Karl Beckstrand – Author, Publisher & Literacy Speaker

Award-winning author-illustrator, publisher, and former media professor Karl Beckstrand has spent more than two decades helping readers, educators, organizations, and aspiring writers share ideas that inform, inspire, and connect people.

As founder of Premio Publishing and creator of KidsWorldBooks, he has authored more than 50 titles and boasts 300+ educational products used in homes, schools, libraries, ESL programs, and homeschool communities around the world.

The human-created titles blend humor, visual storytelling, and engaging experiences for families while fostering curiosity, reading proficiency, and cultural awareness.

"Karl has a way of activating your imagination. His creative flow never stops and his published works are the result. Not only is Karl creative and humorous, but he also delivers meaningful lessons." – Greg Pace, AGP Companies

Media / Publishing Consultation

Whether you're preparing your first manuscript or expanding an established venture, Karl Beckstrand can help clarify and strengthen your message, identify readership, and navigate today's evolving marketplace.

Areas of expertise include:

• manuscript development

• fiction and nonfiction structure

• traditional, independent, and digital publishing

• print-on-demand production

• promotion and audience growth

• press and publicity strategies

• industry resources and professional referrals

👉 Available by phone, video conference, or in person: $165/hour

Presentation topics below

Education & Professional Background

Karl Beckstrand earned:

• B.A. in journalism – Brigham Young University

• M.A. in international relations & conflict resolution – American Public University

• Broadcast & Film certificate – Film A. Academy

For more than fifteen years, he taught English to refugees from across the globe. His professional experience includes technical recruiting in Silicon Valley, volunteer chaplaincy at Stanford University Hospital, and service as an in-flight interpreter for Angel Flight, a medical transportation nonprofit.

"In the decade-plus I've known Karl, he has consistently exhibited creativity, enthusiasm, and a joy for life that positively influences those around him." – Simone da Rosa, speaker, writer, and wellness coach

Languages, Cultures & Literacy

Since 2004, Beckstrand's imprints have published titles that reflect a lovely world tapestry. His catalog includes characters and contributors representing many nations, languages, and faith traditions. Numerous works feature English-Spanish text, pronunciation guides, STEM connections, and optional classroom extensions.

Having lived in South America and traveled internationally, he is near-fluent Spanish and has studied German, Italian, Portuguese, and American Sign Language.

Awards & Recognition

Beckstrand's company has been endorsed by educational institutions, reviewers, governments, and literary award organizations:

• Global Book Awards — 2025 Nonfiction (Abundant Paths)

• International Book Awards — 2016 YA Winner (To Swallow the Earth)

• Multiple design and literary honors

• Library of Congress

• USDA (via Virginia Tech)

• State of Vermont

• Alberta Health Services (Canada)

• Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation

• Kirkus Reviews

• Publishers Weekly

• School Library Journal

• The Horn Book

👉 See more.

"Karl is one of the most dedicated people I know. He has a passion for life, a zeal for helping others, excellent creativity, and remarkable dependability." Lisa Baez – Hopscotch Air

speaking topics

Laughter, Laughter—Now & After! The Multicultural Book Covers of Karl Beckstrand

Karl Beckstrand presents to schools, libraries, conferences, businesses, government agencies, literary groups, and community organizations. Sessions typically range from 50–110 minutes, may be delivered in English or Spanish, and can be tailored to specific audiences. Author panels are available with advance notice. Organizations may offset or eliminate speaker fees with qualifying book purchases.

Creating, Publishing & Marketing Your Book for Broadest Impact

A practical overview of researching, writing, producing, distributing, and promoting content in today's print and digital marketplace. Includes traditional publishing, self-publishing, ebooks, marketing strategies, and the seven universal story plots.

Literacy, Language & Cross-Cultural Storytelling

How narratives strengthen vocabulary, communication, empathy, reading achievement, and cultural understanding. Features examples from Beckstrand's multilingual and globally themed works.

Writing for Mass Media

Effective communication for nonfiction books, blogs, websites, journalism, film, and digital platforms. Covers research, structure, voice, and audience engagement.

Creativity, Curriculum & Learning Through the Arts

Exciting approaches that use narrative, visual arts, performance, food, history, and hands-on activities to increase participation and retention.

Entrepreneurship & Discovering Your Gifts

Using creativity, service, and business principles to build meaningful work and contribute positively to the community. Includes start-up guidance, team building, networking, and Q&A.

Beyond Books

A lifelong learner and storyteller, Beckstrand enjoys volleyball, kayaking, singing, family history, and exploring cultures through travel and conversation. He regularly promotes reading and education wherever he presents and has donated hundreds of books to schools, libraries, hospitals, and educational initiatives in the United States and abroad.

For availability, interviews, presentations, workshops, or consulting inquiries, please contact us.

Find Karl Beckstrand Online

Author site: KarlBeckstrand.com

Amazon: Karl Beckstrand

Facebook: KidsWorldBooks

Blog: https://karlbeckstrandblog.wordpress.com/

Instagram • Goodreads.com • YouTube • Pinterest • X

En Español

Karl Beckstrand también ofrece presentaciones, talleres y consultas editoriales en español. Ha vivido en América Latina, enseñó inglés a inmigrantes y refugiados durante más de quince años y es autor de numerosos libros bilingües para niños, familias y educadores.

Sus temas incluyen alfabetización, escritura y publicación de libros, aprendizaje multicultural, desarrollo del lenguaje, creatividad, actividades educativas y narración de historias. También asesora a autores, educadores y organizaciones que desean escribir, publicar o promover sus obras.

Será un placer conversar con usted en español. Contáctenos para entrevistas, conferencias, visitas escolares, talleres o consultas editoriales.