IBPA http://www.ibpa-online.org The Independent Book Publishers Association mission is to advocate for, support and educate our members and to improve the standards of independent publishing. Mon, 25 Jul 2016 23:06:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.3.3 Independent Publishers Group Acquires INscribe Digital http://www.ibpa-online.org/independent-publishers-group-acquires-inscribe-digital/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/independent-publishers-group-acquires-inscribe-digital/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:32:49 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23857 (PRESS RELEASE) INSCRIBE DIGITAL TO BECOME DIVISION OF IPG, BRINGING MORE THAN 300 CLIENTS AND 65,000 TITLES (CHICAGO, IL and SAN FRANCISCO, CA) Independent Publishers Group (IPG) announced today that it has completed the transaction to purchase leading eBook distributor INscribe Digital. The acquisition includes INscribe Digital’s distribution platform, marketplace monitoring tool, 300+ clients with […]

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(PRESS RELEASE)


INSCRIBE DIGITAL TO BECOME DIVISION OF IPG, BRINGING MORE THAN 300 CLIENTS AND 65,000 TITLES

(CHICAGO, IL and SAN FRANCISCO, CA) Independent Publishers Group (IPG) announced today that it has completed the transaction to purchase leading eBook distributor INscribe Digital. The acquisition includes INscribe Digital’s distribution platform, marketplace monitoring tool, 300+ clients with over 65,000 titles and the INscribe Digital staff.

The acquisition provides IPG with a state of the art digital distribution platform that will be leveraged to service its entire client base. INscribe Digital clients will have access to the IPG distribution network, including over 100 eBook retailer partners. The acquisition will also open up new print distribution options for INscribe Digital clients.

“We are delighted to welcome INscribe Digital to the IPG family of businesses,” said Joe Matthews, CEO of Independent Publishers Group. “IPG is focused on providing state-of-the-art services for its entire client base, including unparalleled eBook distribution expertise. The INscribe digital platforms and staff will help position us as a technology leader in the distribution marketplace.”

“As a 40-year veteran of the book business, IPG will provide great top-down support for our clients and staff,” said Anne Kubek, INscribe Digital’s EVP and General Manager. “We are excited by the many ways we see IPG helping us to grow INscribe Digital’s business.”

Robin Warner, Managing Director at DeSilva & Phillips Investment Bank, represented the shareholders of INscribe Digital’s parent company, Isolation Network, in its sale to IPG.

About Independent Publishers Group

Established in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. With consistent growth year-over-year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its client publishers in the United States and worldwide. IPG has a wide reach in the market through its distribution of publishers with academic, Spanish-language, computer and general trade nonfiction and fiction titles. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987. Clients include publishers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Israel, Spain and other countries. In the fall of 2006, the senior management of Chicago Review Press, Inc., the parent company of IPG, bought Trafalgar Square Publishing, Inc., the leading US distributor of UK publishers. Trafalgar Square Publishing was founded in 1973 and distributes for clients such as Canongate UK, Hodder & Stoughton, Headline, Orion Publishing, Random House UK and Simon and Schuster UK.

About INscribe Digital

Formerly a division of Isolation Network, INscribe Digital is a technology company specializing in next-generation publishing services and tools. Based in San Francisco, the company has distributed more than 65,000 eBook titles on behalf of major book publishers, university and independent presses, literary agents and authors. INscribe’s Athena content delivery platform provides maximum transparency in distribution and sales reporting. Strong retailer relationships enable the company to deliver customized marketing and sales solutions for diverse clients at a range of retailers globally. INscribe’s seasoned team of book industry professionals leverages a decade of experience in delivering music and other digital media assets to leading retailers worldwide. INscribe Digital offers flexible and scalable solutions for Book production, conversion, marketing and distribution.

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How ‘Diary Of an Oxygen Thief’ Went from Self-Published Obscurity to Bestsellerdom http://www.ibpa-online.org/how-diary-of-an-oxygen-thief-went-from-self-published-obscurity-to-bestsellerdom/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/how-diary-of-an-oxygen-thief-went-from-self-published-obscurity-to-bestsellerdom/#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2016 20:51:53 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23844 (NEWS) This article originally appeared on PublishersWeekly.com. IBPA welcomes your feedback in the comments section of this post. By Rachel Deahl “You may not know what Diary of an Oxygen Thief is about, but you might have heard the title. Or maybe you saw a picture of the book on Instagram, or read a discussion […]

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(NEWS)


This article originally appeared on PublishersWeekly.com. IBPA welcomes your feedback in the comments section of this post.


By Rachel Deahl

“You may not know what Diary of an Oxygen Thief is about, but you might have heard the title. Or maybe you saw a picture of the book on Instagram, or read a discussion of it—positive or negative—on Twitter. And that’s by design: a design carried out by the book’s anonymous author over 10 years.

The slim novel, which details the travails of a broken-hearted, alcoholic, and bitter misogynist (who is also an unreliable narrator), was self-published in 2006. After selling nearly 100,000 copies—predominantly in trade paperback and e-book—the book was acquired by Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books imprint in May, and re-released by the Simon & Schuster imprint on June 14. In its first three weeks on sale, the title has gotten off to a respectable start, selling roughly 14,000 copies, according to Nielsen BookScan. The book’s unlikely rise, from underground hit to Big Five-published novel, is due predominantly to the marketing efforts of its anonymous author. He pulled off a savvy publicity campaign that prioritized, above all else, getting the book’s title shared on social media.

The author, who asked that his name be kept out of print, spoke to PW from his apartment in New York’s East Village about the long, strange trip of publishing —and promoting—Diary…”

Read more at PublishersWeekly.com.


