Blue Star Press Acquires Sasquatch Books, Expanding Strategic Partnership with Penguin Random House

Blue Star Press, an independent publisher based in Bend, Oregon, is pleased to announce that as part of its ongoing partnership with Penguin Random House, it has entered into a 10-year extension of its sales and distribution agreement and acquired Sasquatch Books. The deal was announced today by Peter Licalzi, CEO, Blue Star Press, and Jeff Abraham, President of Publishing Operations, Technology, and Services, Penguin Random House. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Built on shared values of creativity and craftsmanship, Blue Star Press and Sasquatch Books both have a proven track record of publishing premium quality, highly visual books for adults and children. Both companies have been sold and distributed by Penguin Random House Publisher Services (PRHPS) for several years. Sasquatch became a distribution client of PRHPS in 2012 and was acquired by Penguin Random House in 2017. Blue Star Press has been a distribution client of PRHPS since 2019.  

Sasquatch will operate autonomously and maintain its editorial independence and creative identity, while Blue Star Press works to expand Sasquatch’s opportunities for growth through additional sales, marketing, and manufacturing support.  

Founded in 2015, Blue Star Press is a young publisher that has distinguished itself in the marketplace with its fresh approach to publishing and commitment to producing quality products. Named one of the industry’s fastest growing publishers in 2020, 2021, and 2022 by Publishers Weekly, Blue Star Press has seen significant growth over the last five years as it has channeled more resources into its editorial, marketing, and sales departments to strengthen its book launches and deepen its backlist.  

Founded in 1986 in Seattle, Sasquatch Books is an independent publisher serving writers, artists, chefs, naturalists, and thought leaders in the Pacific Northwest and West Coast, bringing their talents and works to readers nationwide. The publisher has distinguished itself for its innovative and eclectic list of nonfiction.  

“Investing in quality content is integral to Blue Star Press’s growth strategies, and Sasquatch Books has an incredible portfolio that we’re excited to help amplify,” said Peter Licalzi, CEO of Blue Star Press. “As Blue Star continues to expand and as industry competition intensifies, we want to bolster our centralized resources and broaden our portfolio to fuel greater creativity. Combining Sasquatch’s esteemed reputation with Blue Star’s innovative approach to publishing will help drive continued success and help us thrive in the evolving publishing landscape. This acquisition, combined with the extension of our longstanding distribution partnership with PRHPS, will enable us to scale more quickly and effectively.”

“Sasquatch Books’ creativity, innovation, and attentiveness to their publishing perfectly aligns with Blue Star Press’ mission, and makes a perfect fit for Sasquatch’s next chapter,” said Jeff Abraham, President of Publishing Operations, Technology, and Services, Penguin Random House. “I’m appreciative to the Sasquatch team for their years of collaboration and am excited to continue our partnership with Blue Star Press as an ongoing client of Penguin Random House Publisher Services.” 

Sasquatch Books and its respective imprints will maintain their office based in Seattle, Washington, while Blue Star Press will continue to be headquartered in Bend, Oregon. 

In addition to publishing Sasquatch Books’ titles, Blue Star Press will continue to publish titles under its two imprints: Blue Star Press and Paige Tate & Co.  

Susan Reich and David Lamb of Book Advisors LLC represented Blue Star Press in this transaction. 

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About Blue Star Press
Blue Star Press is an award-winning independent publisher based in Bend, OR. Established in 2015, Blue Star Press began as a boutique publisher and quickly grew into a robust and successful publishing house, publishing 40-50 titles per year in the following categories: creative how-to, soft craft, coloring, health and wellness, self-help, parenting, children’s, guided journals, games, gift, and more. A client of Penguin Random House Distribution Services, Blue Star Press has launched 200+ titles in the U.S. and internationally, including several New York Times bestsellers. Blue Star Press was named one of the industry’s fastest-growing publishers three years in a row by Publishers Weekly.