N4L 024: A Visit with Steve Piersanti, President of Berrett-Koehler Publishing

SHOW NOTES: Located in the heart of downtown Oakland, California, Berrett-Koehler Publishing is fiercely true to its mission: “Connecting people and ideas to create a world that works for all.” Built on democracy, BK gives every employee—veteran or brand new-- an equal vote in decisions. And all staff members operate in open spaces, including Founder and President Steve Piersanti who has a cubicle like the rest. Profitable for over a decade, Berrett-Koehler has been publishing nonfiction books for more than 25 years. Through the years, selections have evolved into four categories: “Life,” “Currents,” “Business,” and, most recently, “Professional.” Industry challenges, such as the market disruption of self-publishing and e-book proliferation, has demanded Berrett-Koehler continually adapt. So, led and inspired by Piersanti, BK employees work hard to stay relevant. Now, to keep the company afloat, they release every book in several formats while penetrating international markets, and they sponsor media events around big topics. Part of the Berrett-Koehler “secret sauce” is “Author Day.” Several months before a book goes to market, BK invites each author to spend a full day on-site for meetings with several departments and a presentation luncheon with the entire staff. Most recently, Parker J. Palmer, author, activist, and speaker, visited to discuss plans for his upcoming book, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old, scheduled to be published in June 2018. (Although Palmer has published nine other books, this will be his first with BK.) Almost an octogenarian, he feels particularly qualified to write a book about aging. His audience? “Everyone,” he says, “since everyone is getting old.”  Although creating personal connections with authors limits Berrett-Koehler to about 40 publications a year, the relationships pay off. Their authors become “scouts,” referring writers likely to fit the BK business model. These recommendations help the company sort through 1000 book proposals every year. Then, once accepted by BK, every author (known or unknown) receives a $5,000 advance and coaching from Katie Sheehan, Senior Communications Manager.  Read Piersanti’s take on challenges the publishing industry is facing.   Find out more about Berrett-Koehler’s secrets for success. Check out books published by Berrett-Koehler. Learn about Parker J. Palmer, Founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal and world-renowned writer, speaker, and activist. Find Nonfiction for life everywhere: Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Music Credit Sound Editing Credit