The Book Publishers Association of Alberta (BPAA) represents more than 30 Alberta publishers with a shared mission. We publish books by local, national and international authors and provide significant cultural and economic benefits to this province. We work with writers, printers, artists and other creative people to produce high quality books that are sold in Alberta and throughout the world. We are leaders in Canada's best-developed knowledge-based industry and are one of the strongest communities of regional publishers in North America.
We excel in literature, natural history, histories, textbooks, guide-books, how-to books, children's books and cutting-edge multimedia publications. Our books enjoy national and international recognition for excellence in writing, illustration, design and production. Our titles can be found in translation in countries throughout the world.
We founded the BPAA in 1975 to support the development of strong publishing houses in Alberta. Our member companies are owned by Albertans and operated in Alberta.
The BPAA provides a forum and for all those concerned with the publishing industry in Alberta. Our members are both colleagues and competitors. We speak with a single voice to the public and to all levels of government in Alberta and across Canada. We work closely with other groups whose goal is the good of the Canadian publishing industry.
Member Services
Information
Information sharing has become a central benefit of membership in the BPAA. Our bi-weekly electronic newsletter, Bibliophax, updates our members across the province with timely announcements of marketing opportunities, new releases, calendars of events, employment opportunities, association business, awards, program deadlines and other late-breaking news. Our board meetings, which are held in various parts of the province and are open to all members, provide an invaluable window on the industry.
We respond to all enquiries on publishing from members, the public, the media, and industry representatives.
Directory
We distribute our Directory of members to booksellers, schools and libraries throughout western Canada and at the many annual displays and exhibits that we attend.
Professional Development
Our professional development program offers seminars and workshops that help keep our members informed about new developments in publishing, technology and management. Our programs are open to non-members who are interested in learning about book publishing.
Marketing
The BPAA participates in many trade shows, including book fairs and booksellers' conventions, library events, teachers' conventions and public festivals, to promote Alberta's books. Full and associate members' current titles are displayed and individual members are welcome to work from our booths.
Our staff members attend seminars and meetings related to marketing Alberta books and pass the information they acquire to members.
Awards
The BPAA hosts the Alberta Book Awards, honouring excellence in writing and publishing in all genres.
