Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)

A lot of independent publishers and author publishers focus a great deal of time and energy trying to get their books sold in bookstores, but there are many other places to sell books that could be a perfect fit for various target audiences. In this episode of "Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)," publisher and founder of The Collective Book Studio Angela Engel discusses the success she's achieved getting her authors’ books into the retail market.

PARTICIPANTS

When Angela Engel launched The Collective Book Studio she wanted to build a different kind of publishing business, one that adhered to the author’s vision every step of the way. Her experience in traditional publishing allows her to introduce beautiful books into the world, and she brings her passion for reading and sharing new ideas into every new project she undertakes.

Angela grew up in Minneapolis, MN, and now calls Oakland, CA, home. For many years she worked in sales and marketing for nationally known category leaders in publishing, including Chronicle Books, Ten Speed Press, Cameron + Company, Dwell Studio, and Moleskine. She has sold to key national and international retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Nordstrom, and Target, and became a sought-after expert in the industry. Now, with The Collective Book Studio, she has the opportunity to provide authors the support they need to get a book out into the world, from start to finish.

During the quarantine, Angela established a fund to create and distribute 10,000 PPE face shields nationwide and has raised more than $35,000. In her (very little) spare time she loves running and cooking. She lives with her three wonderful daughters and her equally wonderful husband, Dan.

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Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Member Liaison, Christopher Locke helps guide the 3,700+ members as they travel along their publishing journeys. As one of his major projects, he oversees the IBPA NetGalley program, which generates buzz and garners reviews for indie publishers’ titles. 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

To learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association, visit here https://www.ibpa-online.org/general/register_member_type.asp?

Follow IBPA on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ibpa

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

In order for retailers to order your book, they normally require that your book have national distribution. Learn more about the IBPA member benefit with IngramSpark here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/ingramspark

What encourages people to buy a book? How do people discover books? Knowing book consumer buying habits can be a huge help in creating successful book marketing campaigns, so IBPA co-sponsored a research project to get an advantageous look at the answers to these questions and more! Portland State University Director of Publishing Dr. Rachel Noorda co-authored the report, so she visits the podcast to give independent publishers and author publishers all the details.

PARTICIPANTS

Dr. Rachel Noorda is Director of Publishing and Assistant Professor of English at Portland State University. Dr. Noorda holds a PhD degree in Publishing Studies from the University of Stirling and has published peer-reviewed research on various book publishing projects including book subscription boxes, independent publisher mission statements, the Portland Book Festival, and online book blurbs. She is currently writing a book (contracted with Cambridge University Press) about entrepreneurship in twenty-first century US book publishing. She has been very involved with the industry, including analyzing data and writing industry reports for PubWest, the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Book Industry Study Group, Literary Arts, and Publishing Scotland.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Member Liaison, Christopher Locke helps guide the 3,600+ members as they travel along their publishing journeys. As one of his major projects, he oversees the IBPA NetGalley program, which generates buzz and garners reviews for indie publishers’ titles. 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

You can read the full Immersive Media & Books 2020 Consumer Survey through a link on this page!

As discussed, if you’re interested in reaching the library market, IBPA has two excellent marketing programs that can help:

• Library Market eBlasts
• ALA Annual Conference

To learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association, visit here https://www.ibpa-online.org/general/register_member_type.asp?

Follow IBPA on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ibpa

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

Marketing books is one of the most important (and difficult!) tasks for independent publishers and author publishers, so IBPA invited book publicity expert FSB Associates Founder and President Fauzia Burke on the podcast to share expert advice about how to land media opportunities to sell books, including television interviews, podcast interviews, and print/online articles!

