Jennifer Geist Named Publisher/Managing Editor of Pen & Publish, Inc.

St. Louis, MO, February 18, 2015 --(PR.com)-- As of January 1, 2015, Jennifer Geist is now the publisher and managing editor of Pen & Publish, Inc. (http://www.penandpublish.com/), as well as its two traditional-hybrid imprints, Open Books Press and Transformation Media Books. Founded in Bloomington, Indiana, Pen & Publish now has a St. Louis–based office. Prior to accepting the position, Geist provided freelance editing, book layouts, and web design for Pen & Publish as well as individual authors.

Geist says of the transition: “It is an incredible opportunity to make the leap to managing an independent press. My goals for the future of our press include:

· Creating a literary fiction imprint
· Publishing a total of 10 or more books per year
· Continuing our mission of publishing enriching books that make a difference
· Growing our social media presence
· Embracing eBooks, crowdfunding, and non-traditional approaches to publishing as the industry evolves.”

With experience in editing, book compositing, photography, graphic and web design, marketing, and more, Geist is able to see any book from acquisitions to publication and beyond. She received her bachelor’s degree in creative writing with a minor in small press publishing through Southeast Missouri State University. She has worked with numerous small presses and her stories and photos are published in a variety of literary magazines including The Legendary, Down in the Dirt Magazine, Big Muddy, The Cape Rock, Mighty River Rose Anthology, and The Useless Degree.

Paul Burt, co-founder and president, has overseen this transition. Burt will remain board president and continue to provide guidance as he puts more of his time into a new venture.

Pen & Publish, Inc.

Pen & Publish has been publishing books by and for schools and nonprofits since 2005. In addition to their traditional-hybrid imprints, it now offers custom publishing services to authors, small presses, and organizations. Open Books Press (http://www.openbookspress.com/) publishes quality fiction and nonfiction for all ages, and Transformation Media Books (http://www.transformationmediabooks.com/) publishes work in the mind, body, and spirit genres.