These mailings offer publishers an easy and cost-effective means of communicating information to ABA member bookstores.
Download Rate Card Download Shipping Instructions and Deadlines Submission Form
Quarterly Box Mailing
Currently sent to 750 ABA member stores, this mailing contains the stores’ initial allotment of the latest Indie Next List flyers as well as any other timely materials from ABA, point-of-purchase materials from publishers such as shelf-talkers, easelbacks, bookmarks, or posters; other marketing materials, including sell sheets and catalogs; as well as galleys or Advance Reading Copies (ARCs) that publishers wish for booksellers to read and consider stocking, handselling, and nominating to the Indie Next Lists.
Stores “earn” their quarterly box mailing through participation by regularly reporting to the Indie Bestseller List and nominating titles to the various Indie Next Lists. This is an excellent and cost-effective way to reach the independent bookstore market, and by collating, packing, and shipping all these materials from one warehouse, we are able to offer publishers substantial savings in time, labor, and postage over individual mailings done on their own. Mailings are scheduled for January, March, July, and November.
Quarterly Kids Box Mailing
This mailing offers publishers the opportunity to participate in a mailing dedicated solely to materials of interest to children’s-only stores, members of the ABC Children’s Group, as well as those general stores with active children’s sections.
Mailings are scheduled for mid-February, mid-May, mid-August, and mid-October, and carry galleys, ARCs, F&Gs, and other materials that a publisher wishes to make available to this target audience (babies & toddlers through YA). The mailing is currently sent to 750 stores.
Criteria for Box Mailing
- Books previously published are not included as the box is intended to offer booksellers a preview of upcoming books.
- ABA supports free expression and a publisher’s right to choose and to market directly what it publishes. Similarly, we choose to not send hate speech to our members. Books with content that meets the United Nation’s definition of hate speech are not included.
- Sell sheets may be submitted for approval and inclusion in the box, subject to screening for hate speech per the United Nation’s definition.
When planning promotions, publishers are asked to be aware of our commitment to antiracism, inclusion, representation, and diversity as outlined in our ends policies.
Rates
The minimum quantity for inclusion in any mailing is 450 pieces. By collating, packing and shipping all these materials from one warehouse, we are able to offer publishers substantial savings in time, labor, and postage over individual mailings done on their own. There are additional charges for the insertion of any bounceback cards, letters, or any other collation done in our warehouse.
| Standard pricing for inclusion in all 750 Quarterly Boxes BEGINNING JANUARY 2026 | |
|---|---|
| A sell sheet or flyer | $495; $.66 per piece for quantities less than 750 |
| A standard (4” x 6”) postcard | $345; $.46 per piece for quantities less than 750 |
| A large-format postcard | $383; $.51 per piece for quantities less than 750 |
| Shelftalker | $345; $.46 per piece for quantities less than 750 |
| Easelback poster | $892.50 and up; dependent on size; minimum $1.19 per piece for quantities less than 750 |
| Standard poster, flat or folded | $780 and up, dependent on size; minimum $1.04 per piece for quantities less than 750 |
| Pack of 25 bookmarks | $818; $1.09 per piece for quantities less than 750 |
Additional Pricing
For Galleys and ARCs: Cost of inclusion is dependent on size and weight. Standard pricing typically ranges from $1.75 to $4 per piece. Upon receipt of the dimensions and number of pages, we are happy to provide a custom quote for any proposed inclusion.
Insertion and Collation: There is an additional charge for the insertion of any bounceback cards, letters, or any other collation done in our warehouse. Charges for collation will be custom quoted.
IMPORTANT: Please submit information via the form below to reserve a place in the box mailing. A confirmation email will follow once your submission has been received and approved (please allow x-x business days for approval). Contact Kate Brennan ([email protected]) with any questions.
Shipping Instructions & Deadlines
All materials should be shipped to:
Transport Specialties International, Inc. (TSI)
Attn: Nancy Johnson
9 Joanna Court
East Brunswick, NJ 08816-2108
Phone: 732.698.0988, x 114
Quarterly Box Mailing Deadlines
Please mark all cartons and/or packing slips: “FOR ABA [month] BOX MAILING”.
| Month of Box | Materials Deadline |
|---|---|
| September 2026 (Ships 2nd week of September) | Monday, August 31, 2026 |
| January 2027 (Ships 3rd week of January) | Wednesday, January 6, 2027 |
| March 2027 (Ships 3rd week of March) | Monday, March 1, 2027 |
| July 2027 (Ships 2nd week of July) | Monday, June 28, 2027 |
| September 2027 (Ships 2nd week of September) | Monday, August 30, 2027 |
Quarterly Kids’ Box Mailing Deadlines
Please mark all cartons and/or packing slips: “FOR ABA [season] KIDS’ BOX”.
| Season of Mailing | Materials Deadline |
|---|---|
| Winter 2026 (Ships 2nd week of November) | Monday, November 2, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 (Ships 2nd week of February) | Monday, January 25, 2027 |
| Summer 2027 (Ships 2nd week of June) | Monday, May 31, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 (Ships 2nd week of August) | Monday, August 2, 2027 |
| Winter 2027 (Ships 1st week of November) | Monday, October 18, 2027 |
Early shipments are possible, but must be pre-approved.