Pace University’s MS in Publishing Program Joins BISG

The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) is pleased to welcome Pace University’s MS in Publishing Program as a new member, marking a continued investment in supporting the next generation of publishing professionals.

As BISG expands its engagement across the publishing ecosystem, partnerships with academic programs like Pace’s reflect a growing focus on connecting students to industry standards, professional networks, and real-world challenges earlier in their careers. Pace’s MS in Publishing program is widely recognized for its practical, industry-focused curriculum, preparing graduates for roles across editorial, marketing, production, and digital publishing. 

This membership formalizes a long-standing relationship between BISG and Pace. Several BISG leaders and core volunteers currently teach in the program, including Supply Chain Committee Chair Ken Brooks, Rights Committee Chair Kris Kliemann, and Metadata Best Practices Working Group Lead Pat Payton. Their involvement brings BISG’s work directly into the student experience, exposing future professionals to the systems, standards, and challenges shaping the industry today.

Pace students have also been a consistent presence at BISG annual meetings, volunteering their time while gaining firsthand exposure to industry conversations and priorities. Their contributions have supported BISG events while reinforcing the value of engaging emerging professionals in those discussions.

BISG Executive Director Brian O’Leary welcomed Pace to BISG, noting, “Standards and best practices underpin much of what BISG does to make the industry work well. Students who engage in our work bring a broader understanding to the roles they take in book publishing, strengthening the industry and broadening the skills that they bring to their organizations.”

Pace is BISG’s second publishing program member, signaling a growing commitment to strengthening the pipeline between publishing education and industry practice. This membership offers faculty and students at both institutions comprehensive access to BISG resources, specialized training, and timely programming.

Students will gain critical exposure to the operational and strategic complexities of the industry by participating in committees dedicated to the essential areas of rights, workflow, supply chain, metadata, and subject codes. Through committee participation, research, and educational programming, students are better equipped to navigate the challenges of publishing at scale.

Manuela Soares, Director of the MS in Publishing Program at Pace University, added, “The MS in Publishing program has always been committed to experiential learning, providing practical, hands-on skills to our students. Our curriculum reflects industry best practices and trends and is taught by working professionals. The program emphasizes mentoring, networking, and real-world experiences. Joining BISG will give our students even greater opportunities to connect with publishing industry professionals.” 

BISG looks forward to deepening its collaboration with Pace University and supporting its students as they prepare to enter—and shape—the future of the publishing industry.

About Pace University’s Publishing Program

Located on the New York City Campus, at the center of one of the world’s major publishing hubs, Pace University’s MS in Publishing program combines industry connections with comprehensive training in editorial, digital, and marketing practices. Offered through the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and guided by publishing professionals, students develop skills in content creation, editing, design and production, digital media, and strategic communication, which will prepare them for roles such as editor, literary agent, designer, marketer, publicist, and more.

Through hands-on internships at leading companies, including Simon & Schuster and Penguin Random House, students build the practical experience that today’s employers expect. Flexible course options both online and in the classroom allow students to tailor their studies to their professional goals, positioning them for success in a field shaped by rapid digital innovation and evolving reader engagement.