An Interview with Michael Cooper

July 2003

ATG = Against the Grain
MC = Michael Cooper

ATG: Michael, what exactly does the word BUSCA stand for?

1) BUSCA means SEARCH in several languages (Italian, Spanish, and Portugese).

ATG: Can you tell us a little bit about the company's history and its overall philosophy?

2) BUSCA was founded in 1997 with the intention of providing personalized focus to libraries seeking excellent fulfillment for conventional monographs, help with difficult titles, service for almost all formats from almost all sources. Increasingly we are providing video, DVD, etc.

ATG: What if any specialized training or education did you receive before getting into the book business?

3) I have been in the book business continuously since 1979. Prior to that I worked with a literary publication project while enrolled in college.

ATG: Who do you see as primary customers of BUSCA? Are you organized to respond to a certain patron group?

4) Primarily we work with college and research libraries. We seem well organized to respond to our customers because they tend to praise our service.

ATG: So far, what has been your experience in dealing with Libraries? Have there been any unexpected issues? What elements have been challenging?

5) BUSCA has wonderful relationships with numerous libraries. We are grateful for them. Unexpected budget shortfalls this year for some of our clients have been a challenge to them and for us.

ATG: Can you tell us how pricing is structured for your services?

6) Our pricing is structured to be competitive in the marketplace. BUSCA welcomes interested parties to contact us at info@buscainc.com for details.

ATG: Do you find it difficult to compete with large companies/vendors?

7) I respect most of our competitors. Apparently we are all facing genuine bottom line financial concerns as are our customers. Big vendors do have their strengths, but they also have higher costs in their multi-layered organizational structures.

ATG: I've seen your web site and it looks great! Do you envision an on order interactive web site?

8) Thanks! We are working on a web-based office with interactive ordering features.

ATG: How many staff do you currently employ and how is BUSCA generally organized?

9) BUSCA has averaged 9 employees in the past few years. We also outsource some functions. BUSCA staff members tend to be cross-trained while still specializing in specific departments.

ATG: How do you balance your time between the publisher and the vendor aspects of your position?

10) BUSCA's publishing activities at this time are a modest part of our operation. Eventually we may need to develop greater resources to accommodate an enhanced publishing program. We can keep a balance.

ATG: I notice you publish a lot of regional histories. How did you get into that aspect of publishing? What themes are you going to pursue in the future.

11) Yes, we started-out by publishing some regional history titles. Partly that is due to my own interest in that subject and partly due to the ease of working with local authors. BUSCA, though, has been moving into new subjects, while continuing to publish autobiographical, anthropological, and historical works. Expect to see some exciting titles relating to depth psychology, shamanism, and Kabbalisitc teachings!

ATG: Tell us about Devil Dogs & Jarheads? Any new publications?

12) In Victor Pearn's new book, DEVIL DOGS & JARHEADS (0-9666196-3-3... Paper...$14.95), the world of a U.S. Marine enlistee in 1969 comes to life in buzz cuts, reveille, drill sargeants, rifle ranges, and purple hearts. As Southwest Book Views (Spring 2003, Vol. 2 No. 2) noted, "The experiences shared in this collection are etched indelibly upon the heart of the writer and now the reader in words that the world can little afford to ignore. This is undeniably exquisite work." Look for a favorable book review later this year in American Libraries. Our next title release is due 9/30/03: THE ESSENCE OF A UNIVERSAL KABBALAH- -DAWN OF A NEW CONSCIOUSNESS (STOFF...0-9666196-5-X...Hardcover...Approx. 300 Pages...$29.50). Dr. Bernie S. Siegel, author of LOVE, MEDICINE, &
MIRACLES will have a front cover quote, "This book is a wonderful resource for all those who can open their minds and learn to accept the truth."

ATG: Do you see BUSCA taking a position in the whole e-books trade? Do you envision e-books as part of your inventory?

13) As a library reseller, we have not been doing e-book business. However, as a publisher, BUSCA will eventually offer some of its titles for sale in digital format.

ATG: Where do you see BUSCA going within five years? What directions will it take?

14) BUSCA intends to further fortify its current range of activities. We like our independent corporate spirit while also acknowledging all the gracious support that has come our way. Hopefully, in five years we will be radiating lots of good energy!

ATG: Where do you find your greatest sense of professional accomplishment?

15) In the expressions of appreciation from customers, employees, and suppliers.

ATG: Finally, what do you do with your “copious free time”?

16) Connecting with family and friends, hiking near waterfalls and my own creative writing...

ATG: Michael, thank you so much for your time. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

17) Please visit our new BUSCA Book Outlet & Arts Store in the heart of the Finger Lakes on Seneca Lake: 5930 Route 414; Hector, NY 14841; Telephone # 607-546-4247...25 miles west of Ithaca and 10 miles north of Watkins Glen. We are on the wine trail!