In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA), PTP Press Publisher Joylynn Ross explains why one of the most important conversations an independent publisher can have with their team and their authors should happen before the publishing process even begins.

By aligning with your team’s and the author's visions for the book, defining clear goals, and creating a shared strategy for success, publishers can build stronger partnerships and set realistic expectations from day one.

You'll also discover why a book's success depends on more than the publisher's efforts alone. Joylynn discusses how authors play a critical role in marketing and audience building—and how having these conversations early can lead to better collaboration, stronger results, and more successful books for everyone involved.

GUEST BIO

National Essence Magazine Best-Selling Author and award-winning publisher of PTP Press, Joylynn M. Ross, has written over 40 books and publications in multiple genres under various pen names and works with and for major and indie publishers in the capacity of content creator, ghostwriter, editor, creative, copy and business writer, and literary and publishing consultant.

Not only has Joylynn sold over one-million copies of her own books, but in her roles as acquisitions editor and literary agent, Joylynn has single-handedly pitched and secured millions of dollars in sales and rights to enterprises such as Walmart and Kensington Publishing Corp. As a business subject matter and storytelling expert, Joylynn’s brands, Path To Connections and Path To Publishing, are the B.O.S.S. of the literary world, publishing industry, and small business ecosystem when it comes to the business of strategic storytelling. And over the past three decades they’ve helped other business owners and organizations become the B.O.S.S. of theirs.

HOST BIO

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 3,900 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS

Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/

Follow IBPA on:

To learn more about Joylynn’s brands, visit www.pathtoconnections.com,  www.joylynnMross.com, www.PathToPublishing.com, and www.ptppress.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoylynnRoss

IG: https://www.instagram.com/blessedselling_author_enjoy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enjoywrites

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/enjoywrites

Substack: https://joylynnmross.substack.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ActLikeanAuthorThinkLikeaBusiness

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@confrontationalspeaker

This episode is presented by World of Books. Learn how to enter their Sustainable Story Award here: worldofbooks.com/pages/sustainable-story-award.

How can independent publishers achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace?

In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” AdventureKEEN Publisher and COO Molly Merkle shares advice about the power of niche publishing and the strategies publishers can use to build loyal readers, stronger sales, and resilient businesses.

You’ll learn practical tactics about:

- growing your backlist through publisher acquisitions and mergers

- revitalizing older titles through redesign and repackaging

- how to build strong relationships with specialty retailers and distribution partners

- and more!

Whether you're looking to grow your publishing company, strengthen your backlist, increase profitability, or better understand your target audience, this episode is packed with real-world insights and proven publishing strategies you can put into action right away.

GUEST BIO

Molly Merkle began her career in book publishing nearly 40 years ago as an intern during college, then moved to full-time work for Menasha Ridge Press, one of AdventureKEEN Publishing's now seven imprints. In early 2023, she was named AdventureKEEN’s publisher and continues to serve as its COO. Merkle has been key to executing the company’s vision for growth, including the acquisition and integration of several independent presses over the years. She’s also helped lead the company through hardship and challenges, which are a fact of life for entrepreneurial publishers.

Merkle serves on the board of The Publishers Cooperative, a group of established and emerging independent publishers committed to creating a strong, diverse, equitable, and inclusive publishing industry together.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 3,900 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS

Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/

Learn more about the AdventureKEEN at https://adventurewithkeen.com/

Follow IBPA on:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adventurekeen/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adventurewithkeen/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@adventurekeen

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/adventurekeen/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adventurekeen

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/adventurekeen.bsky.social

Blog - https://adventurewithkeen.com/blog/

Learn more about The Publishers Cooperative at https://thepublisherscooperative.com/

Learn more about the Book Industry Charitable Foundation at https://bincfoundation.org/

Every standout book has one thing in common: a strong editorial process behind it. 

In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” the Editorial Freelancers Association’s Director of Professional Development Asher Rose Fox demystifies what it really takes for independent publishers, author-publishers, and authors to transform a manuscript into a market-ready book—covering every stage of editing, what you can expect to invest, and how to collaborate effectively with editors.

If you’re serious about publishing a book that readers—and reviewers—take seriously; this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

PARTICIPANTS

Asher Rose Fox (they/them) has been an editor and activist for over 30 years. A longtime member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, Asher is proud to serve the freelance editing community as the EFA’s Director of Professional Development. They’ve held staff editorial roles at Publishers Weekly, About.com, PCMag, and The Annals of Improbable Research; freelanced for innumerable clients, including Strange Horizons, Popular Mechanics, nonsense nyc, Anesthesiology News, and many individual authors; and volunteered with 10%+, Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, Arisia, Readercon, and Kolot Chayeinu/Voices of Our Lives. Asher has also co-edited the groundbreaking and award-shortlisted anthology Long Hidden, delighted Twitter as GRAMMARHULK, and played a human aerodrome for paper airplanes at the Ig Nobel Awards. They make things better.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS

Learn more about the Editorial Freelancers Association at https://www.the-efa.org/

Follow the EFA on:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EFAFreelancers

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/efafreelancers/

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/efafreelancers.bsky.social

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@efa1970/featured?themeRefresh=1

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/efafreelancers/

Follow IBPA on:

This episode is presented by Friesens Corporation. Learn more at https://www.friesens.com/

Breaking into the education market can transform your publishing business—but many independent publishers and author-publishers don’t know where to start.

