Shows
Bookable Space with Yvonne Battle-FeltonBookable Space with Steven MayfieldSteven Mayfield joins host Yvonne Battle-Felton in this episode of Bookable Space. Steven will be reading from Delphic Oracle, U.S.A.About the bookIt is 1925 when a love affair between enchantress Maggie Westinghouse and con man July Pennybaker upends the small town of Miagrammesto Station, tumbles it about, and sets it back down as Delphic Oracle, Nebraska. Will their love fulfill its destiny? The narrator of this wry, entertaining novel, Father Peter Goodfellow, weaves back and forth in time to answer that question. Along the way, he introduces the Goodfellows, the...2023-06-0125 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Host-Guesting: An interview with independent publisher Peter Goodman of Stone Bridge PressTopics CoveredFor 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!2020-12-1028 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Virtual Frankfurt and Licensing Update, with MaryJo ("MJ") Courchesne of Gryphon Publishing ConsultingThe 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 CoveredFrankfurt Book Fair roundup, physical vs. virtualWhen to start prepping for next year's FrankfurtDo 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 disputesThe scourge of book piracyThe IBPA Advocacy CommitteeSome thoughts on fair use and permissions, and why you need to...2020-11-1230 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Improving your Amazon performance by tweaking your “relevancy score,” with guest Penny Sansevieri of Author Marketing ExpertsEvery book has to earn its place in Amazon’s discoverability queue. Does yours? Penny Sansevieri of Author Marketing Experts tells you how to optimize your book’s visibility and relevance using keywords, your author page, and more.Topics Covered• Amazon, a force for good or for evil?• How to make Amazon work for your book• Remember, at its heart, Amazon is just a giant search engine• Why you should avoid long preorders• Amazon advertising and keywords: keywords strings vs. single words, which is better?• The Amazon book page, crucial but how do you m...2020-10-2937 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)What’s new and what’s changed? How the pandemic has transformed publishing, with Angela Bole of IBPA.Topics includehow the publishing world has changedthe explosion of virtual eventsa hybrid approach to trade showsPub-U online!a new focus on diversityindie publishers: adventurers and innovatorswhy interns need to get paid betterthe emergence of bookshop.orghow long can brick and mortar bookstores hold on?difficulties faced by publishers without distributionare author publishers still blocked by traditional media gatekeepers?the continuing importance of long lead timesLinksIndependent Book Publishers Associationhttps://www.ibpa-online.orgPublishing University 2021 (a fully virtual online event): April 7-10, 2021https://www.publishinguniversity.org/Diversity...2020-10-1531 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Publishing: Looking backward, looking forward, with Robin Cutler of IngramSparkTopics CoveredWhat is IngramSpark?Templates to make layout easier and books look more professionalThe importance of a unique cover designOn-demand books for retail and wholesale marketsHow has publishing changed in the past 10 years and what trends will continue? POD manufacture lets anyone be a publisherPower of AmazonEase of bringing books to marketIs distribution getting too consolidated?The rise of Bookshop.orgBenefits to working with established publishers as partnersLinksIngramSparkhttps://www.ingramspark.com/ParticipantsRobin Cutler has led the development of IngramSpark as an Ingram Content Group service f...2020-10-0130 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)The search for hard data on how libraries foster book discovery, author recognition, and consumer sales, with guest Guy LeCharles Gonzalez of the Panorama Project.### Links2019 Readers’ Advisory Activities Surveyhttps://www.panoramaproject.org/2019-readers-advisory-activities-surveyPublic Library Events and Book Sales Surveyhttps://www.panoramaproject.org/news/2019/12/9/public-libraries-book-events-panorama-project-surveyImmersive Media & Reading 2020https://www.panoramaproject.org/immersive-media-reading-2020 ParticipantsGuy LeCharles Gonzalez is project lead for the Panorama Project and chief strategist for Free Verse Media. Previously, he was publisher & marketing director for Writer’s Digest; director, content strategy & audience development for Library Journal & School Library Journal; and founding director of programming & business development for Digital Book World.The Panora...2020-09-0329 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Diverse books for a diverse world, with Nicole Johnson of We Need Diverse BooksDiversity in book publishing begins with young readers finding books that speak to who they are and a diverse population of young professionals finding jobs in every aspect of the industry. Nicole Johnson, executive director of We Need Diverse Books, talks about programs and philosophies that are changing, literally, the face of book publishing in America today.Topics Covered• How We Need Diverse Books got its start• Where does the real work in achieving a diverse industry have to be done?