What is IBPA, and why should you know about it?

IBPA stands for Independent Book Publishers Association. Its mission is to lead and serve the independent publishing community by providing advocacy, education, and tools for success. 

IBPA helps independent publishers and self-published authors make sense of the business of publishing. As a strong advocate for self-publishers with more than three thousand members, IBPA is the largest publishing trade association in the United States. If you’re an independent publisher, self-published author, small press, or mid-sized publisher, IBPA is for you!

When I decided to take the plunge into book design, I was introduced to IBPA and the services it provides, especially to self-publishers. Foremost, IBPA is an excellent resource. Have publishing questions? IBPA has answers! The association offers webinars, discounts, educational programs, trade shows, conferences, marketing and book promotion opportunities, an “Ask the Experts Online” forum, and Publishing University.*

As a member, you will receive a subscription to The Independent, IBPA’s monthly magazine featuring articles about the independent publishing industry written by industry experts. Topics include legal issues, marketing ideas, industry events, business tips and advice, and more. The publication keeps members up to date on news, industry trends, and who’s who in the industry.

Online, you’ll have access to a list of such suppliers and services as editors, indexers, printers, distributors, wholesalers, and much more. The list is too long for this article.

Ready to join IPBA? Get a discount!

SLPA is an affiliate associate with IBPA. (Currently, there are twenty-plus national affiliates.) Are you interested in joining? If so, here’s a bonus: If you are a paid-up SLPA member, you’ll get a $30 discount on your IBPA membership.
Contact: membership@stlouispublishers.org for your discount code.

Once a year, IBPA offers an Affiliate Scholarship Program to members of affiliate associations who are interested in advancing their publishing program: the chance to attend Publishing University free-of-charge. IBPA awards one complimentary ticket to Publishing University to each affiliate, annually. 
Scholarship info: https://www.publishinguniversity.org/sponsorship

Mark your calendar!
Publishing University, the premier educational event for publishers, will be May 4-6, 2023, Coronado, CA. 
For more details: www.publishinguniversity.org.
The IBPA also hosts Monthly Webinars. Please check out IBPA’s website, www.ibpa-online.org. I hope you’ll join soon!

Peggy Nehmen

SLPA membership chair and IBPA liaison

membership@stlouispublishers.org