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Director’s Desk: Shining a Spotlight on Professionalism http://www.ibpa-online.org/directors-desk-shining-a-spotlight-on-professionalism/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/directors-desk-shining-a-spotlight-on-professionalism/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2016 22:38:54 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23834 You’ll likely notice something special about this issue of IBPA Independent. In addition to the general content this magazine is prized for, throughout the next pages you’ll find a focus on awards with the goal of celebrating the different contests and winners raising our profile as a community of independent publishers. Award recognition can be […]

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You’ll likely notice something special about this issue of IBPA Independent. In addition to the general content this magazine is prized for, throughout the next pages you’ll find a focus on awards with the goal of celebrating the different contests and winners raising our profile as a community of independent publishers.

Award recognition can be important to a publishing program. To win an award is to be recognized by your peers and the industry at large for doing excellent work in your chosen profession. In addition, a coveted award showcases your commitment to professionalism, standards, and ethics.

And, at IBPA, professionalism matters.

In a December 2013 Director’s Desk column for IBPA Independent titled, “A Code for Our Community” (ibpa-online.org/directors-desk-a-code-for-our-community), I wrote:

“IBPA champions independent voices: well spoken, properly edited, cleanly formatted, intelligently distributed, and happily consumed. It doesn’t matter whether these voices bubble up from independent publishing houses per se, or directly from self-published authors. It doesn’t matter whether the goal is to get rich through a bestseller or to change the world though a personal manifesto. All content is publishable if someone cares enough to publish it.

That said, professionalism matters. IBPA has to believe, as a community of professionals, that the production of content of lasting financial and/or cultural value is just as important as securing open markets for this content. We must understand and adhere to copyright law so we can ensure that authors and other creators are properly compensated. We must be honest and fair in our dealings with readers and not mislead them with false promises or manipulated reviews . . .”

This strong belief in professionalism fuels IBPA’s approved Code of Ethics for our members. Many of you are familiar with this code, but for those of you who are new to our community, I thought I’d share it again in light of this issue’s focus on awards.

The truth is, of course, that not every deserving book is able to win an award. Still, every book can adhere to professional standards. With the help of IBPA, it’s easier today than ever before.

IBPA’s Code of Ethics

IBPA staff from left: Chief Operations Officer Terry Nathan, Member Benefits Liaison Joanne Kenny, Chief Executive Officer Angela Bole, and Project Coordinator/Member Benefits Specialist Mimi Le.

IBPA staff from left: Chief Operations Officer Terry Nathan, Member Benefits Liaison Joanne Kenny, Chief Executive Officer Angela Bole, and Project Coordinator/Member Benefits Specialist Mimi Le.

As part of the independent publishing community, we pledge …

  1. To uphold the highest standards of our industry, to create works of lasting financial and/or cultural value, and to pursue editorial, design, and production excellence.
  2. To respect the rights of authors and other creators and stakeholders, to observe all copyright laws and conventions, and to never knowingly publish plagiarized work.
  3. To reward authors and contributors for their work, to be honest in our financial dealings, to write contracts in understandable language, to resolve all disputes promptly and fairly, and to foster equal opportunity in our workplaces.
  4. To not mislead readers or buyers with false promises, inflated sales data, or manipulated reviews.
  5. To recycle and reuse and to follow green practices.

How Do You Engage?

How about you? How do you feel your company is connected to IBPA’s approved Code of Ethics for our members? Does your company have its own, separate code as well? Email me at angela@ibpa-online.org. I’d love to hear from you.


About the Author

Angela Bole

Angela Bole

Just before Angela Bole became IBPA’s Chief Executive Officer, she was Deputy Executive Director of the Book Industry Study Group, Inc. (BISG), which fosters conversation and consensus across all sectors of the book business. Before that, Angela served for two years as BISG’s Associate Director and two years as its Marketing and Communications Manager.

Angela also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of IDPF, the International Digital Publishing Forum.

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Books for the Greater Good http://www.ibpa-online.org/books-greater-good/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/books-greater-good/#comments Wed, 29 Jun 2016 18:47:51 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23713 (BLOG POST) By Joanne Kenny; IBPA Member Benefits Liaison Some of you may have recently seen a post in your Facebook feed about a Just One Book campaign to help a junior/senior high school in California revamp their library. Thanks to many generous book donors (they have received over 4,000 books!), Greenville High School and […]

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(BLOG POST)


By Joanne Kenny; IBPA Member Benefits Liaison

Books for the Greater GoodSome of you may have recently seen a post in your Facebook feed about a Just One Book campaign to help a junior/senior high school in California revamp their library. Thanks to many generous book donors (they have received over 4,000 books!), Greenville High School and Indian Valley Academy seem to have things under control. It’s so great to see what can be accomplished when we rally together around something. Sad as it is, there are many other schools, libraries, and communities that are in need of books. For better or worse, (I’m in the better camp!) we, in the profession of books often are surrounded by more books than we know what to do with. That puts us at an advantage to be able to step in and help in ways that many others cannot.

Dolly Parton's Imagination LibraryIn a previous professional life, I worked with many organizations that helped distribute books to the underserved. Though I didn’t work on this program directly, I was proud to be part of the team that worked with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. I was able to watch this program grow from a fledgling idea with great promise to a global operation that now comes close to distributing a monthly book to nearly one million children. How amazing is that?

