What Kind of Publisher Do You Want to Be?

Three widely-known publishing industry experts discuss options for<br />
newcomers to the book world. Dan Poynter, father of today's booming self-publishing movement, will summarize the benefits to authors from publishing their own books, whether for a niche audience or broad readership. Danny O. Snow, founder of Unlimited Publishing LLC, will discuss the advantages of POD printing, and marketing in non-traditional channels other than bookstores and libraries. Steve Carlson of Upper Access Book Publishers will share valuable insights for success in traditional book trade markets, and how to maximize revenues with effective promotion for mainstream bookstore sales.

Speakers: Steve Carlson, Upper Access; Dan Poynter, Para Publishing; Danny O. Snow, Unlimited Publishing LLC

Book Production Trends and Technology: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Print and/or E-book

Technology is changing by the minute and so are your book production options. Learn the pros and cons of printing thousands, hundreds, one, e-only  or anything in between. Save significant time, money and frustration by learning what choices are best for each of your books. Bring your questions to this panel of production gurus and walk away  with cost-effective tips and strategies on how to make your title a reality.

Speakers: Speakers: Cynthia Frank, Cypress House; Phil Knight, Color House Graphics; Don Leeper, BookMobile; Ron Powers, Lightning Source, an Ingram Content Group Company

Publicity and Promotion Online and Off—Guide for New Publishers

Strong creative publicity is essential to effectively launch any new title and to keep it afloat after it’s no longer new. This session will cover book publicity and promotion basics—what, when and how to do it as well as the optimal combination of online and offline tactics for best results. Practical, hands-on tools will be the hallmark of this “how-to” handbook that features industry experts as well as an independent publisher to give you the do’s and don’ts of publicity and promotion learned from experience.

Speakers: Kate Bandos, KSB Promotions; Marika Flatt, PR By the Book, LLC; Anthony Pomes, Square One Publishers

The World According to Google—What Publishers Need to Know TODAY

Savior of the book or saboteur of copyright? Regardless of how publishers feel about Google, no one can deny the profound effect the world’s largest content deliverer has had on the publishing industry. You don’t want to miss our three experts for a look at the latest from Google and how you can benefit. Although the Google Book Settlement is still in the judge’s hands, you will meet Book Rights Registry’s Executive Director Michael Healy who will talk about the role of the BRR and what publishers need to do to be ready to work (or not to work) with that organization. Google’s new ebook initiative, Google Editions, is set to kick off this summer and Google’s Roland Lange and Bowker’s Angela D’Agostino will talk about that program and the opportunities it provides for publishers.

Speakers: Michael Healy, Books Rights Registry; Roland Lange, Strategic Partner Development Manager, Google; Angela D’AGostino, Senior VP, Business Development, RR Bowker LLC

The World According to Google—What Publishers Need to Know TODAY

See session above for info.

Book Marketing–not just for Beginners: Opportunities—Past, Present & Future

Where is book publishing going and how did we get here? What opportunities are emerging as the Book Trade evolves into new forms? The large publishers are downsizing, the traditional brick & mortar stores are closing, and readers are embracing eBooks. These and other changes are affecting literary agents, wholesalers, distributors, reviewers, printers, truckers and everyone in the book trade. The winners will be the authors and smaller publishers. This presentation is full of supporting statistics and scenarios. Some changes we like and some we fear. Discover what is happening so you can take advantage of the changes rather than be buried by them. Remember, “We can’t direct the wind but we can trim our sails.” Focus your marketing. Invest your time and money in what works and will be working. Plus a special briefing on how to work the BEA Book Fair.

Speaker: Dan Poynter, Para Publishing

Should This Book Be Published? Making the Numbers Work

Breaking into publishing shouldn’t break the bank. Designed for those who are math and finance challenged, this practical and essential session will teach you how to quickly and easily evaluate your book’s potential—both the upside and downside. Topics covered include how to protect from your project’s downside before you commit a single dollar, how to determine if your book will be profitable, and how to get sales and marketing information and buy-in to your books. Leave this session with hands-on advice from experienced publishers and a financial expert and the basics you need to start your company in the black.

Speakers: Marion Gropen, Gropen Associates, Inc.; Carlene Sippola, Whole Person Associates

Bookselling—Navigating the Retail and Etail Terrain

Brick and Mortar or Click and Order—don’t miss this session that explores the latest trends in book retailing and etailing and how your book fits.  How do you get your title picked up by the major chains, independents and online outlets? Which ebook sales option is best for your book (s)? Join panelists from each segment of the bookselling world and get your questions answered.

Speakers: Marianne Bohr, Marianne C. Bohr Consulting; Marcella Smith, Barnes & Noble; Cameron Drew, Kobo, Inc.; Bina ValenzanoThe BookMark Shoppe

Four Big Publishing Mistakes and How You Can Avoid Them

There are no guarantees in the current marketplace, but even publishers with just a few titles can position themselves for financial success by a no-nonsense focus on a key metric. What is this metric and why is it critical? More importantly, how will paying attention to it help you avoid four serious mistakes that even major publishers make all the time?