• Advocating for diversity in publishing is nothing new• The WNDB internship program2020-08-2031 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Books are more than books: multimedia possibilities for content enrichment, with Lindy Ryan of Black Spot Books and Vesuvian Media GroupSome books lend themselves to creative collaborations and multimedia treatments. Lindy Ryan of Black Spot Books and Vesuvian Media Group outlines the key issues facing publishers today and talks about what makes some stories suitable for dramatic performance and other nonprint media.Topics CoveredTop issues for publishing todayConnecting books and readers while still supporting local indie booksellersOpportunities in digital publishing and other technologiesEmbracing and developing diversity in all areas of publishingNew media and ways of getting storytelling content to readersHow do stories break into new media?What makes a book suitable for adaptation into different m...2020-08-0625 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)A Foreword look, at trade shows, reviewing, libraries, and diversity, with Victoria Sutherland of Foreword Reviews magazineVictoria Sutherland, founder/publisher of Foreword Reviews magazine and a new member of the IBPA Board of Directors, looks at indie publishing, virtual trade shows, reviewing, libraries, and diversity.Topics CoveredCoping with COVIDHow the pandemic may change publishingThe future of trade shows (hint: it’s going virtual)Can the face-to-face meeting be replicated online?The continuing importance of book reviewsFee-based reviews for indie publishersAre author-publishers still stigmatized?Improving standards of indie publishersWhy traditional publishers aren’t going awayHow are libraries holding up?The increased emphasis on digital at librariesIs digital-only viable?The importance of mastering soci...2020-07-2333 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)The view from the UK, a discussion with Independent Publishers Guild Chief Executive Bridget ShineThe COVID-19 pandemic is changing publishing around the world. Bridget Shine of the Independent Publishers Guild talks about issues, partnerships, and the role of indies and author-publishers in the UK.Topics CoveredWhat is the Independent Publishers Guild?How are publishers coping with COVID and the changing retail and distribution landscape?Audiobooks and ebooks in the UKDifficulties of access and perception faced by small publishers and author publishersPartnerships between larger and smaller publishersthe role of Amazon in the UKLinkhttp://www.independentpublishersguild.com/ParticipantsBridget Shine is chief...2020-07-0941 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Opposing the Open Library: an analysis of digital piracy and fair use, with Mary Rasenberger of the Authors GuildTopics CoveredThe Internet Archive and why its position is wrongThe Open LibraryWhat is fair use?Update on the Case ActLinksFrom the Authors GuildAppeal to readers and librarians from the victims of Controlled Digital Lending (CDL).https://www.authorsguild.org/industry-advocacy/cdl-appeal-to-readers-and-librarians/“Controlled Digital Lending Is Neither Controlled nor Legal”https://www.authorsguild.org/industry-advocacy/controlled-digital-lending-is-neither-controlled-nor-legal/“Internet Archive’s National Emergency Library Harms Authors”https://www.authorsguild.org/industry-advocacy/internet-archives-uncontrolled-digital-lending/Open letter demanding “National Emergency Library” be shut downhttps://www.authorsgui...2020-06-2536 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)The IBPA Advocacy Committee, standing up for indie publishers, with Mel CorriganThe IBPA Advocacy Committee is making plans for this coming year to lobby, write, and campaign for better awareness and fairness for independent publishers. Committee member Mel Corrigan discusses some of these initiatives, from distribution to piracy to copyrights.Topics Coveredmission of the Advocacy Committeeinitiativespiracyaccess to distributioncontent protectionthe CASE Act, Internet Archive, Audible Captionsadvocation for indie publishers in broader terms, such as inclusiveness and diversitychanging perceptions of indie publishers by review mediahow to join the committeeLinksScribe Publishing Company https://scribe-publishing.comMel’s' profile on Scribe Publishing Com...2020-06-1122 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)New realities in book publishing in the post-COVID world, a speculative rant from host Peter GoodmanAll the conventions of book publishing have been disrupted in just a few months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. How many of these changes are permanent, and how is indie publishing likely to evolve as a result? Podcast host and book publisher Peter Goodman takes a pause in his regular interview format to speculate on our emerging future.TOPICS COVEREDNew Reality #1 Greater adoption of ebooks by readersNew Reality #2 Fewer indie booksellersNew Reality #3 Corollary to #2: Increased influence of wholesalers and online vendorsNew Reality #4 Second corollary to #2: More competition for AmazonNew Reality #5 A vast new...2020-05-2814 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Virtual author events and other strategies for building online communities, with Maria DismondyWhat kind of virtual author events are successful in getting the word out, supporting booksellers, and developing enthusiastic online communities? Maria Dismondy of children’s book publisher Cardinal Rule Press has had recent success and discusses strategies and goals.Topics Coveredonline book launches and book “tours”partnering with bookstoressign-up events vs public streaming on Facebook and other platformsadvance sales