"Scalable Book Marketing for Publishers" - A 6-Part Online Workshop

Jared Kuritz

Workshop Description:

PROGRAM FEE: $299 for IBPA members | $499 for non-members

Does your publishing house have an effective and scalable process in place for marketing its titles to generate traditional and specialty market sales?

In today’s publishing world, the biggest challenge most publishers face is gaining visibility and traction for the books they bring to market. A scalable and uniform blueprint for promoting titles affords publishers the ability to effectively delegate, take on more titles, garner more exposure, and grow exponentially.

Given that time, knowledge, and resources are at a premium, this small-group, six-session workshop (limited to ten people) is designed to help each registrant develop the personalized foundational components necessary for scalable publishing and marketing success. Publishing, marketing, and business modeling expert Jared Kuritz will teach registrants how to:

1. Create and use a quick and effective title-specific business model
2. Establish the necessary tools and timing for marketing success
3. Identify and apply universal marketing techniques and strategies
4. Identify and apply title-specific marketing and advertising techniques
5. Setup and execute specialty market bulk order/sponsorship sales models
6. Encourage and direct effective author engagement

Using an interactive teaching methodology, prior to each session registrants will receive a class preparation assignment to complete. Class time will then be spent learning to refine and apply the prepared material.

Session Descriptions:

Session One: Title-Specific Business Modeling (Date: Jun 12, 2026, from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Accompanied by video and/or written directions and samples, Jared will provide a title-specific business modeling worksheet to be prepared and submitted by each registrant prior to the first session.
• Interactive Teaching: Submitted worksheets will be used as examples in class as we discuss how to refine and use the title-specific business model for marketing.

Session Two: Marketing Tools and Timing (Date: Jun 19, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Accompanied by video and/or written directions and samples, Jared will provide worksheet(s) to be prepared and submitted by each registrant prior to the second session to help identify and develop the marketing tools and marketing timeline for a book.
• Interactive Teaching: Submitted worksheets will be used as examples in class as we discuss the necessary marketing tools, learn how and when they are used, and identify a standard pre and post publication marketing timeline.

Session Three: Universal Marketing Techniques and Strategies (Date: Jun 26 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Accompanied by video and/or written directions and samples, Jared will provide worksheet(s) to be prepared and submitted by each registrant prior to the third session to help you learn how to determine what universal promotional activities make sense for your titles.
• Interactive Teaching: Submitted worksheets will be used as examples in class as we discuss the various marketing, PR, and advertising options available, how to determine what universal promotional activities make sense for your publishing list, and the strategy and timing for accomplishing each. 

Session Four: Title-Specific Promotion (Date: Jul 10, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific - note we skip the Friday of the July 4 holiday weekend)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Accompanied by video and/or written directions and samples, Jared will provide worksheet(s) to be prepared and submitted by each registrant prior to the fourth session to help you learn how to determine what title-specific promotional activities make sense for a specific book. Learning how to customize promotion for one title will help guide customization for future titles as well.
• Interactive Teaching: Submitted worksheets will be used as examples in class as we discuss the various title-specific promotional activities, and methods and timing for approaching each.

Session Five: Specialty Market Sales (Date: Jul 17, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Accompanied by video and/or written directions and samples, Jared will provide worksheet(s) to be prepared and submitted by each registrant prior to the fifth session to help identify the information, components, and options necessary to pursue specialty market sales.
• Interactive Teaching: Submitted worksheets will be used as examples in class to discuss the process for setting up, pitching, and securing sponsorship and/or bulk order sales.

Session Six: Effective Author Engagement (Date: Jul 24, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Accompanied by video and/or written directions and samples, Jared will provide worksheet(s) to be prepared and submitted by each registrant prior to the sixth session to help determine how a given author may be best positioned to help promote their title.
• Interactive Teaching: Submitted worksheets will be used as examples in class to discuss the best methods for identifying and effectively directing author-driven promotional activities.

Faculty Bio:

Jared Kuritz

Jared Kuritz is President and CEO of STRATEGIES Public Relations, a boutique firm advising authors, publishers, and thought leaders on business modeling, literary development, publishing strategy, and book marketing for more than 25 years. A former Director of the nationally recognized La Jolla Writers Conference and Managing Director of an academic press, he brings deep, cross-industry expertise to every engagement. Jared is also CSO/CMO of Zoundy, an innovative audiobook marketing and engagement platform.

