Kim Ricketts founded Kim Ricketts/Book Events in July of 2003 with an inspiration to find and develop non-traditional author based events in Seattle. Fueled by a firm belief that people want books, authors and new ideas in their daily lives, the company has expanded from two original clients to a list of over 30 companies and groups, has branched into the greater Seattle area, the San Francisco market, and is exploring plans to expand even further. This is a company dedicated to connecting authors and books with readers in a wide variety of non-traditional venues—from corporate campuses to cocktail parties, we’ve even been known to put authors on cruise ships! Whether we’re creating an author series for a corporate client or hosting a celebrity chef at a local restaurant, it’s s a “win-win” for all: the authors get to talk to a group of people who are already interested in their message; the client gets to host a fascinating speaker at a fraction of a speaker fee cost; employees or attendees get to be educated and entertained, and publishers sell more books!

Kim has been passionate about books since she was a child, and her vocation and avocation have come together in this exciting new company. After studying history and literature at Whitman College and the University of Washington, Kim began her bookselling career at a small neighborhood bookstore in Seattle. In 1997, Kim took on the “book club coordinator” position for the University Book Store and in 1998, was named Events and Programs Coordinator for that store and its branches. During the five years Kim held that post, she created an active calendar of events both in-store, on campus and at large offsite lecture venues, and in addition coordinated a wide variety of multi-day conferences throughout the Northwest.

Kim is an active member of the community donating her time and expertise to numerous non-profit organizations and important causes. She was the 2006 recipient of the Jeri McDonald Community Service Award, which recognizes entrepreneurial success and dedicated volunteer service to the Chamber of Commerce and the Puget Sound community.

Kim has sat on the Board of Directors for NW Bookfest, the UW Extension Writing Program, and American Voices/Foolproof. Currently, she is a member of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, the Seattle Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the American Booksellers Association, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, the International Association of Culinary Professionals, and the James Beard Foundation.