before the eventsponsored and partnered events with giveaways as a way of developing and sharing contactshow to find partners for a virtual event: be sure to match the audience to the missionkeeping pitch letters effective and succin...2020-05-1427 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Strength from community, a portrait of Portland, with Forest Avenue Press publisher Laura StanfillThe city of Portland, Oregon, is one of the centers of Pacific Northwest publishing. Laura Stanfill of Forest Avenue Press discusses her own journey and describes how the special bond among Portland publishers, readers, and booksellers leads to the small victories that can get us through these tough times.Topics Coveredthe story of Forest Avenue PressNAB (Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association)engaging with local booksellers for advice, events, advance orders and buzzfocusing on regional authorsthe role of Powell’s bookstore as a sales powerhouse and community gathering spacethe Espresso Book Machine (no longer but a great to...2020-04-0228 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Bookselling Update: First Impressions of the Impact of COVID-19, with John Mutter of Shelf AwarenessThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed American life overnight. How are booksellers faring, what kinds of issues do they face, and what measures are they taking to survive? John Mutter of industry newsletter Shelf Awareness makes some initial observations.Topics CoveredThe plight of booksellers and their employeesIs relief in sight?Do stores already doing online selling have an advantage?The logistical challenge: you can sell, but can you ship?Resources at hand: the ABA, BINCHow can authors and booksellers support each other?Virtual author tours and events and other strategies for staying afloatIs bookselling an “essential” busi...2020-03-2622 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Working with Amazon, Part 2: Quality control, social media, and preparing for the future, with guest Ian Lamont of i30 MediaGetting the look and content of your book right is priority 1. But looming changes at Amazon may be beyond your control. What to do? This is part 2 of our interview with Ian Lamont of i30 Media.Topics Covered3 keys to success: a great cover, powerful keywords and metadata, solid contentUsing social media to drive traffic to AmazonHow Amazon is changing: increasing costs of advertising and, surprise, Amazon may no longer consider books very important to its business modelAny other competitors on the horizon? (um, not really)But, you can use other platforms to sell books: Shopify...2020-02-1323 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Working with Amazon, Part 1: Amazon Advertising and managing the relationship, with guest Ian Lamont of i30 MediaAmazon advertising can be a great way to boost discoverability, but you have to know what it costs and how to manage Amazon issues that arise from time to time. This is part 1 of our interview with Ian Lamont of i30 Media.Topics CoveredAmazon AdvertisingCustomer supportKeeping an eye on costsDiscoverabilityAmazon as a test laboratoryKDP, Audible, and other programsIs Amazon Advantage being phased out?Seller CentralProblems with Amazon customer serviceLinksLean Mediahttp://leanmedia.org/Lean Media YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsYGJf9h3mJHS9KP6...2020-01-3022 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Publishing in 2020, what lies ahead? with guest Angela Bole of IBPACEO Angela Bole of IBPA summarizes some of the key issues facing book publishers and authors in the coming year—hint: there are challenges, but lots of opportunities (and lots of great books!)important issues, some old, some newAB5 (the gig economy law)windowing ebooks to libraries (the Macimillan controversy)the CASE Act, on the way to passage?tariffs: not here yet, but not off the table eithera continuing challenge: diversity in the publishing workspace and contentBarnes and Noble: a new owner, but will it make the company more responsive to its community and local publishers?the challenge of...2020-01-1626 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)A British indie tackles America: talking international publishing with guest Michael Cannings of Camphor PressTopics covered include:Marketing into the US from overseas: conforming with schedules and promotionUsing Ingram Spark to serve world marketsBrexit: what happens next? Customs and VATUK rules and regulations, loosening libel lawsComplying with EU privacy standardsLinkshttps://camphorpress.comhttps://twitter.com/camphorpressParticipantsMichael Cannings is one of the three founders of Camphor Press, an independent publisher focusing on East Asia. Now back in his native England after eleven years living in Taiwan, Michael has a background in marketing and design which has proven invaluable in getting Camphor...2020-01-0218 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)California’s new labor law and its impact on publishers, authors, and freelancers, with guest Jonathan KirschLinksWikipedia on California Assembly Bill 5https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California\_Assembly\_Bill\_5\_(2019)Text of California Assembly Bill 5 (see tabs for history, amendments, voting, analysis)https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill\_id=201920200AB5Publishers Weekly news article on AB5https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/81992-publishers-brace-for-california-labor-law-changes.htmlDecember 