Testimonials:

“Thank you for a great Scalable Book Marketing Workshop. The sessions were incredibly valuable and practical, and I walked away with many clear takeaways I can immediately apply to my work. Jared did a wonderful job leading the workshop. His guidance was thoughtful, approachable, and very effective at helping participants fine tune their marketing strategies in a realistic way. I really appreciated the structure of the course and the opportunity to learn from such an engaging and knowledgeable instructor. Thank you and the IBPA team for offering such a strong and helpful program.” —Ceara Pepaj, Marketing and Publicity Manager, Topix Media Lab

“IBPA's Scalable Book Marketing 6-part workshop was a great paced class for thinking outside the norm for marketing books. Smaller presses have less money and time to expend on great marketing and Jared is helpful and insightful from the beginning. He makes you take a look at what you already know and are doing, and then expand greatly from there. I highly recommend this class. You will want to refer to his knowledge with each book now and in the future.” —Casey Rislov, Mountain Stars Press

“IBPA's Scalable Book Marketing 6-part workshop helped us see everything we were doing right, as well as opportunities we hadn’t yet explored. It also gave us great information we were able to pass on to our authors. The training was pragmatic and actionable, and has made us a better company.” — Dianne Pearce, Devil's Party Press

“I recently wrapped up the Week Six final session of Scalable Book Marketing for Publishers with Jared Kuritz and as an experienced publisher, I have to say it was one of the best investments I’ve made for my publishing business. I enthusiastically recommend it! In six fast weeks Jared provided a great overview of today’s publishing industry and how to get your book seen, heard and sold. He coached our class to develop all the basic real-world tools we’ll each need to market a book using the optimal tactics for our specific audience within the budget we can individually afford. In a class of six [to ten] people working on very different books, the sessions are structured so there’s ample time for plenty of Q&A and everyone came away with useable information and the ability to move forward. It’s a very hands-on personalized class, and not a passive experience. We had homework most weeks that was discussed in class, so the sessions become great working sessions. No matter what niche you’re working in — or how long you’ve been publishing — you’ll come away a whole lot smarter and seeing your book in new ways.” — Sue Sylvia, Staircase Press

“I recommend Scalable Book Marketing for Publishers with Jared Kuritz to anyone that’s involved in marketing. Jared is very knowledgeable about the subject and encourages the attendees to think outside of the box to create the best marketing opportunities for your books.” — Gale Tull, Marketing Assistant, Judson Press

“Jared Kuritz taught a high-value workshop that met my needs, and more. He has a broad and deep knowledge of the publishing industry, and organized the course with both a broad context and very specific examples. I appreciated his willingness to address any question, which enriched the class and solved a number of my problems. How valuable, to meet someone who can brainstorm a solution on the spot! Jared is an excellent instructor, and he is a good listener as well, so that all the participants were able to discuss their publishing efforts thoroughly. I highly recommend his classes to anyone in the business, from new, small publishers to experienced pros who would benefit from new ideas they have not yet implemented.” — Nan Barnes, Stories To Tell Books

“The course was absolutely amazing! It was so amazing that I am still processing! Thank you for leaving the door open to questions. I am sure you know the value you provide, but if you ever need a testimonial, I'm in!” — Vanda Jackson, Purple Porcupine Publishing

“Jared is a fantastic and well-organized instructor. ”— Madge Blakey, Momentum Press

“I have observed many of Jared’s teaching sessions. He is passionate, informed and articulate…He is both efficient and personable.” — Wayne Wilson, Pd. D., LA 84 Foundation

“Jared is one of the finest speakers on marketing and public relations that I have ever known…Not only was his information cutting-edge, but his handouts, graphs, and printed notes were top drawer.” — Lynette Baum, Southern California Writers Association

“I badly needed someone to help me navigate the printing/publishing industry, both on the mechanics and especially on the strategy and marketing aspects. I spent a lot of time looking around and speaking to various people and … Jared was by far and away the most professional and the most capable of the lot.” — Robert F, Hemphill, Sunshine Soldiers

“As a regularly invited faculty member at Publishing University, IBPA’s annual educational event, Jared has been an incredible asset. His knowledge, dependability, organization, and thoroughness has consistently earned him top marks.” — Terry Nathan, COO, Independent Book Publishers Association

“In Jared, I found an advocate that wanted to see my success from start to finish and worked with me tirelessly to help achieve that goal. If it wasn’t for the honesty and guidance of Jared, my book probably never would have achieved all that it has.” — M.J. Dougherty, The Hodge Podge House Publishers, LLC

“I met Jared as an instructor of a UCSD Extension Course I took. Over the years, I have attended many writing lectures given by Jared. He is an excellent communicator who shares with others his vast knowledge and experience in the literary industry.” — Harvey Neiman, Major Press

Small Print:

Live sessions will be recorded and made available only to registrants. Upon completion of the course all registrants are welcome to a 30-minute one on one consultation session with Jared. Additionally, every member of IBPA who signs up for this course will receive access to a private discussion group just for folks who are taking or have taken the workshop on IBPA's Slack workspace.

