Debate over the future of the book vs. whether the book has a future was the overriding theme of 2 and a half days of programming at O’Reilly’s Tools of Change conference.

Recently, we sent IBPA members a message expressing IBPA’s concern that the Barnes and Noble reduction in regional buyers might result in fewer opportunities for small and independent publisher titles to obtain online and offline ‘shelf space’ with the book retailer. We have since spoken with Joe Gonnella, Vice President of Adult Trade, by phone and communicated those same concerns to him.

As a publisher, I’m a believer in book awards. Not only does that gold or silver seal on your book attract the consumer’s attention; the tangible mark of distinction also gives you marketing and promotion ammunition for catalogs, bookmarks, blogs, Web sites, and more.

Advice on how to succeed in publishing swirls around us. The IBPA monthly Independent features experts in the business communicating on a huge variety of topics, all designed to help you run your publishing company better and smarter. There’s no denying that your business and marketing plans, access to capital, social media strategy, distribution, promotion, editorial, and financial management are all critical components of a successful publishing program.

But there’s more to your business than business.

(BLOG POST) By Florrie Binford-Kichler, IBPA President — Now that I’m finally on the flip side of the 47,586 emails that awaited my response after BEA, I wanted to share a few thoughts about the show. Location, location, location For those of you who have never been to BEA, for more than 20 years IBPA …

(BLOG POST) By Florrie Binford-Kichler, IBPA President — In the past 12 years, nobody’s ever placed an order for any of my company’s titles at BEA. In the midst of a slow economic recovery—when the publishing industry is locked in a seemingly irreconcilable debate about e-books vs. p-books, local bookstores continue to close their doors, …

Welcome to the very first post at the very first IBPA blog! I’m Florrie Binford Kichler,  current President of IBPA, and I’ll be bringing you news of both the association and the publishing industry that just can’t wait as well as commenting on whatever I’d want to know if I were a member and an …