17 news article on California freelancers filing suit against AB5https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/12/17/ab5-california-freelance-journalists-lawsuit/ParticipantsJonathan Kirsch is a publishing and intellectual property attorney based in Los...2019-12-1932 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)The Frankfurt Book Fair, why you should start planning NOW, with guest Terry Nathan of IBPATopics covered include:What is the Frankfurt Book Fair? 302,000 visitors!Does it make sense for a small indie press or author publisher to attend?How the fair has changed over the yearsWhat IBPA offers at FBF: display, introducing books to buyers, a wealth of contacts and experienceWhat publishers can do to get the most out of FBFTravel tips: start planning early!How does FBF compare to London Book Fair and other international book fairs?The indie book scene in EuropeLinks2019 Frankfurt Book Fair Reporthttps://www.ibpa-online.org/news/478456/IBPA-Report-from-the-2019-Frankfurt-Book-Fair.htm2019-12-0527 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)The IP explosion: the expanding universe of subsidiary rights opportunities for indie publishers, with guest Ethan EllenbergTopics include:The big picture of IP for authors and publishers: the hub of a wheel with many spokesPublished authors are already part of an ecosystem and can create their own editions, audiobooks, and translationsYour first step: make sure the primary edition is launched successfully!The need for clear contracts to make sure you have all the rights you think you doHow the foreign rights market is changingHow audio books are becoming an entertainment medium, divorced from the original print bookFinding a good rights partner you can trustRoyalty Reminder: a new IP management toolLinks...2019-11-1425 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)The CASE Act, small claims for writers and publishers, with guests Mary Rasenberger and Cheryl Davis of the Authors GuildTopics include:What is the CASE Act and why is it important?How does it work?A voluntary process where each side needs to opt in or outHow big is piracy? A problem of international scope that demands a multiprong strategyThe of the US Government in enforcementShould ISPs and host platforms be responsible for the sometimes libelous or infringing content on their websites?What is the possible impact of CASE on Fair Use?Is their protection against frivolous lawsuits?LinksIBPA statement on passage of the CASE Act (with graphic)https://www.ibpa-online.org...2019-10-3132 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Websites for indie publishers: tips, cautions, and strategies, with guest John Burke of Pub SiteTopics include:should you use Wordpress? (hint: probably not, unless you’re good at fixing things)why every author needs a websitewhat is the purpose of your website?the importance of having a professional look to design and organizationhow much content? a lot is fine . . . but it needs to be well organized!provide a short bio and a long bio, a short book description and a long book description; let visitors to your site check out your content on the home page and then drill down using menus to discover morehow to use the website to drive sales: ha...2019-10-2424 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)The Audible Captions controversy and the IBPA response, with guest Angela Bole of IBPAAudible has announced its intention to “subtitle” its audiobooks, but publishers are calling it a rights violation. What’s going on? CEO Angela Bole explains what steps IBPA is taking to protect its membership.Angela Bole and host Peter Goodman discuss the latest turn in the injunction against Audible initiated by some of the country’s largest publishers.Why should publishers be concerned?What’s happening in the court case?How did this all get started?What’s been the IBPA response?LinksPublishing Perspectives detailed article on the lawsuit, the IBPA letter, and the publishers r...2019-09-1716 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Creating a future community of publishers and booksellers, with guest Melissa Serdinsky of Thin Air CollectiveHow can indie publishers make it today? Is there room on bookstore shelves for their books? Industry veteran and big-picture thinker Melissa Serdinsky speculates on survival, community, and industry trends.
Topics include:
publishers vs. retailers
industry consolidation
the role of digital print in smart publishing
can bookstores change with the future, or will they be left behind?
narrowing the gap between indie booksellers and indie publishers
how can indie publishers survive today?
the surprising generation gap: how we think kids think of books is not how kids think of books at all!
how to get books...2019-09-0526 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)All about book reviews, with guest Michelle Schingler of Foreword ReviewsTopics include:
The role of a managing editor.
The mission of Foreword Reviews.
How the decision to review a book is made: quality, pub date, topic, availability (and even cover design).
The importance of reviews to publishers.
Things that publishers do wrong that makes it hard for them to get their book reviewed. (Hint: check your pub date!)
Trends in indie publishing.
Paid (Clarion) vs. unpaid reviews: what’s the difference?
Other Foreword activities: rights fairs and trade shows, including ALA, Bologna, China.
Foreword themes this year: LGBTQ, Cooking, Crafting, University Press, Diversity, Climate Change.