Please note that the class size is limited to 12 with the goal of building continuity, familiarity, and cohesion among the participants. Each class builds on the previous one, and someone coming in new won't know the terminology and won't be up to speed. With this in mind, we ask that class participation be limited to a single person per registered participant. Jared will be sure to send out the class recording links for those that have to miss a session, and is happy to answer follow up questions.

The Jun 12 - Jul 24 workshop must receive a minimum of six registrants or it will be rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding.

If you have additional questions, please email IBPA's Chief Content Officer Lee Wind at lee@ibpa-online.org.

"Book Marketing for Author Publishers" - A 6-Part Online Workshop

Jeniffer Thompson

Workshop Description:

PROGRAM FEE: $299 for IBPA members | $499 for non-members

Get ready to market your book like a pro!

Sometimes authors don’t struggle with the writing—it’s what comes after that feels daunting. In today’s crowded marketplace, getting your book into readers’ hands takes more than hope and a few social media posts. With millions of new titles published each year, visibility is everything—and a smart, strategic marketing plan makes all the difference.

This small-group, six-week course helps independent authors (including self-published and hybrid-published authors) build a clear, actionable marketing foundation—one that’s personalized, repeatable, and sustainable. Whether you’re preparing to launch your debut title or breathe new life into a book that’s already out, you’ll learn how to think like a publisher and promote like a marketer.

Each week, we’ll explore a key part of your author marketing plan—from brand identity and messaging to website visibility, SEO/GEO strategy, and book launch planning—so by the end, you’ll have a personalized roadmap to increase your visibility, strengthen your connection with readers, and expand your discoverability across platforms.

You’ll discover how to:

• Identify your ideal readers and understand what motivates them to buy
• Build an author brand that resonates and sets you apart
• Craft messaging that turns browsers into buyers
• Design a website that converts visitors into fans
• Use SEO (search engine optimization) and GEO (generative AI search engine optimization)-targeting to expand your reach online and locally
• Plan and execute a book launch that builds buzz and drives sales
• Sustain long-term visibility and reader engagement after launch

Each week includes a short preparation assignment, practical examples, and guided discussion to help you apply these strategies directly to your book and brand.

Session Descriptions:

Session One: Author Branding (Date: Jun 12, 2026, from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: You’ll receive a guided worksheet and short video to help you identify your brand’s foundation—your core values, ideal reader, and emotional tone. This prework helps you clarify who you are as an author and how you want readers to feel when they engage with your work.
• Interactive Teaching: During class, we’ll review examples and refine your branding statements together. You’ll learn how to translate your authentic voice and visual identity into a brand that builds trust, connection, and recognition across platforms.

Session Two: Messaging Strategy (Date: Jun 19, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Using provided samples and templates, you’ll draft or refine your author bio, book description, and short tagline. The goal is to capture the essence of your story in language that sparks curiosity and connection.
• Interactive Teaching: We’ll analyze your drafts, uncover the emotional core of your message, and polish your copy for clarity and impact. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and tools to speak about your book with purpose—in media interviews, online, or in person.

Session Three: Website WOW (Date: Jun 26, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: You’ll complete a short site audit worksheet to identify what’s working (and what’s missing) on your current website—or outline goals for a new one. You’ll also review examples of author sites that balance design, clarity, and conversion.
• Interactive Teaching: Together, we’ll break down the essential elements of an effective author site: layout, calls-to-action, navigation, and SEO/GEO-friendly content. You’ll walk away with a plan to elevate your site as your primary hub for connection and discoverability.

Session Four: SEO + GEO Strategy (Date: Jul 10, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific - note we skip the Friday of the July 4 holiday weekend)

• Class Preparation Assignment: You’ll use a keyword discovery worksheet to research how readers are finding books like yours. Optional videos will demonstrate how to use simple tools for identifying search terms and local visibility opportunities.
• Interactive Teaching: We’ll demystify SEO and GEO strategies, showing how small, consistent steps can dramatically improve your reach. In class, we’ll workshop real examples and discuss how to implement these strategies on your website and across platforms.

Session Five: Book Launch Blueprint (Date: Jul 17, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: You’ll watch a short video and then complete a guided planning worksheet to outline your pre-launch, launch, and post-launch activities. This includes identifying your audience touchpoints, outreach ideas, and timeline goals.
• Interactive Teaching: During class, we’ll refine your plan together—reviewing launch examples, timing considerations, and creative campaign ideas. You’ll leave with a customized launch blueprint designed to maximize visibility and reader engagement.