PARTICIPANTS

Fauzia Burke, author of Online Marketing for Busy Authors, is the founder and president of FSB Associates, an online book publicity firm, co-founder of Pub Site, a platform for building author websites, and a consultant and coach for authors who need help navigating the book marketing and publicity landscape. Before starting FSB, she worked for book publishers, Henry Holt and John Wiley. Fauzia has promoted books by authors such as Alan Alda, Arianna Huffington, Deepak Chopra, Melissa Francis, S. C. Gwynne, Mika Brzezinski, Charles Spencer and many more. She is based in San Diego, California.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Member Liaison, Christopher Locke helps guide the 3,600+ members as they travel along their publishing journeys. As one of his major projects, he oversees the IBPA NetGalley program, which generates buzz and garners reviews for indie publishers’ titles. 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

If you’re looking to promote your books or audiobooks to the media, check out the IBPA Media Outreach Program!

To learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association, visit here https://www.ibpa-online.org/general/register_member_type.asp?

Follow IBPA on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ibpa

Instagram - 

https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/

There is a lot of buzz about how booming the audiobook market is, so should independent publishers make audiobooks an essential part of their business model? What types of books have a better chance succeeding as audiobooks? What are helpful tips to market audiobooks? Audiobook industry expert, Michele Cobb (Partner at Forté Business Consulting and Executive Director for the Audio Publishers Association) gives advantageous insight to answer these questions and more!

PARTICIPANTS

Michele Cobb is a recognized expert in the audio industry and a Partner at Forté Business Consulting. Formerly Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the British Broadcasting Corporation audiobooks division, she has served on the Audio Publishers Association (APA) board since 2001 as a director, an officer, and as the current Executive Director. A sought-after consultant in the audio industry regarding PR, sales, marketing, and business development through Forté, she often works with strategic partner Tavia Gilbert to support the analysis and increased reach of a variety of audiobook and podcast clients.

(12) Michele Cobb (@mleecobb) / Twitter

Michele Cobb (@mleecobb) • Instagram photos and videos

(20+) Michele Cobb | Facebook

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Member Liaison, Christopher Locke helps guide the 3,600+ members as they travel along their publishing journeys. As one of his major projects, he oversees the IBPA NetGalley program, which generates buzz and garners reviews for indie publishers’ titles. 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

If you’re looking to market your audiobook(s), check out the IBPA NetGalley Program Audiobook Listing here https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/netgalley

To learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association, visit here https://www.ibpa-online.org/general/register_member_type.asp?

Follow IBPA on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ibpa

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

Landing traditional distribution can be one of the most difficult things for independent publishers and author publishers to achieve, so Independent Publishers Group’s Vice President of Publisher Development Richard T. Williams shares invaluable advice about how indie publishers can increase their chances of being accepted, explains reasons why they would be rejected, and much more. If you’re interested in landing traditional distribution, you don’t want to miss this episode!

PARTICIPANTS

Richard T. Williams is the vice president, publisher development at the distribution company Independent Publishers Group (IPG), where he reviews publisher submissions, pursues new publisher business, and manages a team of experts to help existing clients plan and develop their lists. He is a former sales rep at IPG and was the director of IPG’s Small Press United program from its inception in 2009. Also a former operations manager at an independent publisher, Richard is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of publishers in today’s industry and utilizes his knowledge and experience to help expand IPG’s suite of services to fit such needs.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Member Liaison, Christopher Locke helps guide the 3,600+ members as they travel along their publishing journeys. As one of his major projects, he oversees the IBPA NetGalley program, which generates buzz and garners reviews for indie publishers’ titles. 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

Click here to learn more about IBPA’s Industry Standards Checklist for a Professionally Published Book!

Richard did a great webinar with IBPA called “Let’s Get Read About National Distribution.” It’s in the free webinar archive for IBPA members, so we recommend checking that out!

To learn more about how you can attend IBPA Publishing University (the premier educational event for independent book publishers), visit https://www.publishinguniversity.org/

There's a special 15% discount on IBPA Publishing University registration for podcast listeners, but you have to listen to this episode for details!

To learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association, visit here https://www.ibpa-online.org/general/register_member_type.asp?

