Sharing Our Gratitude: Smith Publicity Donates to Support Author Voices

Giving back has long been part of the fabric of Smith Publicity. As we’ve grown and evolved over the years, so have the ways we’ve given to our community – both near and far.

This year, to show thanks for our incredible authors and their dedication to sharing their voices with the world, we are donating to the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression:

“The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression is the bookseller’s voice in the fight against censorship. Founded by the American Booksellers Association in 1990, ABFFE’s mission is to promote and protect the free exchange of ideas, particularly those contained in books, by opposing restrictions on the freedom of speech; issuing statements on significant free expression controversies; participating in legal cases involving First Amendment rights; collaborating with other groups with an interest in free speech; and providing education about the importance of free expression to booksellers, other members of the book industry, politicians, the press and the public.”

We are so grateful to have grown into a premier book marketing and publicity firm since our founding by Dan Smith in 1997. Our work has successfully promoted thousands of books and authors from all publishing paths across the globe and we are proud to be able to contribute to a world of shared experiences, voices, and perspectives.

We want to thank all of our authors for having the bravery and commitment to sharing their stories, our fellow publishing professionals for their dedication to making this industry a powerful tool against censorship, booksellers, educators, and librarians for being both voice and matchmaker for the millions of titles published every year, and of course, readers everywhere for continuing to make all that we do worth it.

If you are interested in joining the fight against book bans, please consider learning more and donating to any of the following organizations (compiled by our dear friend and colleague Kathy Sandler):

• American Booksellers Association: For almost 125 years, the American Booksellers Association (ABA) has been the guiding voice for independently-owned bookstores and is committed to antiracism, representation, equity, and access.
• American Library Association: The oldest and largest library association in the world, the ALA provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.
• National Council of Teachers of English: Through collaboration and community, shared stories and shared experiences, NCTE supports teachers and their students in classrooms, on college campuses, and in online learning environments.
• Banned Books Week Coalition: An international alliance of diverse organizations joined by a commitment to increase awareness of the annual celebration of the freedom to read. The Coalition seeks to engage various communities and inspire participation in Banned Books Week through education, advocacy, and the creation of programming around the problem of book censorship.
• National Coalition Against Censorship: An alliance of 52 organizations dedicated to protecting free expression through educating and empowering the public to fight censorship. 
• PEN America: The U.S. branch of PEN International, and the largest of PEN centers, PEN America is a writer-centered organization on the forefront of opposing censorship and defending writers. 
• PEN International: PEN International promotes literacy and campaigns internationally on issues of translation and freedom of expression throughout 145 centers and 104 countries. 
• Florida Freedom to Read Project: The Florida Freedom to Read Project is dedicated to bringing together parent-led groups from across the state of Florida and unite voices to protect every student’s right to access information and ideas.