Session Six: Sustaining Momentum (Date: Jul 24, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: You’ll complete a simple reflection exercise to identify what’s already working in your marketing and where you’d like to grow. You’ll also brainstorm content and outreach ideas for long-term engagement.
• Interactive Teaching: In our final session, we’ll discuss how to maintain visibility and nurture genuine reader relationships beyond launch day. You’ll learn how to network with influencers, repurpose content, expand your network, and create a rhythm that keeps your brand vibrant and discoverable.

Faculty Bio:

Jeniffer Thompson

Jeniffer Thompson is an author, personal branding coach, book marketing strategist, and publishing consultant. She is the creative director at Monkey C Media, an award-winning book cover and author website design house that has been serving authors since 2004. She is host of The Premise podcast, co-founder of the San Diego Writers Festival, and serves on the International Memoir Writers Association board.  

Testimonials for Jeniffer and her previous workshops:

“Branding yourself, especially as an author, is now the price of admission for writers. I came to Jeniffer Thompson as a writer who had a multi-decade career in another field and a full-time family. There was no ‘on-ramp’ to the fast-moving, ever-changing superhighway that we know of as ‘the writing industry.’ Jeniffer changed my mind about myself as a writer and changed hopelessness into optimism. There is an on-ramp. Today, I’m merging into the heavy traffic of the industry as an author who belongs on the highway. When it comes to branding and publishing, Jeniffer made it happen for me.” —Douglas A. Burton, Author and YouTube Personality

“Fantastic... Although we had already put together a lot of marketing assets and walked through branding exercises to determine messaging and the like, Jeniffer's materials really made us re-evaluate our decisions and question our ‘why’. In turn, we’ve made (or have the road-map to) some great changes to essential marketing components that tell readers and (explorers!) about our books, mission and why they are just so awesome :-)” —Laura Lahm, Colorful Cities

“I really felt strongly that Jeniffer deeply understands how to build a brand and was very good at communicating feedback, offering valuable resources, as well as sharing helpful action steps. This course really helped me solidify my own understanding and personal confidence in building up my own brand. Thank you!” —Cathryn Siegal-Bergman, Clevo Books

“I really enjoyed IBPA’s ... Branding Workshop taught by Jeniffer Thompson. I received so much useful information on every step in the process of branding from A to Z. Jeniffer is an expert instructor who is extremely knowledgeable and approachable. She was able to meet us at all our individual levels of experience with branding.” —Regina McCarthy

“I learned so many fantastic tips and concepts about creating a personal brand. It was an amazing experience to learn from Jennifer and to participate with the other students as everyone shared their knowledge and observations.” —David A. Wimsett

“Jam-packed with focused content and useful insights. The structure of workbooks (personal research) and small group discussions (witnessing transformations and clarity in colleagues) is really helpful. IBPA, thank you for this powerful offering. Jeniffer Thompson, thank you for delivering so much more than expected, and sharing your expertise so generously.” —Jill Hackett

“This was a really helpful and focusing series of well-prepared sessions that will provide productive work to do long after today's last session! …The community made it an invaluable sharing.” —Patrice Maynard, Director of Publications and Development, Research Institute for Waldorf Education

“Jeniffer’s class is the absolute best branding education I have ever experienced. Not only did it help me with my personal image, it helped me shape my company into what it needs to be. She is a wonderful communicator and motivator. Not only was the workshop crucial to my professional development, it has improved my self-confidence and personal communication skills with everyone I encounter.” —Mary Claire Branton, Charlie's Port

Small Print:

Live sessions will be recorded and made available only to registrants. Additionally, every member of IBPA who signs up for this course will receive access to a private discussion group just for folks who are taking or have taken the workshop on IBPA’s Slack workspace.

Please note that the class size is limited to 12 with the goal of building continuity, familiarity, and cohesion among the participants. Each class builds on the previous one, and someone coming in new won't know the terminology and won't be up to speed. With this in mind, we ask that class participation be limited to a single person per registered participant. Jared will be sure to send out the class recording links for those that have to miss a session, and is happy to answer follow up questions.

The Jun 12 - Jul 24. 2026 workshop must receive a minimum of six registrants or it will be rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding.

If you have additional questions, please email IBPA's Chief Content Officer Lee Wind at lee@ibpa-online.org.