On today’s episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” Teacher Created Materials Publisher, Trade Division Kyra Ostendorf pulls back the curtain on how books actually get into schools and classrooms, revealing the strategies, positioning, and industry know-how to turn your titles into trusted classroom resources.

If you’re ready to unlock a powerful new revenue stream and get your books directly into the hands of students, this episode shows you how.

PARTICIPANTS 

Kyra Ostendorf is Publisher, Trade Division at Teacher Created Materials, where she leads Free Spirit Publishing, Shell Education, and Curiosity Unlocked Books. With leadership experience spanning educational publishing, curriculum development, and early childhood education, she previously served as Vice President of Education at Kaplan Early Learning Company and as Acquiring Editor at Redleaf Press, where she helped grow the publishing portfolio by more than 200 titles. Kyra holds an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota and a B.A. from Macalester College.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS

Follow IBPA on:

Learn more about Teacher Created Materials at https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/

Follow Teacher Created Materials on:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tcmpub

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/tcmpub/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tcmpub/

X - https://x.com/tcmpub

Want to take your books beyond the U.S. and into global markets—but not sure where to start? 

In this episode, Gryphon Publishing Consulting Owner Mary Jo Courchesne breaks down the entire process of selling international rights, so independent publishers can turn their books into opportunities around the world.

You’ll learn:

If you want to expand your book’s reach—and revenue—beyond your home market, this conversation gives you a clear, practical roadmap for getting your books into readers’ hands across the globe.

This episode is presented by MetaComet Systems. Learn more at https://metacomet.com/?utm_source=ibpa&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2026

PARTICIPANTS

Mary Jo (“MJ”) Courchesne is the founder of Gryphon Publishing Consulting, a permissions and licensing company serving independent publishers. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), is a member of the Rights Committee of the Book Industry Study Group (BISG), the American Book Producers Association, and the Copyright Alliance. She also serves as secretary on the board of directors for The Big Easy in Buffalo. She resides in Buffalo, NY.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 3,900 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS

Learn more about IBPA Publishing University here: https://www.publishinguniversity.org/

Follow IBPA on:

Check out Gryphon Publishing Consulting here: www.gryphonpublishing.co

In a crowded marketplace, a well-executed in-person event can do more than sell books—it can elevate a publisher’s brand, build lasting reader relationships, and open doors to new opportunities. 

In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” W. Brand Publishing Founder JuLee Brand will dive into practical, real-world advice for independent publishers who want to turn live events into powerful marketing and sales engines. 

Topics Include: 

 If you’re ready to boost book sales and expand your publishing company’s visibility, this conversation is for you.

PARTICIPANTS

JuLee Brand is a graphic designer, art director, publisher, and storyteller with over 30 years of experience across music, television, and publishing. Founder of W. Brand Publishing and StorySessions™, she specializes in helping authors uncover clarity, meaning, and connection through guided conversation. Her work is rooted in a simple belief: words—and how they’re presented—matter.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS

Check out JuLee Brand’s books at https://www.wbrandpub.com/

Follow IBPA on:

Follow W. Brand Publishing on:

Facebook & Instagram: @wbrandpub

Today's episode is presented by Gatekeeper Press — where authors are family. Gatekeeper Press empowers indie authors with expert publishing, editing, and global distribution services—providing full, white-glove concierge support every step of the way. 

Running an independent press on a tight budget? You’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. This episode of Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA) explores funding opportunities many indie publishers miss.

Shero Comics founder Shequeta Smith shares practical advice on finding and securing grants, fellowships, paid creative opportunities, and other nontraditional funding sources to help sustain and grow your publishing program. She also discusses how Substack can boost visibility and become an additional revenue stream for your brand.

If you’re looking for smarter ways to fund your publishing goals, this episode is full of actionable ideas you can start using now.

PARTICIPANTS

Shequeta L. Smith is an award-winning writer, director, and the founder of Shero Comics, a Los Angeles–based multimedia company creating empowering comics, films, and games centered on women and girls of color. Since launching the company in 2016, she has independently sold more than 8,500 books worldwide and expanded the Shero universe into dolls, apparel, and branded merchandise. Smith is also the creator of SheroCon, a women-centered comic and creative tech convention, and recently made history as the first African-American comic creator featured at the Korea Manhwa Museum. In recognition of her work in comics and her impact on Los Angeles youth, she was named the 2025 Los Angeles Lakers & Comerica Bank Woman of Diversity.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS
Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/

Check out Shequeta Smith’s books at www.shequeta.com

Follow IBPA on:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/independent-book-publishers-association

Follow Shero Comics on:

www.instagram.com/sherocomics

www.tiktok.com/@sherocomics

www.youtube.com/@sherocomics

Today's episode is presented by Gatekeeper Press — where authors are family. Gatekeeper Press empowers indie authors with expert publishing, editing, and global distribution services—providing full, white-glove concierge support every step of the way. 

