(0 Comments) Posted by: Adeline Lui
When it comes to book publishing, you could say that IBPA new board member MJ (Mary Jo) Courchesne absolutely knows her rights. After all, she has over 25 years of experience in trade, academic, and direct-to-consumer publishing, and specializes in licensing, subsidiary rights, and permissions. She’s served as adjunct professor for 16 years in George Washington University’s Masters in Professional Studies in the Field of Publishing. Let’s get to know new board member MJ! Hi MJ, happy new year to you! We’re so pleased to have you on IBPA’s board. You bring a lot of expertise in the area of publishing rights. Tell us about what you do. I am the founder and President of Gryphon Publishing Consulting, LLC. I formed my company after working for years in licensing and permissions for National Geographic. My company’s main goal is to help publishers do more with their products and help them both protect and leverage their intellectual property in smart and effective ways. What IBPA committee are you involved in, in addition to being on the Board of Directors? I’m a part of the Legislation & Standards Committee, which was formerly the Advocacy Committee. I’m excited to help continue advocating for members and help shape the future of the publishing industry. When I first joined IBPA, I also served on a review panel for what later became the Membership Committee.
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Presenting a session on book rights at the BISG meeting in New York last year. |
What issues do you feel strongly about, and hope to make an impact on as a board member? The publishing landscape is skewed toward the Big 5, and I’m keenly interested in helping to help level the proverbial playing field. I think that indie publishers are producing some of the most interesting and important books, and I really want to help them gain a greater share of the market. What has your journey been like, getting to where you are today in publishing? Oh gosh, your question made me I realize that I’ve been in the industry ever since I graduated from college ages ago! I guess time flies when you’re having fun! I started my career believing I was going to be an editor, but soon found myself in marketing. Then after a company reorganization, I moved over to the rights side of things (pun intended) and never looked back! When I decided to start my company, I knew I would continue to work in rights and permissions for my clients because most publishers do not have a “me” on staff. I really enjoy how each day provides new challenges that allow me to be both analytical and creative depending on the project. For example, in the morning I might put on my detective hat while acquiring permissions or helping a client to determine better procedures for their rights processes. Then in the afternoon, I get my creative juices flowing by crafting an irresistible pitch to a potential licensee on behalf of another client. I am grateful for the chance to do what I love every day. Through your company, Gryphon Publishing Consulting, you advise publishers on their subsidiary rights, permissions, and licensing. What are some common pitfalls or misconceptions that publishers who are approaching their first rights deal should be aware of? I find that publishers new to rights and permissions do not feel there’s enough value in pursuing a deal because of the effort that may need to go into it prior to closing or they simply don’t know what to do with the opportunity, so they don’t want to entertain it in the first place. While it’s true that there may not be a huge monetary upside for every deal, publishers need to remember that any permission or license is another tool for the marketing or publicity of a book as well as your brand. One deal can lead to more opportunities in the same way that one fantastic review or award can lead to more sales, bring in new authors, and engage new customers for your press overall.
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MJ's garden was featured in Garden Walk Buffalo in July, |
Please tell us something about yourself that has nothing to do with work or publishing. Well, I’m an avid gardener, although not professional by any means. Every year, my husband and I open the gardens around our 1892 Victorian house as part of Garden Walk Buffalo, which is the largest open garden tour event in the US. This past July, we had more than 900 people wander through our yard! Well, we'll say that your unique super power is you can make things grow – plants, flowers...and book rights deals! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us MJ!
About the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 3,500 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the access, knowledge, and tools needed to professionally engage in all aspects of an inclusive publishing industry. For more information, visit ibpa-online.org. |