Do you know of other good causes people might donate books or publishing/writing expertise to? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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From Our Friends at Literary Market Place (LMP) – 20% Discount for IBPA Members http://www.ibpa-online.org/from-our-friends-at-literary-market-place-lmp-20-discount-for-ibpa-members/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/from-our-friends-at-literary-market-place-lmp-20-discount-for-ibpa-members/#comments Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:46:20 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23704 (ANNOUNCEMENT) Literary Market Place (LMP) is the one address shared by the book publishing industry. For those publishers who produce fewer than three new titles annually, the SMALL PRESS SECTION is the only way to get into LMP 2017. Your listing will appear in the SMALL PRESS SECTION of LITERARY MARKET PLACE and on their […]

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(ANNOUNCEMENT)


Literary Market Place (LMP) is the one address shared by the book publishing industry. For those publishers who produce fewer than three new titles annually, the SMALL PRESS SECTION is the only way to get into LMP 2017. Your listing will appear in the SMALL PRESS SECTION of LITERARY MARKET PLACE and on their website, http://www.literarymarketplace.com.

Contact Lauri Rimler at lwrimler@infotoday.com for details on this and other offers. Exclusive 20% discount offered for all IBPA Members. The deadline is July 22, 2016.


lmp_logoLiteraryMarketPlace.com brings the power of automated searching to the world’s largest, most complete database of the book publishing industry.

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IBPA is Proud to Announce the Newest Benjamin Franklin Digital Awards Honorees http://www.ibpa-online.org/ibpa-is-proud-to-announce-the-newest-benjamin-franklin-digital-awards-honorees/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/ibpa-is-proud-to-announce-the-newest-benjamin-franklin-digital-awards-honorees/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2016 18:17:27 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23684 (PRESS RELEASE) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 24, 2016 Contact: Joanne Kenny IBPA Member Benefits Liaison 310-546-1818 (Manhattan Beach, CA) The definition of “book” continues to expand, and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) honors and encourages the field’s innovators with its unique digital book awards program: the Benjamin Franklin Digital Awards (BFDAs). The most recent […]

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(PRESS RELEASE)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2016
Contact: Joanne Kenny
IBPA Member Benefits Liaison
310-546-1818

(Manhattan Beach, CA) The definition of “book” continues to expand, and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) honors and encourages the field’s innovators with its unique digital book awards program: the Benjamin Franklin Digital Awards (BFDAs). The most recent honorees, sixteen total, are listed below.

Launched in 2013 to honor innovation in electronic publishing by individuals and organizations of all sizes, the BFDA program awards both Gold and Silver designations on a rolling basis based on the degree to which the digital book exhibits exceptional content, design, and use of technology. All entrants benefit from direct feedback from judges, a hallmark of IBPA’s longstanding and well-respected Benjamin Franklin print book awards, now in its 29th year.

And don’t forget about the Benjamin Franklin print award program! Submissions for the 2017 awards are open now. All print award finalists will be honored during a gala dinner in Portland, Oregon in April 2017 as part of IBPA’s annual Publishing University.

Click here for more information about Publishing University, and to register.

Now on to our most recent BFDA honorees:


GOLD HONOREES:

Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo
Publisher: Raked Gravel Press
Motions and Moments is the third book by Michael Pronko on the fluid feel and vibrant confusions of Tokyo life. These 42 new essays burrow into the unique intensities that suffuse the city and ponder what they mean to its millions of inhabitants. Based on Pronko’s 18 years living, teaching and writing in Tokyo, these essays on how Tokyoites work, dress, commute, eat and sleep are steeped in insights into the city’s odd structures, intricate pleasures and engaging undertow.


SILVER HONOREES:
Adams County Journal
Publisher: Adams County Media
The Adams County Journal is a quarterly publication available for free as a PDF download to anyone interested in Adams County, Pennsylvania. The content is categorized in the areas of photography and documentary. The media benefits local businesses, residents and visitors to the region because it engages readers and portrays local culture in a positive light. The Adams County Journal celebrates and communicates the flavor of the region. Through the publications, readers connect with and become more knowledgeable about the region. They may be inspired to action—to take advantage of opportunities to enjoy the people, environment, agriculture, businesses, activities and organizations in the area. At its most basic, readers’ responses may be to simply form a favorable opinion about Adams County, Pennsylvania.


Blue
Publisher: North Shore Press
One ultimatum cost him everything. It was supposed to bring a new beginning, a new life. Instead, it left him injured and half frozen in the yard of a stranger. With a head full of lies and a body full of scars, Blue must rebuild his life with the help of the only man able to reach him. One determined to prove sometimes trust is worth the risk. Blue features one of the most popular characters from the Saving Liam saga. Destined for greatness, he reveals the past that made him the scarred bad boy readers love.


The Bootlegger’s Legacy
Publisher: PurpleSage Books
When an old-time bootlegger dies and leaves his son Mike a cryptic letter hinting at millions in hidden cash, Mike and his friend Joe embark on a journey that takes them through three states and 50 years of history. What they find goes beyond money and transforms them both. It all starts with a key, embossed with the letters CB, and a cryptic reference to Deep Deuce, a neighborhood once filled with hot jazz and gangs of bootleggers. Out of those threads is woven a tapestry of history, romance, drama, and mystery; connecting two generations and two families in the adventure of a lifetime.


The Conciliators
Publisher: Downstream Publishing
The Conciliators brings back characters we’ve come to care about and introduces some wonderful new ones who build upon their relationships and the issue of trust, both in their lives as well as in society as a whole. While truth and trust may seem like old-fashioned themes for a contemporary novel, you only need to read or watch the news to see how hungry Americans have become for a story of trust and faith and values so beautifully expressed in The Collectibles Trilogy. Available now, is the third of the trilogy, The Conciliators.


