(Manhattan Beach, CA - May, 13, 2011) -- First introduced at the 2011 London Book Fair by The Publishing Point, the “The Great Debate” will make its North American debut at the 27^th Annual IBPA Publishing University at the Javits Center in New York on May 22. Created by Susan Danziger, CEO of DailyLit and organizer of The Publishing Point, and moderated by Michael Healy, executive director of the Google Book Rights Registry, the event will feature 4 debaters, 2 pro and 2 con, weighing in on the proposition, “Authors and Readers are all that matter. In the future, publishers will be irrelevant.”

Featured debaters will include:

• Mark Coker, founder and CEO of Smashwords, and named by the Wall Street Journal as one of “Eight Stars of Self-Publishing.”
• Daphne Kis, SheWrites.com, longtime publisher and new media advisor.
• Richard Nash, former head of Soft Skull Press, founder of Cursor, and named by Utne Reader as one of 50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World
• Rudy Shur, Publisher of Square One Publishers and a consistent stand out on Publishers Weekly’s Top 10 Fast Growing Independent Publishers list.

“There can’t be a person in the industry who doesn’t have an opinion on this issue,” remarked Florrie Binford Kichler, president of IBPA, “And what better way to kick off a conference for publishers in the digital age than to question their continuing relevance?”

A question and answer session for debaters will follow. IBPA Publishing University attendees will cast votes before and after the event to determine the winners.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information, session details, photos and information regarding the 2011 Publishing University, visit IBPA Publishing University http://www.ibpapublishinguniversity.com.

About the Independent Book Publishers Association

Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 3,100 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the tools and knowledge needed to professionally engage in all aspects of the publishing industry. For more information, visit ibpa-online.org.

(Manhattan Beach, CA - May 10, 2011) -- The not-for-profit Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) recently awarded twenty scholarships valued at a total of $8,000 to members to attend the 2011 Publishing University taking place May 22-23 in New York City. The scholarships are intended for new publishers who need assistance in growing their publishing program. The twenty recipients represent 14 of IBPA’s regional affiliate publishing groups around the country.

“I am eagerly looking forward to the Publishing University -- soooo much to learn about this new publishing world,” notes scholarship winner Naida West of Bridge House Books. “I hope to be able to meet and chat with people about the options.”

Members who received the scholarship will be able to attend the two-day IBPA Publishing University at no cost. The event offers programs designed to provide one-book publishers, self-publishers, digital publishers, and traditional publishers with the hands-on, how-to tools they need to promote, market and sell more books. IBPA Publishing University has been held annually for 27 years and features volunteer expert instructors from all segments of the publishing industry, including Amazon, Google, Barnes and Noble and more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit IBPA Publishing University or email info@ibpa-online.org.

About the Independent Book Publishers Association

Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 3,100 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the tools and knowledge needed to professionally engage in all aspects of the publishing industry. For more information, visit ibpa-online.org.

(Manhattan Beach, CA - May 4, 2011) -- From 100,000 to 1.5 million, independent publisher book sales rank them right up with the big boys. Ruby K. Payne’s book, A Framework for Understanding Poverty, published by aha! Process, Inc., sits at the top of the Independent Book Publishers Association bestseller list with an outstanding 1.5 million copies sold. Publisher No Greater Joy’s three books on the list all have sales of over 350,000 with To Train Up a Child at more than 650,000 copies and counting. NewTrends Publishing has achieved single-title sales of over 400,000 copies and is still growing. The following list, first published in the IBPA Independent, celebrates the success of 20 bestselling books, their authors, and publishers that have scaled the 100,000 copy barrier.

Included on this month’s list are IBPA members:

• Alpine Productions – How to Raise a Puppy You can Live With (400,000 sold)
• Lerner Publishing Group – The Girl Who Owned a City (375,000 sold)
• Parenting Press – The Way I Feel, and It’s MY Body (300,000 and 285,000 sold respectively)
• Summerthought Publishing – Canadian Rockies Trail Guide (250,000 sold)
• Pomengranate Communications, Inc. – Monet’s Passion: Ideas, Inspiration, and Insights from the Painter’s Garden and Shaman: The Paintings of Susan Seddon Boulet (165,000 and 120,000 sold respectively)
• TalentSmart® - Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (162,000 sold)
  
