Shape the Future of Sustainable Print—Volunteer as a Beta Reader

Ooligan Press is a student-run trade press rooted in the Pacific Northwest and is a major part of the Master’s in Book Publishing program at Portland State University. Ooligan Press and the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) have partnered to create a resource that highlights sustainable book design and production practices. Supported by BISG’s Sustainability Working Group, Ooligan’s publication will offer case studies, guidelines, and actionable strategies for responsible decision-making in areas such as material selection, certification, production processes, and cost considerations. 

Rather than focusing on rapidly changing regulatory frameworks, the book is designed to be an evergreen resource that equips publishers, authors, students, and supply chain partners with tools for long-term impact. Importantly, the publication itself will model the sustainability practices it recommends, serving as a proof-of-concept for environmentally responsible production. 

In support of this effort, we are looking for small publishers and emerging industry professionals to provide feedback on the manuscript to ensure that it is engaging, useful, and accurate. Beta readers will be asked to read the working manuscript from April 1 to April 30, 2026. Ooligan Press will be conducting the beta reading to prepare for the developmental editing process that will occur in May during Ooligan’s spring term.
 

• Interested in being a beta reader? Email sustainability@ooliganpress.pdx.edu to join the reading list.
• Looking for other ways to get involved? BISG’s Sustainability Working Group is actively accepting new volunteers to support this effort. Email info@bisg.org to join the working group. 

This project is particularly meaningful for Ooligan Press’s 25th anniversary and BISG’s 50th anniversary. It will continue to promote our commitment to creating industry standards that are sustainable for anyone, from new publishers to those more experienced who are looking to make any small changes. This publication is serving as a researching and writing opportunity for students interested in book sustainability. Having conducted interviews with members of BISG’s Sustainability Working Group, the group is making meaningful connections and developing the skills necessary to succeed in the future of the industry.  The final guide will be published via trade paperback and e-book in Spring 2027.