Anti-Racism Statement & Action Plan

PubWest’s Board of Directors grieves with the Black community and its allies over Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Oscar Grant, and the countless other Black lives lost to systemic violence, oppression, and anti-Black racism in American society.

In these turbulent times, when racism and violence are mobilizing Americans and Canadians to take to the streets despite an unprecedented viral pandemic, PubWest’s Board of Directors, led by the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, has committed to honor this statement and execute an action plan to move toward a more equitable and just publishing community.

PubWest Announces Interim Executive Director Team

Michele Cobb and Forté Business Consulting Selected

Forté Business Consulting, led by Michele Cobb, has been chosen as interim executive director PubWest by its board of directors. Janet Benson and JoAnna Laskas will serve on the team as well. 

When announcing this appointment, board president Colleen Dunn Bates wrote: “In choosing an interim executive director, the search committee identified immediate priorities for the coming months, including growing membership, improving communications, and 2021 conference planning. They felt, and we agreed, that Michele and Forté Business Consulting are the ideal team to successfully take us to the next step.”

Read the full announcement here.

2020 PubWest Book Design Awards: Deadline Extended

A Competition Reflecting the Best of Book Design and Production 

PubWest Book Design Awards recognize superior design and outstanding production quality of books throughout North America. Winning an industry book award can be used as an effective marketing tool to boost sales and invigorate publicity. Your books don’t have the opportunity to be recognized… unless you enter!
The application process is changing because of the transition in leadership. Stay tuned for details on how to apply. The deadline is being extended into the late fall, so no worries!

PubWest 2021 Conference

PubWest’s 2021 Conference is scheduled for February 4–6, 2021, and is going to move from Denver to a virtual conference. Stay tuned for details.

PubWest is a vibrant, dynamic trade association of small and midsized book publishers, printers, editors, proofreaders, graphic designers, binderies, and related editorial and service companies. With roots going back to 1977, PubWest is now dedicated to helping member book publishers succeed and has grown to include members in 31 states and four countries.

PubWest serves its members by:

  • helping members exchange ideas and contacts
  • conducting professional development and educational programming
  • improving access to new opportunities in publishing
  • advancing publishing careers through service to the industry
  • recognizing outstanding achievements in publishing