Email gets much higher engagement than any social media site. You own your email list. Email isn’t going anywhere. It’s one of the last link-friendly platforms. Etc.
Continue Reading 8 Reasons Why Email Is Your Most Valuable Marketing Asset
FEATURED EVENT
What Publishers Really Want to See in Your Book Proposal (But Won’t Tell You)
September 10, 10 am PT (1 pm ET), 2025
All nonfiction book proposals ask for the same basic bits of information, but what are publishers really looking for? What are the words, commitments, and things that make them sit up and take notice and what makes for a damn good proposal?
Fresh Ink: Leading & Keeping Great People
September 16th & 18th, 10:00 PT (1:00 ET), 2025
Hear from the authors of Berrett-Koehler's latest releases, learn from their ideas, ask your toughest questions, and get a free copy of one of their books!
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Improvisational Writing Series
First Thursday of each month at 1 pm Eastern Time, 2025
When was the last time you experienced the sheer joy of writing? Improvisational writing is designed to take the work out of writing, leaving only the delight of creativity. Each 2- or 3-minute exercise starts with a common prompt, and then everyone starts writing without paying attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation, logic, or all the other “rules” that have been used to take the fun out of writing. The BK Author group invites you to a series of no-cost Zoom-based sessions, designed to make writing fun again.
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2026 BK Authors Retreat
October 9–12 (Friday–Monday), 2026
Gather with us on October 9–12, 2026, at the Marianist Retreat Center in St. Louis for four days of connection, learning, and discovery. Registration is open!
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Our Programs
Annual Retreat
The annual BK Author Retreat gatherings our author community together for several days of conversations, connections, and renewal. Our 2024 Retreat will be November 1–4 in Los Altos, California. Learn More
Regional Gatherings
Get to know the BK authors in your area! If you live in a metro area and are interested in organizing a simple gathering of authors (e.g. a dinner, evening social, etc.), reach out to us at [email protected] to get a list of the authors in your area.
Fresh Ink Webinars
A virtual webinar series designed to generate support among our author community for upcoming Berrett-Koehler book releases. See upcoming dates
Recent Articles
Agents can figure out if your book will sell, refine your proposal, introduce your book to the editors that are the best fit, and help you ensure you get a fair contract. They can’t work miracles.
Is AI the end of book publishing and authors as we know it? This conversation features Jeevan Sivasubramaniam, VP of Editorial at Berrett-Koehler Publishers, and Thad McIlroy, a published author and journalist, founding partner of Publishing Technology Partners, a contributing editor to Publishers Weekly, a board member at Johns Hopkins Press, and the principal of The Future of Publishing.
Continue Reading Threat, Benefit, or Both? What AI Means for Your Book and the Publishing Industry
It’s a good question: Are they? Many authors have indicated how even with traditional houses, they receive minimal editorial guidance or work. And I hate to admit it, but I have looked at many traditionally published books over the last couple of years and wondered—did an editor even look at this? Is this also turning the tide towards self-publishing since editorial shaping was one of the hallmark advantages of traditional publishing houses?
Continue Reading Are Editors Even Important or Needed Any More?
Is writing a business book worth it?
A survey of 301 nonfiction authors found that although business books rarely resulted in high royalties, the books boosted the authors’ credibility and visibility, leading to sizable increases in speaking, workshops, consulting, and other sources of revenue and impact.
Continue Reading What Is the Return on Investment (ROI) of Writing a Nonfiction Book?
The 2024 BK Authors retreat was a meaningful and powerful event that met and exceeded expectations. The combination of Idyllic surroundings, perfect sunshine, and polite, interesting, and friendly companions made for an unforgettable experience.