"From Indie to Enterprise: Build Your 12-Month Publishing Operating Plan That Actually Drives Profit" - A 6-Part Online Workshop

Alesha Brown

Workshop Description:

PROGRAM FEE: $299 for IBPA members | $499 for non-members

You may know how to publish a book, but building a sustainable publishing business requires more than just getting titles into the marketplace. Without a clear revenue model, operating plan, and execution rhythm, even talented publishers can feel overwhelmed, reactive, and unsure what to prioritize next – whether they are aspiring independents, author-publishers, small presses, or publishing entrepreneurs.

This six-week workshop is designed to help you move from scattered publishing activity to a clear 12-month operating plan you can actually use. Each week, you will complete focused homework for your own publishing business, then use the live session to receive guidance, ask questions, and refine your next steps.

Following the strong response to her 2026 IBPA Publishing University session, From Indie to Enterprise: Build Your 12-Month Publishing Operating Plan That Actually Drives Profit, Alesha Brown will lead this small-group, six-session workshop designed to help each registrant apply strategic publishing business concepts directly to their own publishing business.

This workshop is limited to 12 people with the goal of creating continuity, familiarity, and meaningful discussion among participants.

Using an interactive teaching and implementation methodology, registrants will receive materials and assignments to prepare before each session. Class time will then be spent refining and applying the prepared material through discussion, feedback, and guided implementation.

Because this workshop is built around live discussion, participant examples, and feedback on submitted homework, the live sessions are designed as private working sessions rather than recorded webinars. Participants will receive recap materials, assignment guidance, and instructional resources to help them complete each week’s homework and continue applying the work between sessions.

Come prepared to work on your actual publishing business, not a hypothetical one. By the end of the six weeks, you should have more than notes — you should have a clearer business direction, stronger revenue awareness, and a practical roadmap for what to focus on next.

Alesha will help registrants learn how to:

• Clarify what kind of publishing business they are actually building
• Identify current and potential revenue streams
• Recognize profit leaks, cash drains, and underused backlist opportunities
• Strengthen systems, support, and operational efficiency
• Turn publishing goals into quarterly priorities
• Build a practical 12-month publishing operating plan
• Create a 90-day execution roadmap for immediate next steps

This is not a basic “how to publish a book” course. It is a business operations and profitability workshop for author-publishers, independent publishers, small presses, and publishing entrepreneurs who want to move from scattered activity to strategic growth.

If you are ready to stop collecting publishing advice and start building a practical operating plan for your publishing business, this small-group workshop is designed for you.

Session Descriptions:

Session One: From Indie Publisher to Publishing Enterprise (Date: Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Accompanied by written directions and/or samples, Alesha will provide a publishing business snapshot worksheet to be prepared and submitted by each registrant prior to the first session.
• Interactive Teaching: Submitted worksheets will be used as examples in class as we discuss where participants are currently operating as authors, publishers, or publishing enterprises, and what shifts may be needed for more sustainable growth.

Session Two: Building a Sustainable Publishing Business Model (Date: Friday, July 31, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Alesha will provide a revenue stream mapping worksheet to help registrants identify where income is currently coming from and where additional revenue opportunities may exist.
• Interactive Teaching: Class time will be spent discussing how to refine and apply each registrant’s revenue map, including current income, underdeveloped opportunities, and potential next revenue priorities.

Session Three: Profit Leaks, Cash Drains & Backlist Opportunities (Date: August 7, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Alesha will provide worksheet(s) to help registrants identify areas where money, time, energy, or existing assets may be underused, wasted, or disconnected from revenue.
• Interactive Teaching: Submitted worksheets will be used as examples in class as we discuss what may need to be reduced, improved, repositioned, bundled, relaunched, or better connected to business growth.

Session Four: Systems, Staffing & Operational Efficiency (Date: Friday, August 14, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific - note we skip the Friday of the July 4 holiday weekend)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Alesha will provide worksheet(s) to help registrants examine what they are still doing manually or personally that may be limiting growth. This may include administration, marketing, distribution, financial tracking, technology, contractor support, and workflow.
• Interactive Teaching: Class time will be spent discussing how participants can identify what to automate, delegate, outsource, simplify, or stop doing in order to operate with greater clarity and efficiency.

Session Five: Building the 12-Month Publishing Operating Plan (Date: Friday, August 21, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Alesha will provide a 12-month publishing operating plan template to help registrants connect revenue goals, quarterly priorities, marketing, operations, capacity, and execution.
• Interactive Teaching: Submitted plans will be used as examples in class as we discuss how to turn publishing goals into a realistic operating plan with measurable next steps.