• Press One Publishing – Credit Card and Debt Management: A Step-by-Step How-To Guide for Organizing Debt and Saving Money on Interest Payments (148,500 sold)
• Women’s Intuition Worldwide – Aura Reading Through All Your Senses (136,000 sold)
• Morning Glory Press – Your Pregnancy and Newborn Journey (113,000 sold)
• Relax Intuit™LC – Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace (110,000 sold)
• TheMasterCleanse.com – Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days (110,000 sold)
• Rec Room Publishing LLC – 104 Activities That Build: Self-Esteem, Teamwork, Communication, Anger Management, Self-Discovery, and Coping Skills (102,000 sold)
• Body of Work Books – Save Your Hands! The Complete Guide to Injury Prevention and Ergonomics for Manual Therapists (100,000 sold)

The bestseller list features the top sellers among those members who have sent in sales figures to the IBPA Independent, highlighting books that have sold well over time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit IBPA's website or email info@ibpa-online.org.

About the Independent Book Publishers Association

Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 3,100 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the tools and knowledge needed to professionally engage in all aspects of the publishing industry. For more information, visit www.ibpa-online.org.

(Manhattan Beach, CA - April 7, 2011) -- The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) has partnered with Bowker to provide its new Manuscript Submissions service (BowkerManuscriptSubmission.com) to its 3,000 members, giving them access to an online book proposal tool and efficient channel for reviewing unsolicited manuscripts.

“We are delighted to partner with Bowker and offer our members access to this streamlined, online and eco-friendly system,” said Florrie Kichler, President of IBPA. “Publishers are continuously overwhelmed and interrupted with unsolicited manuscripts that don’t match their interests. BowkerManuscriptSubmission.com applies a proven method for addressing this issue, allowing publishers to review book proposals in an efficient, time-saving manner. This is really a win-win situation for publishers and authors alike.”

Through this partnership IBPA publishers and acquisition editors will have access to an online portal where prospective authors have uploaded book proposals, complete with sample materials, making it easy to find the ideas they find most interesting and marketable. Each proposal in the Bowker Manuscript Submissions system includes subject category, topic, the writer's background and publishing history, a book synopsis, and writing sample.  IBPA member publishers will use the system’s filters to target the manuscripts that fit their publishing interests and then, review the sample materials to evaluate quality.

“The traditional process of getting the right publisher to review the right book proposal is both time-consuming and frustrating for both sides of the relationship,” said Kelly Gallagher, VP of Publishing Services. “Through this partnership, IBPA member publishers can take advantage of this time saving self-service tool by accessing book proposals through BowkerManuscriptSubmissions.com and authors will have the opportunity to put their book ideas in front of thousands of independent publishers.”

Bowker Manuscript Submissions brings publishers, authors and agents together in an efficient online system.  This central portal enables authors to submit proposals and materials one time, with the confidence that hundreds of publishers can view them.  Publishers can avoid piles of paper to view book proposals in a clean, green and time-saving method. The service’s e-tools sort and filter by genre, audience, author, and more, enabling acquisition editors to focus their time and energy on the exploration of just the right works.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Email Joanne Kenny, IBPA Member Benefits Liaison, at joanne@ibpa-online.org.

About Bowker Manuscript Submissions

(Manhattan Beach, CA - March 24, 2011) -- David “Skip” Prichard, President and CEO of Ingram Content Group, will offer his unique view of the future of books and the publishing world at the 27^th annual IBPA Publishing University, to be held in New York City prior to BEA at the Javits Center on May 22-23. Prichard will keynote the day and a half of programs designed to provide one-book publishers, self-publishers, digital publishers, and traditional publishers with the hands-on, how-to tools they need to promote, market and sell more books.

“Don’t come to IBPA Publishing University if you prefer theory to practice,” warns IBPA President Florrie Binford Kichler. "Publishing University is designed by publishers to teach publishers what they need to know­­—and do right now—to succeed in an industry that’s changing at warp-speed."