Escape in Time: Miri’s Riveting Tale of Her Family’s Survival During World War II
Publisher: MB Publishing
Nessya’s grandmother, Miri Eneman Malz, has friends, a loving family—and a secret: she is a Holocaust survivor. When twelve-year-old Nessya learns the truth, she wants to know what happened. After decades of silence, Grandma Miri decides it’s time to tell her story. It all begins one terrible day in the spring of 1944, when Germany crosses Hungary’s border and soldiers arrive in Miri’s hometown of Munkács. Suddenly, the Jews are trapped and in danger. Based upon actual memoirs, this is the story of the Eneman family . . . of their remarkable ingenuity, astonishing luck, boundless courage, and unending love.


Farm2Table
Publisher: Little Pickle Press
In this interactive—and hilarious—adventure, kids explore how food gets to their tables. Based on the award-winning The Cow In Patrick O’Shanahan’s Kitchen, Farm2Table engages kids with animations, videos, and a food/origin matching game. Have the story read to you (or record in your own voices) and join Patrick as he discovers a cow—and so much more—in the kitchen!


The Hidden Light
Publisher: East Rock Books
Both scholarly and spiritual, this research-based examination combines the wisdom of ancient sources and renowned commentators with original insights to shed light on the Bible’s most mysterious story. A thought-provoking and visually appealing work, it will surely deepen the understanding and appreciation of biblical creation. Replete with beautiful artwork, engaging stories, and inspiring verses from mystics and poets around the world, this unique book offers a journey of discovery to captivate our minds, hearts, and spirits.


Letting Go Again
Publisher: Inner Sight Press
Letting Go Again is one birth mother’s courageous and compassionate account of giving up her baby daughter for adoption, their troubled relationship once they are reunited almost two decades later, and the grief that comes with knowing that she and her eldest child may never overcome the barriers that exist between them. While many of us have witnessed the emotional “adoption reunions” on daytime TV, we rarely see what happens when the cameras stop rolling. Kimberly Smythe’s poignant account reveals that, sometimes, love just isn’t enough.


Moon Thief
Publisher: Moon Stealers Publishing
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom with the world’s most beautiful and treasured moon. The king, worried about moon thieves lingering around, ordered his royal guards to guard the moon through night and day. Nobody was able to lay their hands on the moon. Ever… But one day the moon disappeared.

How? Who? Where? Could the moon have vanished?

Moon Thief is the second book after The Flying Fish that is written by a youth writer, Siwon Kim, and illustrated by his younger brother Siwoo Kim.


Peace Behind the Wire
Publisher: BookLogix
On January 18, 2011, twelve prisoners signed a solemn pledge and set out to see if they could live in peace with the men inside Georgia’s most dangerous maximum security prison. It was a simple but powerful pledge: for forty days they would follow the example of iconic peacemakers and commit themselves to timeless, nonviolent principles. PEACE BEHIND THE WIRE: A NONVIOLENT RESOLUTION chronicles the Power of Peace Project’s story as it grew to include prisons, schools, and churches across the United States, even planting seeds of peace inside prisons in South Africa, Mexico, Honduras, and Ukraine. With those initial signatures, POPP was officially born, and its founder, Kit Cummings, began the journey of bringing peace to those most removed from it. Peace Behind the Wire is the fascinating true story of this unlikely band of brothers, and the movement they inspired–one that has become a Teen Peace Phenomenon. Author Kit Cummings’s stunning new book asks a simple question: Are you ready for PEACE?


Ten Fingers Touching
Publisher: Getting to the Point, Inc.
Evil plots his return to power and Good fights to defeat Evil’s sinister plan. Caught between them in this epic struggle are two lovers―Martak, master of the forest, and Marianna, a beautiful maiden and governess to the impetuous Princess. Evil’s desperate scheme to outwit Good and rule the Kingdom puts Martak, Marianna and the Princess at risk as they are drawn into the conflict.

Will the soulmates realize their “happily ever after?” Martak must first unravel the curse and destroy Evil. In this land where magical forces vie for dominance, could true love be the most powerful weapon of all?


The Toothless Fairy
Publisher: Night River Press
More than anything, the sad, lonely Toothless Fairy wants a friend to play with, but with her single tooth and face full of warts, she feels unlovable and fears she will scare other kids away. But when Halloween comes around, she notices the kids are not afraid of all the scary costumes. Realizing this might be her chance to make a friend, she comes up with a brilliant plan, and that is how a new Halloween tradition begins.


Voices
Publisher: Tree Lover Press
In a small town in Arkansas, two lives that seemingly have nothing in common will converge and change each other forever. A brilliant but tormented street artist and an ex-track star whose career was cut short by a heart condition. Aimee DeLuca had a promising athletic career before her heart gave out during a high school track and field contest. Aimee struggles to find her way after spending time with a deceased grandmother during a near death experience. Reizo Rush is a street artist whose torment fuels his desire to add color to the gray walls of the city. But Reizo’s tagging and the two voices only he hears land him in perpetual trouble with both his teachers and the law.   During a chance encounter, the two quickly find out they have much more in common than love. When they stumble upon a century-old storm cellar hidden underground on Aimee’s uncle’s ranch, they unearth a cellar full of artifacts and a hundred-year-old will. Once the news of the discovery leaks out, a drug-dealing teen and a mysterious soul named General are determined to bury the truth along with anyone who gets in their way.