Session Six: Execution, Accountability & 90-Day Growth Decisions (Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 from 10am-11:15am Pacific)

• Class Preparation Assignment: Alesha will provide a 90-day execution roadmap worksheet to help registrants identify what they will do first, what they will track, what they must stop delaying, and what support they may need to move forward.
• Interactive Teaching: Class time will be spent reviewing participant roadmaps, discussing implementation challenges, and helping registrants leave with clearer next steps for the next 90 days.

Faculty Bio:

Alesha Brown

Alesha Brown is CEO and Founder of Alesha Brown LLC dba Fruition Publishing Concierge Services®, an award-winning entrepreneur, publisher, speaker, and publishing strategist. She helps authors, experts, and publishing entrepreneurs turn books, expertise, and intellectual property into profitable, sustainable business assets.

Alesha was a four-year member of the IBPA Board of Directors (terming off Jun 30, 2026) and has served the independent publishing community through education, leadership, and strategic support. Her work focuses on helping publishers move beyond scattered tactics and build stronger publishing businesses through revenue awareness, systems, positioning, and execution.

Her PubU session on this topic, received strong attendee feedback, including requests for deeper instruction, more implementation time, and a longer-format learning experience. This workshop answers that request and addresses the need for a cohort-based hands-on educational offering, From Indie to Enterprise: Build Your 12-Month Publishing Operating Plan That Actually Drives Profit.

Small Print:

Live feedback sessions will be recorded and made available only to registered participants so those who miss a session can still benefit from the discussion, examples, and homework feedback shared during class. Participants will also receive recap materials, assignment guidance, and instructional resources to support weekly homework completion; individual feedback meetings outside the scheduled sessions are not included.

To support connection and continued reflection between sessions, IBPA will host a private Slack channel for workshop participants. The Slack space is intended for peer discussion and community support; it will be hosted and managed by IBPA and will not be facilitated by Alesha Brown.

Please note that class size is limited to 12 participants with the goal of building continuity, familiarity, and cohesion among participants, especially as each class builds on the previous one

Because this is a small-group implementation workshop, class participation is limited to a single person per registered participant.

If registration exceeds the initial group capacity, an additional session may be offered on the same day.

The July 24–August 28 workshop must receive a minimum of six registrants or it may be rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding.

If you have additional questions, please email IBPA's Chief Content Officer Lee Wind at lee@ibpa-online.org.

IBPA PubU Online: Gamify Your Book

WHAT TO EXPECT: How can a game leverage and expand the IP of your book? John Peragine and Jess Zafarris will walk us through how to turn your book’s world, characters, and conflicts into an interactive experience.

COST: FREE for IBPA Members; $39 for Non-Members

WEBINAR SPONSOR: BiblioMax

About the Webinar

Games aren't just play—they're powerful storytelling tools. In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to turn your book’s world, characters, and conflicts into an interactive experience. Whether you're envisioning a simple card game, a social deduction party game, a D&D module, or a mobile app, this session will break down the design process from concept to market.

We’ll explore how to choose the right format for your genre, how to design game mechanics that reflect your story themes, and how to package and sell the game to expand your IP. You'll also gain insight into print-on-demand options, crowdfunding (like Kickstarter), and digital tie-ins to boost book sales and reader engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the types of games that work well as book tie-ins (card, board, TTRPG, mobile, etc.)
• Learn basic game design principles to adapt narrative elements into interactive mechanics.
• Explore production and fulfillment options for physical and digital games.
• Discover sales strategies for bundling with books, selling at cons, running crowdfunding campaigns, or pitching to game publishers.
• Walk away with a worksheet or template to begin designing your own game.

Each 1-hour IBPA PubU Online webinar is followed by an optional half-hour community discussion– a great way to build your connections with other publishers, and discuss what we all just experienced and learned! (The presenters are thanked and then exit, leaving a safe space for members of the IBPA community to share their thoughts and discuss.)

Please note IBPA does not permit recording of this meeting or webinar via AI technology or other method. As a membership association, these events are intended to be safe spaces, and should not be recorded unless by IBPA staff with a notification to everyone participating.

Been to PubSpot yet? Check out IBPA's publishing resource center with dozens of helpful webinars, articles, and podcasts.

About the Presenters

John Peragine

John Peragine is an award-winning author, journalist, ghostwriter, and publishing professional with experience in both traditional and independent publishing. He has written for The New York Times, Reuters, and Today.com, and has authored more than 20 books across fiction and nonfiction. In addition to his work as a writer and editor, he develops interactive storytelling projects and helps authors think beyond the page to build stronger platforms, richer reader engagement, and new creative revenue streams. His upcoming game, Curse of the Crimson Wake, is being released this year, expanding his work into immersive, story-driven tabletop gaming.

Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @johnpwriter
Facebook: John N Peragine
Threads: @johnpwriter
Website: johnpwriter.com

Jess Zafarris

Jess Zafarris is the author of several books on word origins, including Once Upon a Word (Rockridge Press, 2020), Words from Hell (Chambers, 2023), and Useless Etymology (Chambers, 2025). She is also a video content creator who has built a devoted social media following on TikTok and Instagram, and she co-hosts the podcast Words Unravelled. Her blog, UselessEtymology.com, has been educating curious word lovers for more than a decade. She and her work have been quoted, featured, and mentioned in The New York Times, NPR, The Guardian, The Boston Globe, Reader's Digest, and Harper’s Magazine, and she has appeared on BBC World Service Radio, NPR, and Boston Public Radio.

Social Media Handles:
TikTok: @jesszafarris
Instagram: @uselessetymology
YouTube: @WordsUnravelled

About the Webinar Sponsor

BiblioMax

This IBPA PubU Online webinar is presented by BiblioMax – the easier way for indie authors to print, sell, and grow beyond Amazon. BiblioMax connects POD, expanded distribution, eCommerce, and Ingram-powered store access so authors can sell more books and keep more royalties. Get more at BiblioMax.com.

BiblioMax: Sell beyond Amazon. Keep more royalties. Grow the easy way. Discover more at BiblioMax.com

The Fine Print

Can’t attend this webinar live? Sign up anyway and watch the recorded session at a time suitable to you. Everyone who registers will receive an email with the video recording of the webinar and a copy of the presenter slides and/or handouts by the end of the week of the live recording.

IBPA PubU Online: Leverage Consumer Trends to Power Your Book Marketing

WHAT TO EXPECT: Join Darcy Piedmonte and Katie Versluis for a dynamic session on how independent publishers can spot and leverage early consumer trends to power smarter, more effective marketing.

COST: FREE for IBPA Members; $39 for Non-Members

WEBINAR SPONSOR: NetGalley/Firebrand

About the Webinar

Using insights drawn from NetGalley’s reader and reviewer communities, and Booktrovert campaign benchmarks, this presentation will explore early engagement data that reveals what’s capturing readers’ attention—well before publication—and how to translate those signals into impactful campaigns.

Attendees will learn how to interpret these early indicators to shape marketing strategies, fine-tune messaging, target the right audiences, and build sustained enthusiasm for their books in a fast-moving digital marketplace.

Each 1-hour IBPA PubU Online webinar is followed by an optional half-hour community discussion– a great way to build your connections with other publishers, and discuss what we all just experienced and learned! (The presenters are thanked and then exit, leaving a safe space for members of the IBPA community to share their thoughts and discuss.)

Please note IBPA does not permit recording of this meeting or webinar via AI technology or other method. As a membership association, these events are intended to be safe spaces, and should not be recorded unless by IBPA staff with a notification to everyone participating.

Been to PubSpot yet? Check out IBPA's publishing resource center with dozens of helpful webinars, articles, and podcasts.

About the Presenters:

Darcy Piedmonte

Darcy Piedmonte is Director of Customer Acquisition & Success at NetGalley, and assists publishers in promoting digital review copies and audiobooks to book advocates and professionals across the industry. With the launch of Booktrovert, Darcy also helps publishers and authors achieve their consumer marketing goals. Through partnerships, innovation, and best practices, Darcy ensures that NetGalley helps books succeed.

Katie Versluis

Katie Versluis is the Customer Success Manager at NetGalley. She works closely with authors and publishers of all shapes and sizes, helping their books reach the hands of passionate book advocates and industry professionals.

About the Webinar Sponsor

NetGalley/Firebrand

This IBPA PubU Online webinar is presented by NetGalley/Firebrand. NetGalley is the recognized industry-standard for digital galley distribution and book marketing. Booktrovert, created and powered by the team at NetGalley, supports publishers’ consumer marketing efforts by spurring book discovery through digital giveaways, advertising, and special promotions, while engaging readers with bookish activities on a sleek, standalone website.

“As part of the Firebrand Group collection of companies, our mission is to guide more content into the minds of more readers with technology solutions that serve the publishing industry. We believe that intelligent technology paired with human expertise is the key to increased accessibility, sales, and efficiency, igniting publisher success and bettering lives."

Explore the NetGalley IBPA member benefit here.

The Fine Print

Can’t attend this webinar live? Sign up anyway and watch the recorded session at a time suitable to you. Everyone who registers will receive an email with the video recording of the webinar and a copy of the presenter slides and/or handouts by the end of the week of the live recording.