##Links
...2019-08-2221 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Public speaking for authors, a brief overview with Cheryl Callighan of The Author's AssistantsGiving talks about your book at associations, clubs, schools, and luncheons is a great way to connect with readers, develop sales, and establish your credibility as an expert in your field. Industry veteran Cheryl Callighan goes over the basics.
Topics include:
Why are speaking engagements good for authors?
(1) They establish your credibility and act as a calling card.
(2) They help spread your mission.
(3) They can generate additional income.
Finding speaking gigs and associations using Google and other online resources.
When to start setting things up: 6 months to 1 year in advance!
The speaker’s co...2019-08-0818 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Success strategies of publishing with print on demand, with guest Robin Cutler of IngramSparkTopics include
What is IngramSpark and how can it help author-publishers publish their books and reach worldwide markets?
Quality of POD vs offset: just as good?
Use of POD for market testing, correcting, and enhancing content through multiple printruns
POD enables books to be printed for overseas markets for instant delivery and no shipping!
The pricing challenge: POD unit costs are higher, but these are offset by reduced inventory and lower fulfillment costs, as well as use of “short” discounts
Emergence of POD coincides with the author-publisher revolution
There is still benefit to authors if they can sign a de...2019-07-2529 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Mission-driven publishing, the example of Patagonia Books, with guest Karla OlsonTopics include:
A brief history of Patagonia Books
How does Patagonia decide what books to publish: developed in-house or via submissions?
The mission is important, but the book has to stand up as a book, offering quality and value to its readers
How books can work effectively to extend the message and fulfill the mission
A new mission statement: “We are in business to save the home planet”
For mission publishing, success is not measured in sales alone or in recouping time spent in creating the book; success may instead come from generating awareness that produces donations and enga...2019-06-2627 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Publishing law today: privacy, fair use, and piracy, with guest Jonathan KirschNew developments in privacy law in Europe, and fair use, piracy, and widespread infringement by high-tech players remain big challenges for publishers. Publishing attorney Jonathan Kirsch analyzes a changing landscape.
Topics include:
How the European Union’s GDPR privacy laws are tightening up data collection and possibly placing even US-based publishers in legal jeopardy
Understanding Fair Use: there are no formulas, only criteria
Piracy: even legitimate corporations are trying to use your copyrighted material without permission. Can they? In some cases, legally, they can!
But there is always recourse to the DMCA takedown notice, which is su...2019-06-1329 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Distribution models, old ways and new, with guest Richard T. WiliamsTopics include:
What is a distributor?
What is the current distribution landscape and how has it evolved?
The increasing importance of print on demand (POD)
The Amazon effect: changing the rules; more sales but less service to the publisher
Can a small publisher get into IPG? Does it need to? Is there demand? Is the book discoverable? Does it look right? Is it “shelfworthy”?
Books are evaluated on market, not on how good your pitch is. Passing the first evaluation hurdle: quality, cover, testimonials, promotion plans, having a platform and following
The biggest changes coming in the future: How...2019-05-2325 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)A powerful social media marketing strategy, with guest Andy WeinerA book sales rep becomes an author and learns first-hand how to get bookstores and associations interested in his book -- and which social media platform was the most effective may surprise you.
Topics include:
How to get booksellers interested in your book
How far in advance to begin promotion
Smart use of social media, especially Instagram and LinkedIn
How to sell and not sound like a salesperson
Using social media to create sales opportunities
If you have a publisher, do you coordinate with them or work on your own?
Pitching to indie booksellers
Following up...2019-05-0920 minInside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Publishing is great! Publishing sucks! The host weighs in.Topics include:
5 great things about being an indie publisher today
5 horrible things about being an indie publisher today
and a few further thoughts and comments
PARTICIPANTS
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.
2019-04-2514 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)An expert reflects on independent publishing today, with guest Joel FriedlanderHas publishing changed much in the past decades? A lot, but in many ways not at all. Influential blogger and opinion leader Joel Friedlander tells us what’s still important for all publishers to know . . . and do.
Topics include:
First rule: authors still have to understand their market.
Hard copy printing, despite what we hear about ebooks, is still the most popular way of manufacturing, and most of that is offset.
Can author-publishers get into bookstores? (One thought: consignment is not the way to go except in one specific instance.)
So who gets mainstream distribution?
What ev...2019-04-0424 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Working with Amazon, part 2: Terms of Service and getting reviews, with guest Ian LamontPart 2 of a wide-ranging interview with Ian Lamont of i30 Media about selling, promoting, and advertising your books on Amazon, plus tips for getting reviews and understanding Amazon’s Terms of Service.