Follow IBPA on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ibpa

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

SCBWI’s Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer April Powers joins host Christopher Locke for a candid conversation about actions independent publishers can take to bring about real change for marginalized communities, and actions that are unhelpful. Plus, what does April have to say about people who complain that companies shouldn’t get “political” by supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and antiracism? Also, what can independent publishers learn from the American Dirt controversy?

PARTICIPANTS

April Powers is the chief equity & inclusion officer for the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, SCBWI.org. A highly-rated trainer for Fortune 50, government and non-profit organizations, she is also the Managing Director of First Impression Rx, a full service consulting firm that helps companies manage differences through training and diversity and inclusion strategy.

Her client work includes LGBTQI+ bench-marking through the Human Rights Campaign, project managing a cultural dexterity roll-out and delivering certified training in the areas of Generational Diversity, Intersectionality, Unconscious Bias, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, LBGTQI+ Understanding, Empathy, Customer Service, Effective Teams, Effective Communication, Positive Workplace, Climate Reality, Difficult Conversations and Cultural Competence.

After graduating from UC Berkeley, April began her recruiting career with Ryan, Miller & Associates; launched Manifest Search; then became the Manager of Diversity and Recruiting for Nestlé USA as well as an Inclusion Trainer & Consultant at Amgen. Most recently, she was offered her dream job impacting young readers all over the world. She has lived in the US, South America and Europe. She is bilingual and, thus brings a global perspective with local understanding to her clients' goals in the inclusion space.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Member Liaison, Christopher Locke helps guide the 3,600+ members as they travel along their publishing journeys. As one of his major projects, he oversees the IBPA NetGalley program, which generates buzz and garners reviews for indie publishers’ titles. 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

To learn more about #OwnVoices and the creator of the term, Corinne Duyvis, read this interview here https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/84336-q-a-with-corinne-duyvis.html

To learn more about how you can attend IBPA Publishing University (the premier educational event for independent book publishers), visit https://www.publishinguniversity.org/

There's a special 15% discount on IBPA Publishing University registration for podcast listeners, but you have to listen to this episode for details!

To learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association, visit here https://www.ibpa-online.org/general/register_member_type.asp?

"If the World Were a Village of 100 People (2019)"

Follow IBPA on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ibpa

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

What are some of the ethical conundrums that hybrid publishers fall victim to, and how can they overcome them? Why do some publishers think it’s controversial for hybrid publishers to be considered publishers? Hybrid publisher Wonderwell CEO Maggie Langrick shares her expert insight on these issues; why she loves hybrid publishing, and more.

PARTICIPANTS

Maggie Langrick is the founder and publisher of Wonderwell, a hybrid publisher of nonfiction books that help, heal and inspire. Since the company's launch (then known as LifeTree Media) in 2013, the company's books have won numerous peer-reviewed awards, placed on national bestseller lists, and been translated into more than seven languages. Maggie is an IBPA Board Director, and a member of the Advocacy Committee that developed IBPA's criteria for hybrid publishers. Having worked as an editor for more than 20 years, Maggie brings a strong editorial focus to her role as a publisher and was shortlisted for Editors Canada's Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence in 2017. She lives in Los Angeles.

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Member Liaison, Christopher Locke helps guide the 3,600+ members as they travel along their publishing journeys. As one of his major projects, he oversees the IBPA NetGalley program, which generates buzz and garners reviews for indie publishers’ titles. 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

To learn more about IBPA’s Hybrid Publisher Criteria, visit https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/hybridpublisher

To learn more about how you can attend IBPA Publishing University (the premier educational event for independent book publishers), visit https://www.publishinguniversity.org/

There's a special 15% discount on IBPA Publishing University registration for podcast listeners, but you have to listen to this episode for details!

To learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association, visit here https://www.ibpa-online.org/general/register_member_type.asp?

Follow IBPA on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ibpa

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

A new season of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)” starts Thursday, January 28! In this short intro, find out what new host IBPA Member Liaison Christopher Locke has in store for upcoming episodes of the podcast. Will this new season make you the most successful independent publisher the world has ever known? You’ll have to tune in to find out!