Speakers: Mitch Muncy, Alexander Hamilton Society; Jim King, Nielsen BookScan; Jamie Carter, Publisher Alley/Baker & Taylor; Steve Mettee, The Write Thought

The New Book Review: Citizen and Professional Reviewers—How Publishers Can Reach Both

Do reviews matter? YES—as the number of “tree” books and e-books jumps exponentially, cutting through the clutter to identify the cream of the crop becomes more crucial than ever. In this session featuring experts from print and online review sources, you will discover what reviewers are looking for, do’s and don’ts for submissions and the secrets to catching their eye with your book. Forget all that you thought you knew about book reviews—this session will give you the real scoop.

Speakers: Kate Bandos, KSB Promotions, Moderator; Claudia Gryvatz Copquin, Long Island Parent; Gregory Cowles, The New York Times Book Review; Terry Doherty, Reading Tub; Louisa Ermelino, Publishers Weekly; Jesse Kornbluth, Amazon top reviewer

The Color of Money: Managing Cash Flow as You Grow

If content is king, then cash is emperor. The larger you grow,  the more critical strategic cash management becomes to your long-term success. This session will focus your attention on the cash inflow and outgo in your company, including practical ways to improve it and tips and tactics to predict, manage and measure the money coming in and going out.

Speakers: Tom Woll, Cross River Publishing Consultants

Outside the Box: Maximizing Your Distribution Options to Trade and Non-Trade Markets

If you’re looking to expand large-quantity, non-returnable sales outside bookstores and libraries, while at the same time pursuing new and untapped market segments within the trade, then this session is for you. Learn strategies from seasoned and experienced publishers who have successfully and creatively marketed in non-traditional venues and leave this session with hands-on tactics you can take back to the office and use now.

Speakers:Tanya Hall, Greenleaf Book Group; Alan Giagnocavo, Fox Chapel Publishing

Copyright, Contracts, Content and More: Real World Publishing Law

A comprehensive overview of legal issues that arise in publishing law, ranging from basic concepts to the latest developments in copyright, trademark, defamation, rights of privacy and publicity, digital rights, contracts and licensing, and international publishing transactions. This seminar also includes the latest advice on how to position a publishing business for merger or acquisition.

Speaker: Jonathan Kirsch, Attorney at Law, General Counsel for IBPA, and author of Kirsch’s Handbook of Publishing Law

Business Essentials: What a Start-Up Publisher Needs to Know

For new publishers and those about to start, this session addresses key topics and functions for the success of your business, including • How to Do a Publishing Business Plan • What Legal Entity is Right for Your Company • What Are the Key Financial Documents and Can You Do Them Yourself • Title P&Ls – A Key To Successful Publishing • Evaluating Content Acquisition Models from Copyright, Clearance, Rights and Licensing Perspectives • and More.

Speakers: veterans Thomas Woll, President of Cross River Publishing Consultants; Jon Tandler, Publishing Attorney at Isaacson Rosenbaum P.C.

Social Media Marketing Basics: Beyond the Hype

Facebook got you flummoxed? Twitter got you tired? Everybody may be tweeting, my-spacing and you-tubing, but you need to know which tools will help you reach your readers and sell more books. Boost your social media savvy in this session that will focus on Web 3.0 tips and traps and free tools that may be your book’s best friend. Find out what social media can and cannot do for you, including the latest hands-on strategies from a publisher expert.

Speakers: Marika Flatt, PR by the Book; Dave Marx, PassPorter Travel Press; Tolly Moseley, PR by the Book

Building Your Backlist for Long-Term Profitability

Many successful publishers live off their backlist titles. Learn how you can too with strategic marketing that will help you maximize sales from your older titles, year after year. Unsold books that sit in inventory cost you money—supercharge those soon-to-be “classics,” get and keep them moving off the shelf. In this session, thriving publishers will share time-tested techniques to help you create a strong backlist.

Speakers: Marianne Bohr, Marianne Bohr Consulting, Inc. (moderator); Pam Art, Storey Publishing; Robert Friedman, Rainbow Ridge Books; Rudy Shur, Square One Publishers

Rethinking Twitter—Social Media Marketing Strategies for Publishers

At last, the hands-on practical guide to really understanding how (or if) social media can improve your bottom line. In this session, you will learn which tools give you the biggest bang for your buck, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to choose which social media channels are right for you and your books. Join experts and publishers who will avoid the hoopla and ballyhoo and cut straight to what you want to know—how social media marketing tools can help you sell more books.