We Never Know How High We Are Till We Are Called to Rise
Publisher: Egret Books
Fifteen dynamic and inspirational talks by a noted international educator and motivational speaker who utilizes storytelling and history to inspire students. From Aristotle to Madame Curie, from Marcus Aurelius to Victor Frankl, the author brings a host of characters to life. The talks were delivered at several National Honor Society ceremonies in the U.S. and in overseas schools around the world. A special supplement, “How to Write and Deliver a Great Five-Minute Speech” is included.


Whispers
Publisher: Tree Lover Press
In this paranormal thriller sequel to Voices, the war to create a perfect reincarnation system begins. General believes the existing system is already perfect: to know “joy” every soul must experience “suffering.” But a rogue soul named Carmina believes the system is outdated and flawed. She is determined to prove that joy can exist without suffering. When Carmina and her team of reincarnated teenagers hack the system to change its outdated rules, Reizo is recruited to stop them. But Reizo could care less about rules or any ridiculous system until a mysterious soul named General leaves him no choice. Follow Carmina, Reizo and Aimee in their extraordinary journey to make the reincarnation system perfect.


ABOUT THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DIGITAL AWARDS (BFDAs)


As a rolling awards program, Benjamin Franklin Digital Award (BFDA) submissions are accepted year-round. Entries are judged against a standard of excellence in four categories: eBook, Enhanced eBook, Book as App, and New Technology/Software.

The Benjamin Franklin Digital Awards provides both Gold and Silver Honoree awards for exceptional content, design, and use of technology. All entrants benefit from direct, constructive feedback from judges, a hallmark of IBPA’s Benjamin Franklin print book awards, now in its 29th year. Both Gold and Silver honoree awards are distributed to entries that showcase exceptional digital content and design.

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BISG’s Making Information Pay 2016 http://www.ibpa-online.org/bisgs-making-information-pay-2016/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/bisgs-making-information-pay-2016/#comments Mon, 06 Jun 2016 18:56:22 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23445 (PRESS RELEASE) BISG’S MAKING INFORMATION PAY 2016 HIGHLIGHTS THE BENEFITS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN PUBLISHING (May 26, 2016 — New York, New York): The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) held its annual Making Information Pay (MIP) event with a program focused on “publishers making a profit by making a difference” through corporate social responsibility […]

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(PRESS RELEASE)


BISG’S MAKING INFORMATION PAY 2016 HIGHLIGHTS THE BENEFITS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN PUBLISHING

(May 26, 2016 — New York, New York): The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) held its annual Making Information Pay (MIP) event with a program focused on “publishers making a profit by making a difference” through corporate social responsibility (CSR), and included panels focusing on the resurgence of independent bookstores, the benefits of cause marketing, digital publishing accessibility, attitudes about digital privacy, and the urgent need for diversity in the industry.

Kat Meyer, BISG

Kat Meyer, BISG

“BISG is likely best known for providing resources, education and expertise for the ‘mechanics’ of the publishing industry, and a large part of our mission involves reducing friction in the publishing supply chain,” stated Kat Meyer, BISG’s Director of Content Development & Acquisition. “However, reducing friction for the ‘human factor’ of publishing is equally, if not more important. This year, MIP was a timely and well-received meeting that addressed the work being done to make publishing a better industry for the people who create and consume our products.”

The program’s highlights included a keynote from Lee Rainie of the Pew Research Center, noting the American public’s increasing suspicions about digital privacy. Quoting researcher Danah Boyd he said, “There is a palpable sense that the dynamic of privacy has changed from one in which you are private by default to one which you are public by default and private by effort. Rainie also stated, “(Americans think) privacy is no longer a condition of American life and in the future will be something only the rich will be able to purchase.”

Rick Johnson of VitalSource Technologies (the company that distributes the EPUB version of BISG’s Quick Start Guide to Accessible Publishing) passionately advocated for the advancement of creating mainstream accessible digital content in the educational realm emphasizing interoperability, personalization, analytics, collaboration, and accessibility.

Kempton Mooney, Nielsen Book

Kempton Mooney, Nielsen Book

And, Nielsen Book’s Kempton Mooney made the case for diversity by revealing surprising statistics showing that just in the U.S. alone, Hispanics have purchasing power greater than the entire economy of Australia.

Attendees were passionate about the importance of the program. Diversity Panel sponsor Brian O’Leary said, “Fundamentally we’re talking about soliciting and nurturing perspectives born from different experiences. Embracing difference helps us recruit from a much broader pool of talented, motivated staff. It strengthens content creation, informs and increases our appeal for under-served audiences, and keeps us competitive with other media and other industries.”

Slide presentations with an audio recordings of Making Information Pay 2016 sessions are available to be viewed on BISG’s YouTube Channel. For an example, see the video below:


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First Annual Indie Author Day Announcement http://www.ibpa-online.org/first-annual-indie-author-day-announcement/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/first-annual-indie-author-day-announcement/#comments Fri, 27 May 2016 15:57:22 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23375 (PRESS RELEASE) HUNDREDS OF LIBRARIES AND THOUSANDS OF INDIE AUTHORS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE ON OCTOBER 8TH, 2016 On October 8th, 2016, libraries across North America will host local events for the first annual Indie Author Day, and will then come together at 2 pm Eastern for a digital gathering that will offer […]

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(PRESS RELEASE)


HUNDREDS OF LIBRARIES AND THOUSANDS OF INDIE AUTHORS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE ON OCTOBER 8TH, 2016

On October 8th, 2016, libraries across North America will host local events for the first annual Indie Author Day, and will then come together at 2 pm Eastern for a digital gathering that will offer inspiration, information and advice for authors from publishing industry specialists. This event will bring the indie writing community together through the library system both physically and digitally.