Workshop: Master AI for Publishing – Oct 2, 2026

George Walkley

Registration includes the Oct 2, 2026 workshop (from 9am-2:30pm Pacific) + a follow-up “Lunch and Learn” session, designed to keep you up to date as the field of AI in publishing evolves.

Workshop Description:

PROGRAM FEE: $299 for IBPA members | $499 for non-members (includes IBPA membership)

Developed and led by publishing consultant and tech expert George Walkley, this five-hour online training covers:

• A current, no-nonsense briefing on the fast-moving AI landscape – technology, capabilities, ethical and environmental concerns, copyright, and litigation.
• Clarity on the latest concepts, from AI agents to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) – jargon-free and practical.
• Insight into discoverability and protection – how to secure your content and stay visible in AI outputs.
• Actionable strategies for using AI across publishing workflows – what really works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
• Hands-on experience with more than 30 real-world publishing use cases and tested prompt templates.

Registration Includes a follow-up 2026 “Lunch and Learn” Session

“Lunch and Learn” online sessions are designed to keep you up to date as the field of AI in publishing evolves. Registration in this workshop includes free attendance at the Feb 2027  “Lunch and Learn” session.

Continue Your AI Education, Networking, and Collaboration

In addition to the Lunch and Learn sessions, all attendees are invited to participate in the IBPA Slack workspace #AI-in-publishing channel.

Award-Winning and CPD-Accredited Workshop

This workshop won the Best Learning / Professional Development Programme (up to 2000 members) from the Association Excellence Awards 2024.

Everyone who attends this "Master AI for Publishing" workshop will receive a Continuous Professional Development certificate of completion from the CPD Certification Service.

Who should attend?

Anyone who wants to better understand the issues and opportunities of AI in relation to publishing. The workshop will provide insights, tools, and actionable steps across all publishing roles and genres.

Faculty Bio:

George Walkley

George Walkley is a leading expert on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on publishing. He has delivered award-winning training on AI to over 270 publishers in fifteen countries, and is a regular speaker at industry events. He publishes a free weekly newsletter on AI and publishing, which you can sign up for by clicking here.

In addition to his training and consultancy, George continues to work in the industry as Chairman of the communications group Midas, non-executive director of Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, and an advisory board member at Bristol University Press.

Testimonials:

The Independent Publishers Guild in the UK has run this award-winning workshop multiple times for hundreds of publishers, and together we are bringing it to publishers in the US. Here’s what IBPA member publishers said after attending this workshop in February 2026:

“Tremendously helpful! Thank you!” —R.S.

“Excellent presentation.” —R.G.

“Really great stuff!” —C.C.

“Wonderful, robust presentation!” —A.B.

“Thank you so much! Excellent seminar.” —C.P.

“Amazing information, thank you!” —E.O.

“It was very enlightening.” —C.E.

“Great presentation!” —S.B.

“Thank you so much, this has been wonderfully informative. Amazing presentation.” —N.S.

“Thank you! I found this workshop fantastic!” —P.P.

“Thank you so very much for a thoughtful, informative and thorough presentation! The Master AI for Publishing workshop with George Walkley was perhaps the best, most polished, most professional, and most informative presentation I've ever experienced. Time very well spent.” —N.R.

“Incredibly helpful and informative seminar without overhyping AI, or to the other extreme, casting it as the boogeyman. George presented the information in a way that was extremely thorough and extremely helpful. Much of what you read about AI likens it the end of times, which is clearly not the case. I very much appreciate the opportunity to learn how these tools can assist in our everyday work while maintaining ethical business.” —C.P.

“For anyone worried about AI's impact on publishing, George Walkley's seminar with the IBPA will be a breath of fresh air. He addresses concerns without hysteria and possibilities without hype. I left feeling like I knew what next steps to take--rather than just more information to mull!” —M.B.

“This was a very very useful presentation. Lots to follow up on and experiment with. George addressed concerns from the source of the data used to create LLMs to a wide range of ways that AI can be used for publishing. Extremely useful!” —G.G.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for the abundance of information. AI can generate a full spectrum of emotions from rabid enthusiasm to paralyzing fear (and everything in between). Your in-depth presentation has been thorough, wide-ranging, and certain to take some of the mystery off the table; I would recommend it to anyone hoping to learn more about it. I look forward to reading and learning more through your newsletter.” —J.J.

More Praise from Workshop Attendees

Small Print:

The live presentation will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recordings for two weeks following the workshop presentation.

Please note that no AI notetakers are allowed.

If you have additional questions, please email IBPA's Chief Content Officer Lee Wind at lee@ibpa-online.org.