Check out the YouTube video version of this intro here: 

New episodes are posted the last Thursday of every month everywhere you download podcasts and on YouTube. Learn more about IBPA at https://www.ibpa-online.org/

PARTICIPANTS

Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Member Liaison, Christopher Locke helps guide the 3,600+ members as they travel along their publishing journeys. As one of his major projects, he oversees the IBPA NetGalley program, which generates buzz and garners reviews for indie publishers’ titles. 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.

For Peter Goodman's final episode as host, new host Christopher Locke asks Peter about his experience as an editor and publisher. From working in Japan and the UK for ten years to running his own publishing company for over thirty years, Peter has seen a lot of technologies and trends come and go. But some things are still fundamental, and among them is the motto Peter learned in Japan: "Let's have publishing fun!"

Christopher Locke will be reintroducing Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA) in a new format starting monthly in January 2021. Stay tuned!

Thanks to all the guests for sharing their wisdom and expertise!

IBPA
https://www.ibpa-online.org/

Stone Bridge Press
https://www.stonebridge.com

Christopher Locke is the Member Liaison for IBPA, ibpa-online.org. He will be assuming host duties of the podcast in January 2021.

*Peter Goodman** (host) is publisher of Stone Bridge Press in Berkeley, California. He began his publishing career in Tokyo, Japan, in 1976. A longtime member of IBPA, he has served on the IBPA board and as IBPA board chair.

For more information, go to IBPA at https://www.ibpa-online.org/.

The Frankfurt Book Fair was a completely virtual event this year. Licensing and permissions expert MaryJo ("MJ") Courchesne of Gryphon Publishing Consulting reports on her experience, and also discusses the CASE Act, fair use, and piracy.

Topics Covered

• Frankfurt Book Fair roundup, physical vs. virtual
• When to start prepping for next year's Frankfurt
• Do you need a rights and permissions manager?
• How is the rights business these days?
• Update on the CASE Act, a small-claims court for settle rights-infringement disputes
• The scourge of book piracy
• The IBPA Advocacy Committee
• Some thoughts on fair use and permissions, and why you need to make informed decisions

Links
CASE Act (summary with IBPA links)
https://www.ibpa-online.org/news/518209/A-CASE-Act-Call-to-Action-for-IBPA-Members.htm

Fair Use
https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/more-info.html

DMCA notice and takedown
https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/DMCA_Good_Bad_and_Situational_Practices_Document-FINAL.pdf

Free 30 min consultation for IBPA members: https://calendly.com/gryphonpubcons/ibpa-30-minute-consult

Participants
Mary Jo (“MJ”) Courchesne is the owner and principal rights consultant of Gryphon Publishing Consulting, LLC (www.gryphonpublishingconsulting.net). A publishing veteran with experience in trade, academic and direct-response publishing, she has spent nearly 2 decades specializing in licensing, subsidiary rights, and permissions.

She is a frequent and polished presenter on licensing and copyright. She firmly believes that everyone from authors to publishers to corporations should “know their rights” when it comes to intellectual property. To that end, she instructed in The George Washington University’s Masters in Publishing program for 13 years, first for 11 years as Adjunct Professor for a course entitled Editorial Content, Rights and Permissions, and subsequently as Lecturer in a course on copyright.

She is a member of the Copyright Alliance, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She has also held memberships with other organizations such as the American Society of Picture Professionals and Washington Publishers.

She currently serves on the Advocacy Committee for IBPA, as the copyright expert within the board of experts of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE), and is Secretary and board member for The Big Easy in Buffalo.

Twitter: @GryphPub
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gryphonpublishingconsulting

Peter Goodman (host) is publisher of Stone Bridge Press (www.stonebridge.com) in Berkeley, California. He began his publishing career in Tokyo, Japan, in 1976. A longtime member of IBPA, he has served on the IBPA board and as IBPA board chair.

For more information, go to IBPA at https://www.ibpa-online.org/.