Highlights include:

• 20 breakout sessions including the hottest how-to topics in publishing led by industry experts in sales, marketing, social media, copyright and more
• General sessions featuring the back-by-popular demand “E-magination” panel of e-reading prognosticators, including Mark Coker of Smashwords, book app guru Andy Hunter of electricliterature.com, and emceed and podcasted LIVE by Chris Kenneally of the Copyright Clearance Center.
• E-books and coffee in an early morning “Everything Google” session.
• The opportunity for attendees to “Ask the Experts” in their own private consulting session by appointment.
• The Benjamin Franklin Awards and Reception recognizing excellence in publishing in more than 56 categories of editorial and design and featuring a celebration concert performed by Beatles tribute band Mostly Moptops

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit IBPA Publishing University or email info@ibpa-online.org.

About the Independent Book Publishers Association

Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 3,100 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the tools and knowledge needed to professionally engage in all aspects of the publishing industry. For more information, visit ibpa-online.org.

(Manhattan Beach, CA - February 2, 2011) -- The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) today announced a new program for IBPA member publishers.  The new program will provide IBPA members with options for title visibility on Ingram’s iPage®, the book industry’s most relevant and comprehensive title database tool and advertising opportunities through the company’s leading trade publications.  In addition, IBPA members will have print-on-demand options available to them through Ingram’s Lightning Source for book manufacturing and distribution to Ingram’s worldwide customer network.

“IBPA is pleased to be working with Ingram Content Group on behalf of our publishers,” said IBPA President Florrie Binford Kichler. “This agreement will allow all of our publishers to take advantage of Ingram’s distribution and marketing reach, giving small and independent publishers options to access Ingram Content Group’s US retail, international, and Library customers. Having books available through Ingram significantly levels the playing field for our publishers.”

“Ingram Content Group is committed to providing publishers with the most relevant content delivery solutions to help them grow their businesses,” said George Tattersfield, Vice President Merchandising, Ingram Content Group.  “We look forward to collaborating with the IBPA and are delighted to support both them and the independent publishers they work with, with solutions that expand market reach and sales opportunity.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the IBPA website or contact info@ibpa-online.org.

About the Independent Book Publishers Association

Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 3,100 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the tools and knowledge needed to professionally engage in all aspects of the publishing industry. For more information, visit ibpa-online.org.

(Manhattan Beach, CA - June 20, 2007) -- Jan Nathan, the Executive Director of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) since its beginning in 1983, passed away June 17, 2007 after a year-long battle with cancer. She was 68 years old.

Initially, Nathan had been President of Manhattan Publishing Company (creating in-flight magazines for regional commuter airlines). In 1983, just as she established Jan Nathan & Associates, a company to manage professional trade associations, a group of 15 Southern California publishers joined together to send Jan to the trade show of the American Booksellers Association, now called BookExpo America (BEA).

IBPA founder Jan Nathan

That group of 15 then formed Publishers Marketing Association (PMA), which was renamed the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) in 2005. Bob Alberti, the second PMA President, remarked that when his predecessor turned over the reins, he said: "You have one charge. Keep Jan Nathan, no matter what it takes."

As a champion for independent publishers she often reacted to the news of the day. When it came to her attention that a rebinder of books was assigning its own ISBN numbers to publishers’ books they were rebinding — and selling them into the library market without permission, Nathan took on the cause of hundreds of publishers affected. She involved PMA’s legal counsel and encouraged the media to pick up the story. Eventually, the rebinding company bowed under the pressure and agreed to everything asked.

Although PMA was nearest and dearest to her heart, Nathan was concerned with all aspects of independent publishing. With the Small Press Center in New York City (now New York Center for Independent Publishing), she was integral in the formation of Small Press Week (March 24-30, 1996), now Small Press Month. Her passion for lifetime literacy and first amendment rights caused her to establish connections between PMA and other major trade groups, such as The Media Coalition and the Book Industry Study Group, for whom, at the time of her death, she served as Treasurer.

Born January 7, 1939, Nathan grew up in Brooklyn and Freeport, NY and later attended Ithaca College and Stanford University. Nathan and her family moved from Massachusetts to Northern California in 1965, later relocating to Hermosa Beach in Southern California in 1973. Her love of the beach kept her there.

Nathan raised six boys virtually single-handedly and yet found time to pursue higher education and create a successful business that she leaves behind.

About the Independent Book Publishers Association

Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 3,100 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the tools and knowledge needed to professionally engage in all aspects of the publishing industry. For more information, visit ibpa-online.org.