Welcome to the all-new Minnesota Book Publishers Roundtable website! It seems a fitting start to the 2020–21 season, which brings many changes.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, MBPR events will take place online at least through the end of 2020. These events are free for MBPR members, $10 for nonmembers, and $5 for students with a current student ID. Video as well as audio recordings will be available afterward in the members-only section. When in-person gatherings can safely resume, we plan to simulcast events for those who cannot attend due to health concerns or distance. Board meetings will take place the Thursday following online events; please email the president if you have business for the board.
This blog is now open for MBPR members to post on topics of interest to those in the book publishing field. Do you have news, technology updates, professional development opportunities, or event information of interest to your fellow members? Email us to submit posts.
Many thanks are due to our website committee, David Farr and Carla Valadez, as well as Scott Anderson of Room 34 Creative Services, for bringing this site from idea to reality. Thanks also to Alison Brueggemann of Storied Creative for thoughtful and responsive work in creating our new logo, and to directors Laura Drew and Melissa York for shepherding the website through the final stages to release. If you spot a problem or have a question or suggestion, please email the website team.
Finally, we bid a fond farewell to the MBPR apostrophe. With our gratitude and the full support of many style guides, dictionaries, and usage references, it has moved on to new endeavors, and we wish it well.
We will no doubt face new obstacles in the coming season, both as an organization and in our field. Whatever comes, MBPR remains committed to supporting book publishing by promoting the exchange of ideas and experience, good fellowship, and friendly cooperation among members; the highest standards of craftsmanship and integrity in book publishing; and greater understanding between all professions and trades concerned with the publishing industry.
Watch your inboxes for the opening of our membership drive in mid-August. We look forward to seeing you in the coming season!
Kellie M. Hultgren, Board President, and the 2020–21 MBPR Board of Directors