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Publishing Institute

About Us

38 years and still going strong

In the summer of 2013 the University of Denver Publishing Institute will celebrate thirty-eight years of training new talent for the world of books. In July 1976 the first group of eighty-five students traveled from all around the country--and from abroad--to learn about book publishing.

Since that first year, over 3,000 bright and gifted people have graduated from the Publishing Institute--many of whom have found their places in publishing houses large and small throughout the United States and around the world. They can be found at work in every aspect of our business--trade and textbooks, children's and scholarly books. They are design and production specialists, sales reps and literary agents, editors, marketers, and publishers.

The publishing professionals who comprise our faculty are the ones who make it happen. More than 250 executives from every area of the business have flown halfway across the country and generously shared their expertise and their enthusiasm.

Joyce Meskis, Director of the Institute 

Joyce Meskis

Joyce Meskis, owner and President of the Tattered Cover Book Store, has worked with the multitude of diverse publishing companies throughout the United States and beyond. Ms. Meskis is the recipient of many awards for her service to the book community, as well as in recognition for her work on behalf of the First Amendment. Awards include the Walter J. Brennan, Jr. Award from the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, the American Booksellers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Foundation Role of Honor Award.

 

 

Jill Smith, Co-Director

Jill Smith

Jill Smith joined the Publishing Institute in 2003 as the program administrator and was promoted later that year to associate director. During her time at DU, Ms. Smith has completed her MBA through the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business. She also earned an MFA from the University of Kansas, and her undergraduate degree from Skidmore College.

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Conder, Program Administrator

Jennifer Conder

Jennifer Conder joined the Publishing Institute in 2012, after working six years at a cultural and language center in the nonprofit sector, and eight years at the Tattered Cover Book Store as a bookseller, buyer and personnel representative. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Colorado College.

 

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth A. Geiser, Director Emerita

Elizabeth A. Geiser, founded the program in 1976 and directed it for 33 years. She brings to the Institute more than 40 years of experience in New York book publishing. Most recently she has been senior vice president of Gale Research Inc., for whom she presently serves as consultant. She has held positions as promotion director of the Macmillan Co. and senior vice president and publisher of the R. R. Bowker Co. She has served as a member of the Board of Directors, Association of American Publishers, and is the editor of The Business of Book Publishing, a basic text on publishing. Ms. Geiser was honored for the accomplishments of her professional career and for "her role as an industry educator" by being inducted into the Publishing Hall of Fame.