BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

“Touching the human spirit and . . . contributing greatly to the enrichment of people’s minds and the spread and consolidation of the kingdom of God.”

Professional Skills Seminars
Two information-packed seminars are held each year in different parts of the country to enhance the professional skills and mission consciousness of members:

·        A Marketing Seminar is held annually in conjunction with the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, California, at the beginning of each year.

·        An Editorial Seminar is held annually in conjunction with the Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit in the Chicago area toward the beginning of the summer.

The seminars and the business meeting/dinners that follow each seminar are open to CBPA Publisher, Service, and Individual Members at no cost.

“Current Catholic Bestsellers” Program
The top ten Catholic bestsellers in hardcover, paperback, children and youth, and Spanish-language categories are compiled each month from publisher reports and Catholic bookseller contacts. News releases are sent to approximately 475 Catholic newspapers, magazines, and newsletters. A two-color poster is mailed each month to approximately 450 bookstores.

Advertising Insert Program
In this unique advertising program, member publishers can include an 8 1/2 x 11 advertising insert, which will be mailed with the monthly Current Catholic Bestseller poster to 450 key Catholic bookstores. Up to nine (9) inserted per month will be included for maximum effectiveness. Fees for inclusion, $175 to $235 per insert, are based on frequency contract. 

CBPA Directory
Each Publisher, Service, and Individual Member is entitled to a one-page listing in the Directory. Directories are distributed and sold to approximately 1,300 bookstores, 100 publishers, 200 trade, professional, and consumer journals and newspapers, and new services. Each voting representative of Publisher Members and each Service and Individual Member receives a free copy.

“The Spirit of Books” Catalog
Published in spring-summer fall-winter editions. “The Spirit of Books” catalog is purchased in bulk by bookstores and used as a retail sales tool. Recent issues have sold 240,000 to 225,000 copies. Only Publisher Members can include their titles in the catalog.

www.CatholicsRead.org
Our FREE internet program to promote reading the Bible and related trade books. www.CatholicsRead.org 
This site provides a link for viewers to locate a bookstore by doing a geographical search.
A poster is distributed to bookstores and various Diocesan Offices.

Bookstore Mailing List
The CBPA maintains a mailing list of approximately 1,300 Catholic bookstores and other stores selling Catholic books. See the Mailing List section for more information.

CBPA Website
The CBPA website carries the complete CBPA Directory with links to publishers’ home page, the “Current Catholic Bestsellers” monthly listing, and other useful information.

Monthly Digital Newsletter
Distributed each month by email, this newsletter carries information on CBPA activities as well as industry news.

CBPA Birthday Book Club
Your best children’s books recommended at no charge to you to Catholic School Libraries. Contact cbpa3@aol.com for more information.

Outstanding Service Awards
Awards presented to CBPA members in recognition of the service they have given to further the industry or the goals of the association.

Access to Resources of the CBPA Office
All members have access to the information resources and services of the CBPA Office, including liaison with Catholic stores.

Networking with Other Members
All members have the opportunity to network with other Publisher, Service, and Individual Members throughout the year, but especially at CBPA seminars and business meetings.

The Larger Picture
CBPA members are part of a trade organization that is encouraging, promoting, and influencing the development, growth, and well-being of Catholic publishing and its ministry of the Word in books and electronic media. CBPA is a self-supporting, non-profit, independent organization that receives the great majority of its funding from its members’ annual dues.