As indie publishing continues to gain ground, there are many authors who are still struggling to find their footing in the publishing world and get discovered. By working with their local library to build an audience within their communities, authors are able to find local fans that will help carry them to greater renown. Through Indie Author Day, libraries are encouraged to support their local writers and authors are driven to make that crucial connection with the libraries in their communities.

“Participating in Indie Author Day helps libraries of all types and sizes leverage their expertise to connect their communities with unique titles and authors that they may not otherwise read. It provides the perfect opportunity for all of us to join together to position libraries as the go-to place to discover the next great read,” said Dee Brennan, Executive Director of Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS).

And now, with all of the tools and guidance now available in libraries and beyond including SELF-e, Pressbooks Public, BookLife, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and more, libraries are in a better position than ever before to truly make an impact in the lives and careers of local writers. As the self publishing and indie industries grow, writers who might not have been discovered through traditional channels are able to get their voices heard.

“Publishing your own work is more viable today than ever before and the Independent Book Publishers Association is honored to support those who choose this entrepreneurial path,” said Angela Bole, IBPA CEO. “Indie Author Day will provide a chance to discuss publishing options, learn best practices and celebrate successes with a tribe of forward thinking writers, publishers and librarians.”

With a growing list of partners including IBPA, Publishers Weekly’s BookLife, Library Journal’s SELF-e, Pressbooks Public, RAILS, Massachusetts Library System (MLS), Soon to Be Famous and BiblioLabs, libraries and authors participating in Indie Author Day will gain support from all walks of the book publishing industry.

“Library Journal is proud to be involved in helping libraries engage their local writing communities and help them find the best indie books,” said David Greenough, General Manager & Group Publisher of Library Journal. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen this movement grow and evolve, and Indie Author Day will be the first instance of bringing this whole community together on one day to raise awareness of self-published books and demonstrate its place as a vibrant part of the publishing ecosystem.”

“We have been amazed at the level of engagement so far,” said BiblioLabs founder and CBO Mitchell Davis. “Over 70 libraries have already signed up to host local events even before the site has launched and the official announcement has gone out. We expect over 400 libraries to participate in the first year of this annual event, which is pretty amazing. Indie Author Day comprises a super group of partners and is an inspiring project to be a part of.”

“Behind most great authors is a great local library, which is why BookLife.com is excited to be part of Indie Author Day. BookLife offers terrific resources for indie authors, including free Publishers Weekly reviews, but there is no substitute for the type live, in-the-flesh community and support a great library provides,” said Carl Pritzkat, VP Business Development at Publisher’s Weekly.

Many of the partners will have their staff participating in local events at their own libraries. The details on who will be featured in the digital panel presentation that will take place at 2 pm EST on Indie Author Day will be announced mid-June. This panel of industry experts will offer insights on the publishing industry to participating libraries and authors.

For more information on Indie Author Day, please visit indieauthorday.com. If you are interested to be a partner of Indie Author Day contact info@indieauthorday.com.

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IBPA Report from BookExpo/BookCon 2016 http://www.ibpa-online.org/ibpa-report-from-bookexpobookcon-2016/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/ibpa-report-from-bookexpobookcon-2016/#comments Tue, 24 May 2016 21:50:10 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23242 (BLOG POST) By Angela Bole, IBPA CEO – For the first time in 12 years, BookExpo (BEA) and BookCon took root in Chicago, Illinois May 11-13, 2016 (BEA) and May 14, 2016 (BookCon) and, as always, IBPA was there to support our growing membership of independent publishers. This was the 33rd year IBPA staffed a […]

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(BLOG POST)


By Angela Bole, IBPA CEO –

For the first time in 12 years, BookExpo (BEA) and BookCon took root in Chicago, Illinois May 11-13, 2016 (BEA) and May 14, 2016 (BookCon) and, as always, IBPA was there to support our growing membership of independent publishers.

This was the 33rd year IBPA staffed a large cooperative booth on the BookExpo show floor. For kicks, here’s a photo of IBPA’s excellent Chief Operations Officer, Terry Nathan (left) with his mother, and IBPA founder, Jan Nathan (right) supporting Jamie Farr, the actor from M*A*S*H, at the 1994 convention.

From left to right: Terry Nathan, Jamie Farr, Jan Nathan.; IBPA's cooperative booth (1994).

From left to right: Terry Nathan, Jamie Farr, Jan Nathan.; IBPA’s cooperative booth (1994).

But I digress….

Helping Each Other Achieve & Succeed

Over the years, IBPA has learned a lot about trade show participation. For me, the most important lesson continues to be how the strength of collaboration can so often outbalance the pitfalls of competition. IBPA distributed 180 convention badges to members displaying in the 2016 show. Several hundred additional members secured badges on their own or through their distributor. With this much support onsite, independent publishing looked and felt alive and well in IBPA’s cooperative booth. It was a hive of activity and created a soft place to land for many of those new to the convention.

IBPA Members – Front and Center…

As many of you know, IBPA’s vision is a world where every independent publisher has the tools and knowledge needed to professionally engage in all aspects of the publishing industry. When it comes to BEA, this means an impressive, professionally staffed booth on the BEA/BookCon show floor where IBPA members can be seen and heard in equal measure to the “Big 5.” Through careful location selection, we make sure IBPA’s cooperative booth is strategically placed year after year. In 2016, IBPA’s booth neighbors included Sourcebooks, Ingram, Penguin Random House, and Harlequin, to name a few. This placement – as opposed to placement on the fringes of the show floor – ensures strong foot traffic from interested buyers, librarians, and bloggers.

