BSP’s mission depends upon readers. Even more than traditional publishers, because our business model depends upon getting readers involved in the process before a book goes to press.
BSP Readers
> Editorial Review Board. Before an author is selected to sign with BSP, he or she must first apply to the BSP Literary Arts Incubator Program and have his/her application and work reviewed by the BSP Editorial Review Board. The Board is made up of six individuals plus the BSP principles who carefully evaluate each application, read each writing sample, and interview selected candidates. Membership on the Board is by invitation only (click below if you would like to be considered) and is made up of six readers and the three BSP founders. (The six readers serve 3-6 month appointments while the founders are permanent members.) The Board not only functions as a selection filter, but ensure potential BSP authors are not rejected because his/her work does not appeal to an individual agent.
> Preview Readers. Being a select BSP Preview Reader offers the exciting opportunity to actually be involved in the writing process. Similar to a critique group for writers, Preview Readers will read chapters in advance, comment and provide feedback as a book is being written. While the author always has full control of the direction of the book, many writers find reader feedback a necessary part of the writing process. But they also find that there’s only so many times you can ask a friend/spouse/parent to read and comment on the same chapter.
> Book Clubs. We love book clubs. And we believe that getting our authors involved with your book club offers an opportunity for 1) readers to learn about the writing process first hand; 2) writers to get feedback on what readers love/hate/couldn’t care less about; and 3) spreading the word about BSP authors and the greater BSP mission to discover, nurture, publish and promote Saint Louis-area writers.
BSP Friends
BSP also depends upon a network of advisors with publishing, marketing, technology/social media, journalism, and law backgrounds. And, of course, we couldn’t operate without:
> Librarians and Libraries. We love libraries. BSP is eager to work with librarians from around the region to stay up-to-date with “what’s hot” in our area, to offer small group discussions on books and publishing, to provide writing workshops for aspiring writers.
>Bookstores. And we love bookstores, too. BSP is working to establish deep ties with area bookstores in
order to get to know more, you guessed it, readers.
·>University Writing Programs. Finally, it should be obvious that we love university writing programs and workshops. We look forward to working with regional programs to discover, nurture, publish and promote emerging writers.