Retain 100% of your rights, royalties, and creative control at gatekeeperpress.com.

Every single day, there are news stories about artificial intelligence (AI)—most notably, controversies about unethical practices by companies that offer AI services—so independent publishers are trying to determine if using AI is the right fit for their businesses.

Author and Indie Author Magazine Co-Founder and Publisher Chelle Honiker joins “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)” to share her expertise on the subject, including the ethical concerns about using AI, what the most effective AI platforms are for publishers, how AI can be used to help publishers run their businesses more efficiently, and much more.

PARTICIPANTS

Chelle Honiker is the co-founder and publisher of Indie Author Magazine, IndieAuthorTraining, Indie Author Tools, and Direct2Readers.com. Her team of more than 80 writers, editors, trainers, and support staff provides resources and insights that help authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing. Her role as the programming director for Author Nation, an annual conference in Las Vegas, further exemplifies her commitment to fostering a community where authors can grow and succeed.

With a career spanning over two decades in executive operations and leadership, Chelle has honed her skills in managing complex projects and delivering impactful training programs. Her experience as a speaker and TEDx Organizer has taken her to many countries, where she has shared her insights with diverse audiences.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS
Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/

Check out Chelle Honiker’s books at https://chellehoniker.com/

Also, learn more about Indie Author Magazine at https://indieauthormagazine.com/

Follow IBPA on:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline
X – https://twitter.com/ibpa
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/

Today's episode is presented by Gatekeeper Press — where authors are family. Gatekeeper Press empowers indie authors with expert publishing, editing, and global distribution services—providing full, white-glove concierge support every step of the way. 

Retain 100% of your rights, royalties, and creative control at gatekeeperpress.com.

Audiobook sales have been on the rise for many years, and they show no signs of stopping; so many independent publishers are hoping to take advantage of this boom. But there are important factors to consider first. Will the return on investment be worth the cost of producing an audiobook? How do you produce a quality audiobook on a lean budget? What genres perform the best as audiobooks? Do you market your audiobook differently than your print and ebooks?

Podium Entertainment has had great success in the audiobook market, so Publisher Victoria Gerken joins the podcast today to answer those questions, as well as discuss their transition from being an audiobook-only publisher to now also publishing print and ebooks.

PARTICIPANTS

Victoria Gerken is the Publisher at Podium Entertainment. She has welcomed independent authors into the Podium family since 2016. She previously worked with authors in traditional publishing roles - at Random House and Alfred A. Knopf - where she was a publicist and sold subsidiary rights. Victoria got her first taste of entrepreneurship in publishing as the founder of the Random House Speakers Bureau.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS
Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/

Learn more about Podium Entertainment here: www.podiumentertainment.com

Follow IBPA on:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline
X – https://twitter.com/ibpa
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/

Follow Podium Entertainment on social media: @podiumentertainment

The question that IBPA staff probably gets asked the most by publishers is: How do I sell more books. We’re always happy to help, so IBPA’s Chief Content Officer Lee Wind joins “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)” to share advice on the most effective and ineffective book marketing tactics, including how you can get your book vetted so bookstores, librarians, and consumers will be more likely to buy it; how you can make your books more discoverable to buyers; how you should successfully market your book pre-publication, during the launch, and post publication; and much more.

PARTICIPANTS

Lee Wind (he/him) is IBPA's Chief Content Officer, and is constantly iterating IBPA's book marketing programs to help our members' books achieve and succeed. A book blogger and author published by six different independent presses himself, Lee is passionate about empowering and amplifying independent voices. As an author, Lee writes stories to empower kids and teens to be their authentic selves and change the world—the same books that would have changed his life as a young gay, Jewish kid. Lee is also the co-founder of We Are Stronger Than Censorship, a nonprofit program that buys and donates two books to offset every one book challenge. You can visit Lee's author website at leewind.org

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 3,900 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He’s also passionate about indie publishing, because he’s an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.

LINKS
Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/

Sell more books with IBPA's book marketing programs: https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/ListofBenefits#sellmorebooks

Support independent publishers whose books have been banned through the We Are Stronger Than Censorship campaign: https://www.wearestrongerthancensorship.org/

Check out IBPA Chief Content Officer Lee Wind’s books here: https://www.leewind.org/

Follow IBPA on:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline
X – https://twitter.com/ibpa
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/

Follow Lee Wind here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamleewind/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leewind

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/leewind.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/leewindauthor