficient, collegial way I’ve run it in years past. The obvious solution: sell the company. I’ve known Ben for quite awhile, and I’ve known him to be an honorable man, a successful publisher (over 2000 titles in his catalog!), and an avid promoter of his authors. So, the next obvious solution: sell the company to Ben Ohmart.
Ben will take good care of your books and his promotional efforts will increase the likelihood that you sell more of your books. I’ll stick
around for the transition. If you have questions or concerns, please ask me, or ask Ben, or ask us both.
For the past 12 years it has been a pleasure to create and build Theme Park Press, the largest independent publisher of Disney books. It’s not easy to shed such a big chunk of my life. But Ben will continue the course I set and ably steer the imprint to better and bigger things.
Over to Ben:
Hello, everyone. I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Ben Ohmart, owner of BearManor Media and long-time theme park fan. I first went to Walt Disney World at age 1 (I’m told) and have loved the place ever since. If I had my way, I’d be living in Orlando, going to all the parks, doing International Drive golf every day or every weekend. I was even married in Tokyo DisneySea!
Well, Bob and I have some exciting news to share. As of Sept. 1, I’m the new owner of this Theme Park Press of ours. I’m VERY proud to be able to say this, as I’ve loved what Bob has done for years and I admire the hell out of his book titles. You might know, I wrote a few books on Paul Frees and the only book on Buddy (Haunted Mansion composer) Baker myself, so without an Iron Man ego, I can safely say you’re all in good hands. I want to thank Bob for thinking of me to buy the Park, and I will do everything I can to make your books and this publishing label a hit.
I WELCOME any ideas you have for what we can do for your books. I also would love to hear new ideas you have for books and anything. Just email me anytime at ben@bearmanormedia.com.
The TPP website is getting an overhaul, and an upgrade, and I really look forward to being your publisher. It’s going to be fun!
Thank you, Bob. Thank you for starting Theme Park Press, you’ve made it a great place for Disney fans!
Ben Ohmart