PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 interview by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — An interview with contemporary and fantasy author, writing coach, and YouTuber Hannah Lee Kidder. Hannah Lee Kidder is a contemporary and fantasy author, writing coach, and YouTuber. She’s published two short story collections, Little Birds and Starlight. Her hustle-minded approach to self-publishing …

PUBLISHED JULY/AUGUST 2021 interview by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — Dr. Artika R. Tyner, founder of Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore, speaks on organic partnerships, what it means to be community focused, and the importance of having a vision and goals. How did Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore …

PUBLISHED MAY/JUNE 2021 interview by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — A Q&A with indie publisher and writers’ conference founder Clay Stafford. After having to take a year off due to the global pandemic, Killer Nashville founder Clay Stafford is looking forward to holding his 15th annual writers’ conference this August. IBPA Independent …

PUBLISHED MAY/JUNE 2021 interview by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — Jelani Memory’s “A Kids Book About” series takes a direct approach to publishing, both in terms of its distribution model and the tough topics it covers. Jelani Memory initially thought he’d only print one copy of the book he wrote for his …

PUBLISHED MARCH/APRIL 2021 Compiled by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — Read below for expert advice on book marketing plans. “Focusing on sales as your goal. Yes, ultimately, you need sales to sustain your business, and that may be why you are marketing anyway, but if your only objective is to sell, then …

PUBLISHED JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 Compiled by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — Roy Carlisle has managed a number of interns over the years. Hear his perspective as well as the perspectives of four of his former interns. Questions for the Publisher What is the advantage of using interns over hiring an entry-level employee? Roy …

PUBLISHED NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 Compiled by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — 4 IBPA members with podcasts share their goals, tips, and tools for the medium. Tell me about your podcast. When did you start it? What was the goal for creating it? Carissa Andrews (CA): My podcast is called the Author Revolution podcast …

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 Compiled by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — IBPA members delve into what they’ve done differently since the COVID-19 outbreak began. In what ways were you forced to pivot or adjust your business/publishing due to COVID-19? What did you learn from this? Ian Lamont (IL): I realized that my overreliance …

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 interview by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — An overview of how independent bookstores dealt with the difficulties of 2020. Independent bookstores have had quite a year so far. When COVID-19 hit, most were forced to shut their physical locations. Many took this time to focus on their online sales. …

PUBLISHED MAY/JUNE 2020 Compiled by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor, IBPA Independent magazine — Four publishing experts discuss how the global crisis has affected every aspect within the industry. Robin Cutler, Director, IngramSpark As many of you have read in online posts and media reports, Ingram, as one of the world’s largest book wholesalers, is still …