Association of American Publishers, Inc.

Overview

The Association of American Publishers, Inc. (AAP) is a U.S. nonprofit organization serving as the national trade association for the American book publishing industry. Founded in 1970, AAP advocates for and represents the interests of its member publishers, which include major commercial publishers, smaller independent companies, university presses, and scholarly societies[2][3].

Activities

The AAP focuses primarily on several key areas:

• Intellectual Property: Advocating for copyright protection and enforcement to safeguard publishers' rights[2][3].
• New Technologies and Digital Issues: Addressing concerns related to emerging technologies and their impact on the publishing industry[2].
• Freedom to Read and Publish: Promoting censorship-free environments and supporting First Amendment rights[2].
• Education and Libraries: Advocating for funding and policies that benefit education and library systems[2].
• Postal Rates and Regulations: Influencing postal policies to support publishing operations[2].
• Tax and Trade Policy: Engaging in legislative efforts related to taxation and international trade that affect the publishing sector[2].

AAP tracks industry revenue through its StatShot programs and hosts the annual PROSE Awards, recognizing excellence in book publishing since 1976[2].

Initiatives

In recent years, the AAP has expanded its public policy focus to include sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This includes forming committees to work on industry-wide projects in these areas, aligning with global trends in publishing[5]. Such efforts are aimed at promoting a more equitable and sustainable publishing ecosystem across different sectors.

Leadership and Membership

AAP is led by a CEO, with past leaders including Patricia Schroeder and Maria Pallante, who previously served as the U.S. Register of Copyrights[2][3]. The organization has close to 400 member companies, representing a broad spectrum of the publishing industry[3].

Role in the Industry

The AAP plays a crucial role in advancing the publishing industry's contributions to literature, innovation, research, education, and the economy[3][4]. Through its advocacy efforts, AAP supports thousands of authors and publishers in creating educational, academic, and trade content[4].