Highlights of part 2 include:
Amazon Terms of Service
Who matters more to Amazon, you the publisher or the customer? Three guesses!
the “buy box” controversy
how to avoid getting kicked off Amazon: understanding Terms of Service
getting reviews and managing giveaways
can anyone compete with Amazon?
Ian Lamont’s blog is at http://leanmedia.org/blog/.
Participants
Ian Lamont is an aw...2019-02-2826 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Working with Amazon, part 1: Keywords, categories, and advertising, with guest Ian LamontWorking with Amazon, part 1: Keywords, Categories, and Advertising, with guest Ian Lamont
Part 1 of a wide-ranging interview with Ian Lamont of i30 Media about selling, promoting, and advertising your books on Amazon, plus tips for getting reviews and understanding Amazon’s Terms of Service.
Highlights include:
CreateSpace and the not-so-smooth conversion to KDP
using and choosing keywords and categories for your book
placing ads on Amazon and understanding ACOS to know if you’re making a profit or not
art there alternative to Amazon?
Ian Lamont’s blog is at http://leanmedia.org/blog...2019-02-2121 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)The logistics of order-fulfillment, with guest Matt KurtisMatt Kurtis, VP of Sales & Marketing for Ware-Pak LLC, explains how book-fulfillment services (pick, pack, ship) can help publishers manage new logistical challenges, save money, and become more efficient.
Highlights include:
How is a fulfillment service different from a distributor, from a wholesaler?
What does the term “3PL” refer to?
What kind of publisher benefits the most from a fulfillment service?
At what stage of your company’s growth should you contact a fulfillment company?
What kinds of benefits does a fulfillment company offer?
How are publishers charged for services?
The very important difference between activity-based and pe...2019-01-3126 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Why the hybrid model makes sense for authors and publishers, with guest Brooke WarnerWhy the hybrid model makes sense for authors and publishers, with guest Brooke Warner
Brooke Warner, publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, talks about independent publishing and how the hybrid model is helping authors thrive by creating opportunity and diversifying the marketplace.
Highlights include:
What is hybrid publishing?
What is the hybrid business model?
Who pays, and what does it cost?
What benefits does hybrid give the author? The publisher?
How hybrid democratizes the list: all books get attention, not just the “lead titles”
What points do authors need to pay attention to in h...2019-01-1731 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Extending your content via e-learning, with guest Deltina HayDeltina Hay from Elearning Delta, and past Board Chair of IBPA, talks about the benefits and methods of extending your book’s content and repurposing it onto elearning platforms.
This podcast is for anyone with instructional materials of any kind: crafts, marketing, cooking, sales—just about any field where you’ve got information to deliver in a structured learning format.
Subjects discussed include:
what kinds of books lend themselves to elearning?
do publishers generally start with a book to adapt, or an idea they want to get across?
elearning as a calling card to demons...2019-01-0329 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Working with independent booksellers, with guests from Books Inc., BerkeleyProfessional booksellers talk about consignment, events, terms and other aspects of working with independent publishers.
A store manager, restock buyer, and event coordinator at Books Inc., a leading independent bookseller in Berkeley, California, discuss ways they evaluate books from independent publishers and things publishers can do to make it easier to hold events at and get books into their store.
This is a very meaty interview with lots of practical advice. Highlights of this podcast include:
how books are evaluated when submitted
the ins and outs of consignment: fees, support for nonlocal authors, term
...2018-12-1327 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)The nuts and bolts of liability insurance for your company, with guest Mike ManselMike Mansel is a Certified Insurance Counselor, and here he shares his decades of experience working with publishers large and small on sorting out their insurance needs.
Highlights of this podcast include:
types of liability insurance
the role of Intellectual Property attorneys in defending claims
do insurance companies just settle or do they go to bat for their customers?
why to avoid jury trials
do all publishers need insurance?
what does publishers liability insurance cost, and do costs depend on the kinds of books you publish?
is having general business liability insurance enough?
“claims made” vs “occurr...2018-11-2924 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Ebooks: promises and pitfalls, with guest Laura BradyEbook production expert Laura Brady suggests ways you need to think about ebook design and creation to produce reliable and good-looking results
This podcast is for anyone who is thinking of creating ebooks or hiring an ebook designer, or who has seen the ads for “ebooks made easy!” and is thinking, well, how hard could it be? Topics include:
problems of ebook conversion (especially if you are using Word)
there are lots of cheap ebook creators out there; are they safe?
how do I plan my pbook design knowing that it will become an ebook (hint: cons...2018-10-1825 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)A literary agent’s perspective on book publishing, with guest Andy RossAndy Ross of the Andy Ross Agency discusses how agents evaluate manuscripts and how agents operate in today’s book publishing climate.