Speakers: Nettie Hartsock, The Hartsock Agency; Julia Hidy, Energized Living Multimedia; Steve Mettee, The Write Thought

Ebooks: A Growing Publisher's Guide to Going Mobile and Vertical

Dive deep into digital in this session that goes below the surface to guide you through the very latest e-technologies and what you need to know to translate those tools into sales. Find out what other publishers are doing to extend their market reach “beyond the book” and discover creative techniques and practical tips to leverage your content into multiple products and/or product lines.

Speakers: Mark Coker, Smashwords; Rob Grindstaff, Ingram Content Group Inc.

Cashing Out (or In): Positioning Your Company to Buy, Sell or Merge

Whether you’re selling your publishing company, buying one or merging with another, you need to be prepared both legally and financially for the challenge. What are the steps you need to take now to position your company for sale?  How do you put a price on your company?  How do you value a company, whether it’s yours or one you want to buy?  What should you do now to make your next financial or legal steps easier and more time and cost efficient? Get the legal and financial advice you need, along with practical advice from a publisher who has been there, done that.

Speakers: Howard Fisher, The Fisher Group; Alan Giagnocavo, Fox Chapel Publishing

Gotcha Covered: Print (and Digital) Book Design that Sells

Design your book like a pro—inside and out. Whether your book is electronic, print or both, ramp up your selling power in this session where you will learn proven methods of successful cover and interior design, presented with easy-to-understand principles, tips, and examples. Find out how to get your books noticed for the right reasons and into the hands of sellers and reviewers. Get creative design solutions and learn how to do it right the first time—and every time.

Speakers: Bob Goodman, Silvercat Publications (moderator); Tami Dever, TLC Graphics; Hobie Hobart, Dunn & Associates

Tips and Tools for Building Your Online Visibility Without Breaking the Bank

Learn how to reach consumers and convert readers into buyers in this session that reveals the ins and outs of creating 21st century author and book websites that sell while building a community of readers. Leave this session with practical ways to expand your online marketing reach right now without spending a fortune.

Speakers: Davida Breier, Johns Hopkins University Press; Peter Clifton, FiledBy; Neil Levin, EverPub LLC

Distributor or Wholesaler: Which (or Neither) is Right for You?

How does a distributor introduce your titles to libraries and book retailers? How can a wholesaler help you sell more books?  What’s the difference between the two? Do I need a distributor or wholesaler for ebooks or do I need a distributor/wholesaler at all? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this informative session that will teach you how the system works and what you need to know to take full advantage of the marketplace. Note: This session serves as an introduction to Speed-Dating Your Distributor, which takes place immediately afterward.

Speakers: Nancy Stewart, Ingram Content Group (moderator); Jeanne Kramer, National Book Network; Craig Pollock, Ingram Content Group; Mark Suchomel, Independent Publishers Group

The Dynamic Duo: Niche Marketing and Special Sales

Expand your special sales revenues and profits by extending your core business into new market segments. This session will feature techniques for smarter market segmentation and penetration into non-bookstore and (non-returnable) markets. Discover new ways to attract buyers in, and sell large quantities of books to, corporations, associations, discount stores, warehouse clubs, the military and more.

Speakers: Sharon Castlen, Integrated Book Marketing; Kassahun Checole, Africa World Press; Susan Foster, Smart Travel Press; Brian Jud, Book Marketing Works

ONIX, EDI and Beyond: Do You Know Where (and What) Your Data is?

Why is my title listing incorrect at amazon, my book price wrong at bn.com and how can I fix it? Nothing is more important or less understood than the “m-word”—metadata—that critical title information on which book sales and supply depend. Join the standards-bearer of the industry Book Industry Study Group along with data experts and a publisher who will demystify the all-important “metadata” issue in language you can actually understand. You will walk away with practical tips for insuring the accuracy of the vital information that identifies your books as uniquely yours.

Speakers: Steve Carlson, Upper Access Publishers; Scott Lubeck, BISG; Richard Stark, Director, Product Data, Barnes & Noble; Fran Toolan, Firebrand Technologies

CEO Conversation: Roundtable with PW's Fastest-Growing Indies

        
A once-in-a-lifetime chance to pick the brains of the CEO’s of companies that PW says are characterized by “the ability to seize opportunities quickly” and “bold decision-making.” You’d spend thousands for consulting elsewhere—here at IBPA’s Publishing University you’ll be elbow-to-elbow with publishing leaders who have grown exponentially in the middle of a recession. Find out how they did it—and get your questions answered in this rare session where YOUR questions are the star of the show.

Speakers: Tom Woll, Cross River Publishing Consultants (moderator);  Cevin Bryerman, Publishers Weekly; Rudy Shur, Square One Publishers; David Borgenicht, Quirk Books; David Hancock, Morgan James Publishing: Harriet Ziefert, Blue Apple Books; Todd Bottorff, Turner Publishing Company