No one can edit their own book, but there are seven simple strategies for better ensuring you do the right prep to get the best feedback, resulting in a stronger work.
FEATURED EVENT
2025 BK Authors Annual Members Meeting
Dec 9, 4–5 Pacific Time (7–8 PM Eastern Time), 2025
This 60-minute meeting will include updates about BK Authors, Inc., a look at 2026, and updates about Berrett-Koehler Publishers
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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Five Ways to Use AI to Aid Your Writing—The Right Way
January 28 | 10:00–10:45 am Pacific Time (1:00–1:45 pm Eastern Time), 2026
The value of editorial guidance for nonfiction titles continues to drop — either because (a) Authors don’t think they need it (they do, always); or (b) Editors don’t do their job (and authors don’t know enough to demand better).
No one can edit their own book, but there are seven simple strategies for better ensuring you do the right prep to get the best feedback, resulting in a stronger work.
Learn more
BookPlan 2026: How to Launch, Market, and Sell Your Nonfiction Book
April 22–24, 2026
A three-day online workshop to help you engage your existing network, reach new readers, earn media attention, and reach thousands of people with your book.
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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 2026 Retreat will be October 9–12, 2026, at the Marianist Retreat Center in St. Louis. 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
“Cranky Editorial Guy” Replays & Summaries
Ever since that childhood debacle with the lemonade stand, there are plenty of nonfiction authors and to-be authors who hate the idea of self-promotion and marketing, so what should they do?
Continue Reading Marketing for Authors (and Authors To-Be) Who Hate Marketing
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? In this webinar on September 10, 2025, Jeevan Sivasubramaniam (who has reviewed, no…
Continue Reading What Publishers Really Want to See in Your Book Proposal (But Won’t Tell You)
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?
Articles
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
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?
Build an email list of people who value your work. Then get people to that list through consistently putting out valuable content through 2-3 channels.
Continue Reading A Tried-and-True Formula for Effective Book Marketing
Event Recaps
The number one reason employees stay or leave is how much they trust their immediate supervisor, not company-wide programs or benefits.
Continue Reading Targeting Turnover: A Fresh Ink Interview with Dick Finnegan
Damian Goldvarg’s new book “Lead with a Coaching Mindset” applies the 8 core competencies from the International Coach Federation to leadership. These include: ethical standards, coaching mindset, building relationships, trust, presence, communication (listening), creating awareness, and implementing learning.
Continue Reading How to lead with a coaching mindset: A Fresh Ink interview with Damian Goldvarg
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.