…and Busy as Always

Spanning 50 feet and featuring 333 unique titles, IBPA’s cooperative booth was a beacon of inclusivity and activity for members and non-members alike. In addition to displaying our members’ books, IBPA staff facilitated thirty-eight in-booth author signings, hosted a networking cocktail hour, and recorded eight author interviews. We’re excited about these interactive elements because of how they help level the playing field for independent publishers by providing cost effective (in the case of the cocktail reception: free!) on-site marketing and networking opportunities.

The full catalog of member titles displayed during BookExpo/BookCon 2016 is available here. The full photo album is here.

Day 1: IBPA's cooperative booth at BookExpo/BookCon 2016 all set up and ready to go!

Day 1: IBPA’s cooperative booth at BookExpo/BookCon 2016 all set up and ready to go!

From left to right: Kathryn Kemp Guylay hangs out in IBPA's cooperative booth with fellow members Jackie and Todd Courtney

From left to right: Kathryn Kemp Guylay hangs out in IBPA’s cooperative booth with fellow members Jackie and Todd Courtney

This was the first year of BEA attendance for IBPA member Don Stevens of Merge Publishing. Here Don writes about his experience as a first-time attendee and why he thinks publishers need BEA.

On the flip side, IBPA member Elizabeth Turnbull of Light Messages Publishing has been attending BEA since 2012. Here Elizabeth writes about growing into BEA over five years of participation.

Many BEA activities require pre-planning. Because of being on the ball, IBPA member Kathryn Kemp Guylay earned an opportunity to pitch her book on the main BEA Selects Author Stage after applying and being accepted to the program in advance. Kathryn passed out book vouchers during her talk and dozens of happy professionals walked away with a copy of her book, Give It a Go: Eat a Rainbow.

In addition, several members of IBPA’s Board of Directors were invited to present educational programming from the uPublishU stage on the show floor and eight IBPA members recorded personal interviews from the show floor to use in promotional materials after the convention.

IBPA Board of Directors member, Brooke Warner, of She Writes Press talks about her book, GREEN-LIGHT YOUR BOOK, from the uPublishU stage

IBPA Board of Directors member, Brooke Warner, of She Writes Press talks about her book, GREEN-LIGHT YOUR BOOK, from the uPublishU stage

IBPA member Michael C. Higgins, PhD (right) is interviewed on camera by IBPA CEO Angela Bole (left) about his book, EXPLORING WINE REGIONS: ARGENTINA

IBPA member Michael C. Higgins, PhD (right) is interviewed on camera by IBPA CEO Angela Bole (right) about his book, EXPLORING WINE REGIONS: ARGENTINA

The Move to Chicago

Regardless of whether they attended as a newbie or a veteran, IBPA members at BEA/BookCon in Chicago, Illinois experienced a departure from the normal Javits Center experience in New York City. Expectedly, the show was smaller. Press estimates say the exhibition space on the 2016 show floor was down nearly 20% from last year at the Javits Center.

It did, indeed, feel like a smaller show which translated to some as “more manageable” and to others as “slow” depending on their point of view. In a Publishers Weekly article, for example, Heather Doss, national accounts manager at HarperCollins, said she appreciated the roomier feel McCormick Place offered, as compared to the Javits Center. “I don’t feel like the aisles are as crammed,” she said. “It could be that there’s less traffic or fewer publishers [here], but it’s easier to get around. And all the bloggers and accounts I’ve talked to seem to be happy.”

And, in the same article, Michael Tucker, president and CEO of the bookstore San Francisco’s Books Inc., said he thought having the show repeatedly in New York was getting tiresome. It was becoming, he said, “a little too much like the horse coming back to the barn.” He then added: “I hope we see more booksellers from other parts of the country.”

Read:
BEA 2016: For Booksellers, Change of Venue Welcome. For the Big Houses, Not So Much

The Buzz about BookCon

BookCon2016 marked the third year of ReedPOP’s BEA add-on program, BookCon. In layman’s terms, BEA is the professional trade show and BookCon is the consumer show. General readers are not allowed to attend BEA. This keeps BEA more “business.” BookCon, alternatively, was built for readers, thus keeping it more “marketing.”

According to the BookCon website:

“BookCon is the event where storytelling and pop culture collide. Consumers and brands will experience the origin of the story in all its forms by interacting with the authors, publishers, celebrities, and creators of content that influence everything we read, hear and see.”

Over 7,000 consumers attended BookCon in Chicago. This was down from 18,000 in 2015 and 10,000 in 2014. This was too be expected in a smaller city like Chicago.

One of my favorite articles about BookCon remains the one published by Vulture just before the program launched in 2014.

Read:
Can a Comic Con Approach Work for the Book Industry?

Following a general analysis of BookCon’s pros and cons, the author concludes “there’s still a lot to figure out, and a fire or two to extinguish.” Two years later, things are a little more clear, but there’s still a lot to figure out about how publishers can best participate. As of now, consumers attend to hear celebrities talk about their upcoming books. When taking a break from this, they walk the show floor looking for free stuff. The environment doesn’t contain much for a self-published author or small press to grab onto. As of today, it is IBPA’s intention to skip BookCon in 2017.

In Appreciation

IBPA Member Benefits Liaison, Joanne Kenny, (left) with IBPA Project Coordinator, Mimi Le (right)

IBPA Member Benefits Liaison, Joanne Kenny, (left) with IBPA Project Coordinator, Mimi Le (right)

IBPA is a service organization and when we find good people committed to helping others achieve and succeed, we snatch them up!