Andy Ross has been active in the publishing world for 40 years, first as a bookseller and now as an agent. In this podcast conversation, he shares his thoughts on agenting and when and how an agent can work with a small independent publisher. Highlights include:
Is there life after bookselling?
What does an agent do?
What are the real advantages of working with an agent, besides contract negotiation?
Why agents need to be more th...2018-10-0426 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Printing in Asia, Pros and Cons, with guest George DickGeorge Dick, president of Four-Colour Print Group, talks about all the reasons you might want to print your next book in Asia, especially if it’s in color or for kids
Many publishers of full-color books—coffee-table books, art books, cookbooks, children’s books – choose to print in Asia because printing costs less there. But cost may not be the only consideration.
Topics include
the future of printing in Asia (hint: pretty good)
the shrinking of the Asian cost advantage vs North American printers
is it freight from China that’s getting more expensive? how about...2018-09-2032 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Book Design, Covers, and Interiors, with guest Tami DeverTami Dever, co-owner and founder of TLC Book Design, discusses key elements of book design that signal professionalism, readability, excellence, and permanence
What are the elements a book designer needs to consider when designing an interior? A cover? Tami Dever discusses how she works with clients and notes the factors that make a book look good against the competition.
Topics include
things to keep in mind when designing a book: audience, competition, tone, readability
the importance of interior design in sealing the deal and drawing customers to the cash register
2018-09-0629 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Secrets of the Independent Publisher, with guest Cynthia FrankCynthia Frank, publisher of Cypress House, shares some of the hard-won insights from more than 30 years as an independent publisher
Listening to this wide-ranging interview you get a sense of what issues come up and what life is like as an independent publisher in a small town on the northern coast of California. Cynthia Frank has been publishing for as many years as there has been an IBPA and before that PMA, and has seen technology go from a phone and fax to high-speed internet and the digital revolution. Lots of things have changed, but much is...2018-08-2331 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Accounting for the Independent Publisher, with guest Lisa LondonLisa London, CPA, author, and publisher, discusses many of the specialized points of accounting that every publisher needs to know
This podcast looks at many of the things publishers need to know when setting up and using accounting packages to manage revenue, expenses, and taxes. Among the subjects mentioned are:
keep it simple!
automate everything you can
is Quickbooks a good package for publishers? are there others?
how to manage royalties
the importance of understanding the contracts you sign and their related costs
aligning items to your accounting needs and to proper categories
the need to...2018-08-0927 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Publishing with Happiness, Ambition, and Passion, with guest Daniel LernerDaniel Lerner, inspirational speaker and teacher at NYU, discusses how publishers can invigorate their work with passion and find happiness by serving themselves in a way that serves others
Following his enthusiastically received keynote at IBPA’s Publishing University 2018, Daniel agreed to this interview to further reflect on what makes people happy. So many accomplished people—doctors, lawyers, even publishers-- are stressed out, despite making lots of money and leading a “comfortable” life. What are they missing or not understanding?
There’s no easy answer to human satisfaction. But there are some things we can all do tha...2018-07-2633 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Branding Your Book as a First step to Success, with guest Judy BakerJudy Baker of Book Marketing Mentor discusses how branding your book can help you grow your readership and establish yourself as an expert in your field
This podcast looks at branding your book and the benefits it brings. Books, especially nonfiction, are where experts can showcase their expertise. The book becomes a starting place for building a business, and can lead to follow-up series, workshops, podcasts, and other related activities.
By engaging your readers you build your community and become familiar to them, and this enhances your credibility as an author and makes your books...2018-07-1226 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Book Printers Grapple with the Future, with guest Jonnie BryantJonnie A Bryant, Executive Director of Sales/Marketing at book printer McNaughton & Gunn, talks paper, cost, and schedules, and offers her take on challenges facing the industry
If you are wondering what’s happening in the world of book manufacturing, and how that might impact your ability to produce a book economically and on time, you’ll definitely want to listen to what Jonnie Bryant of McNaughton & Gunn has to say.
Topics include
changes in paper availability producing price rises and longer schedules
allocation of paper from the mills to printers for the first time...2018-06-2826 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Advocating Quality, Hybrids, and a Level Playing Field, with guest Elizabeth TurnbullBoard Member Elizabeth Turnbull discusses quality standards, hybrid publishing, diversity, and other target areas for IBPA's Advocacy Committee
Subjects covered include:
how to achieve a level playing field for indie books
the IBPA publishing standards checklist
the IBPA hybrid publishing checklist
removing the stigma from indie publishing once and for all
expanding diversity in publishing
future advocacy projects for IBPA
working with indie booksellers
Participants
Elizabeth Turnbull was born and raised in Haiti where she grew up surrounded by the people and landscapes of her latest book, Say to These Mountains.