This year, we were joined at BEA/BookCon by our new Member Benefits Liaison, Joanne Kenny. Joanne joined the IBPA team in February 2016 to help guide and develop our member benefits program. You can reach her directly at joanne@ibpa-online.org. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I know she’s happy to help!

In addition, our Project Coordinator, Mimi Le, joined us for her second BEA. With a year of experience under her belt, she was able to provide an even higher level of service than before – if that’s possible! She managed the thirty-eight in-booth author signings with professionalism and kind regard. She also captured over 500 leads to share will all exhibiting members. Thank you, Mimi!

Of course, special thanks to the members of IBPA’s board of directors who helped spread the word about member titles on display and IBPA in general during educational sessions held throughout the convention. These board members were: Robin Cutler (IngramSpark), Brooke Warner (She Writes Press), Joshua Tallent (Firebrand Technologies), Karla Olson (Patagonia Books), and Elizabeth Turnbull (Light Messages Publishing).

And, I’m sincerely grateful for those members who purchased a private booth through IBPA. These members were:

American Academy of Pediatrics
Bookpress Publishing
Boys Town Press
Buddha’s Light Publishing
Total Printing Systems
Solution Tree

Finally, it’s no exaggeration to say this program would not be possible without the incredible dedication and overall good cheer of Terry Nathan, IBPA Chief Operations Officer. Thank you, Terry…again!

We’ll See You Next Year!

CalendarThe large community of IBPA members (over 3,100 in total) truly embody our association motto: “Helping Each Other Achieve & Succeed.” It was a privilege to work along side so many of you at BEA/BookCon 2016.

We’re already planning for next year. We want to make the experience even bigger and better for IBPA members. Please send me your suggestions or leave them in the comments below. I’m happy to have them and hope to see you on the road sometime soon!

BookExpo 2017: June 1-2, 2017
BookCon 2017: June 3-4, 2017
Location: Javits Center, New York City


About the Author

Angela Bole

Angela Bole

Just before Angela Bole became IBPA’s CEO, she was Deputy Executive Director of the Book Industry Study Group, Inc. (BISG), which fosters conversation and consensus across all sectors of the book business. Before that, Angela served for two years as BISG’s Associate Director and two years as its Marketing and Communications Manager.

Angela also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of IDPF, the International Digital Publishing Forum.

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Why Publishers Need BEA http://www.ibpa-online.org/publishers-need-bea/ http://www.ibpa-online.org/publishers-need-bea/#comments Wed, 18 May 2016 22:00:11 +0000 http://www.ibpa-online.org/?p=23185 (BLOG POST) By Don Stevens (Merge Publishing) This is the first year I attended BookExpo America in Chicago, IL. There were many reasons to go to BEA that it’s difficult to list all the benefits. However, I can share my experiences for others who couldn’t make it, or are thinking of attending in the future. […]

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(BLOG POST)


By Don Stevens (Merge Publishing)

This is the first year I attended BookExpo America in Chicago, IL. There were many reasons to go to BEA that it’s difficult to list all the benefits. However, I can share my experiences for others who couldn’t make it, or are thinking of attending in the future. At first it seems almost overwhelming. The grand building was filled with industry behemoths such as Ingram, HarperCollins, and Hachette, but other service favorites for the small indie publisher were there as well to help or showcase their inventory.

Jam Packed Rooms of Books

A look at the BookExpo show floor

A look at the BookExpo show floor

Being in a building with such a literary vibe is amazing. The air is filled with excitement, including long lines for author signings, literary stars, and celebrities. My favorites included Louise Penny, and Scott Turow, and film and TV star Jamie Lee Curtis, who was signing her newest book. Miles of books were organized neatly in shelves, along with posters and engaging presentations. Amid the hoopla of media and pop culture the passion of words prevailed, reminding us why we are in this business. Big publishers and indie publishers alike showcased their finest and upcoming titles for fall and for next year. This was a great lesson about preparing and scheduling. As an indie publisher, we get caught up in the magic of releasing a title, most often too soon, before careful planning.

Panels of Knowledge

One of the many show floors at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

(from left to right) IBPA CEO Angela Bole and Board members Karla Olson (Patagonia Books) and Elizabeth Turnbull (Light Messages Publishing) speak to the crowd during uPublishU on the BEA 2016 show floor.

The panels shared their wealth of knowledge ranging from how to create super fans to breaking down the different methods of distribution. The business of writing along with marketing and promotion are huge subjects and continue to be popular. Angela Bole from IBPA spoke at several riveting panels, offering powerful advice for publishers and authors alike. I took notes on the latest social media marketing tips and increasing the chances of getting books into libraries and bookstores.

Building Connections

Meeting the people in the book world is an exceptional experience. I got to rub elbows with big whigs and budding authors, while connecting with literary agents and bookstore owners. I met with reps of companies I work with, many of whom for the first time. I organized my “wish list” of people to connect with; this didn’t mean I met everyone on the list, but most of them I did. I also stumbled upon others who weren’t on my radar who proved to be a valuable source.

Overall, BEA proved to be the best thing I could do for our company. I was ecstatic to join efforts with IBPA and other publishers and authors to create an indie fusion, a salient part of the business that is now so well respected. The hard work we put into building relationships is so rewarding when you come to a show such as BEA. This, and making readers smile makes it all worth it.


About the Author

Don Stevens

Don Stevens

Don Stevens is an author and founder of Merge Publishing.

His background includes PR, marketing, sales, and wine. He invites writers to submit their own work and hopes to merge more authors, editors, designers, and readers.

His marketing company, Finger Lakes Copywriting, helps small businesses and authors build their brand. Check out Don’s book, A Taste for Death, now available.

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