...2018-06-1426 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Publishers Weekly and the Independent Publisher, with guest Jim MilliotEditorial Director Jim Milliot talks about how leading trade magazine Publishers Weekly views book publishing today and the rise of the indie publisher.
In a wide-ranging interview, Jim Milliot looks at how book publishing has changed in the last decade and how Publishers Weekly has adopted strategies to adjust, such as developing digital outlets for news and advertising in the face of declining print sales. As a result, today PW reaches a huge audience, surprisingly made up mostly of consumers looking for reviews and opinions to guide their buying choices.
Jim also talks about different...2018-05-3137 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Reflections of the IBPA Board Chair, with guest Robby PriceRobby Price, in his last term as IBPA board chair, talks about the association, how it has changed, and how it is helping transform and strengthen indie publishing today.
Robby explains how he got his start in publishing, evolving from a 1-page printout to a full traditional printer and then, more recently, a successful author services provider. He then reflects on how IBPA has changed during his time on the board and then as board chair.
He points especially to the increasing strength exhibited by author publishers. It is no coincidence that as author publishers...2018-05-1724 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Publishing with IngramSpark, with guest Robin CutlerRobin Cutler, Director of IngramSpark, discusses ways that publishers can use print-on-demand technology to launch their business and achieve distribution quickly.
Topics include:
how IngramSpark can help the small publisher manufacture and sell
using IngramSpark and CreateSpace
printing internationally
indies vs the Big 5
full-service options for advanced indies
the state of the ebook market
is print dead?
short-run color printing
what's in Ingram's future?
To find out more about IngramSpark, go to http://www.ingramspark.com/
Participants
As the Director of IngramSpark at Ingram Content Group, Robin Cutler is committed to...2018-05-0325 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)IBPA and the Publishing Condition, with guest Angela BoleAngela Bole, CEO of the Independent Book Publishers Association, gives an overview of IBPA and how its mission can help publishers become more successful in an ever-changing publishing landscape.
Topics covered include:
what is IBPA?
who is IBPA for?
how is publishing changing in America, and is it changing too slowly?
why the era of stigmatizing self-publishers – or, author-publishers – is OVER!
new models for creative publishing
promotional opportunities and benefits at IBPA
For more on IBPA, go to http://www.ibpa-online.org.
Also, your questions on how to submit books to magazines, and is i...2018-04-0227 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)A Publisher’s Guide to InDesign, with guest Anne-Marie ConcepciónAnne-Marie Concepción of Seneca Design & Training presents the case for using InDesign as a p-book and e-book creation tool.
Topics covered include:
can Microsoft Word be used for book publishing? (the short answer: please don’t.)
the importance of styles in InDesign
learning InDesign
using InDesign to create e-books
creating Kindle books and using the Kindle Previewer
designing for print vs designing for ebooks
finding a designer
Also, your questions on paying royalties to foreign publishers, learning more about printing and production.
Sites and resources mentioned in the podcast include:
Seneca Des...2018-04-0237 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Book Distribution Basics, with guest Tom DohertyTom Doherty of Cardinal Publishers Group presents need-to-know pointers for independent publishers seeking distribution for their books.
He covers:
the different types of distributor
typical working arrangements, including exclusivity, house accounts, chargebacks, and services
what you need to provide to find a distributor (such as a solid marketing plan!)
the importance of keeping the lines of communication open
discoverability
working with online retailers
Also: your questions on Digital Review Copies and royalties.
Participants
Tom Doherty has been president of Cardinal Publishers Group since 2000 and publisher of Blue River Press since 2004. Prior...2018-04-0235 min
Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)Amazon Marketing Services for the Independent Publisher, with guest Ian LamontIan Lamont of i30 Media discusses strategies for using Amazon Marketing Services to make your book pop to the top in Amazon searches.
Covered here are key concepts like bidding and budgeting, and a real-world assessment of what works and what doesn't when working with Amazon (or with Facebook and Google ads).
Here’s the YouTube how-to video Ian mentions in the podcast:
“How to Make Amazon Marketing Services Product Display Ads”: https://youtu.be/oQvAsSQ3tV4
Mentioned in the members’ question portion of the podcast are new classes in Copyediting and Developm...2018-04-0131 min