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Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)

Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)

Christopher Locke 127 Episodes Sep 24, 2026

Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA) is a podcast that helps independent publishers become smarter by sharing powerful ideas, strategies, and tools for success. The show features interviews with independent publishers, author publishers, hybrid publishers, and other industry professionals such as distributors, printers, reviewers, booksellers, and marketers. It is sponsored and supported by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), the largest book publishing association in the U.S. serving independent publishers. The host is Christopher Locke, IBPA's Director of Membership & Member Services.

Episodes

Why Independent Publishers’ Media Pitches Get Ignored (and How to Fix It)
Why Independent Publishers’ Media Pitches Get Ignored (and How to Fix It) Sep 24, 2026 00:36:04 Most publishers’ media pitches get deleted in five seconds — and it's usually because of fixable mistakes. In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” strategic media coach Mary O’Donohue reveals: why many pitches to the media fail what to send (and never send) once a producer says yes which media formats actually move book sales and more This episode i
The Book Strategy Session Every Indie Publisher Should Have with Their Team & Authors
The Book Strategy Session Every Indie Publisher Should Have with Their Team & Authors Aug 27, 2026 00:45:11 In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA), PTP Press Publisher Joylynn Ross explains why one of the most important conversations an independent publisher can have with their team and their authors should happen before the publishing process even begins. By aligning with your team’s and the author's visions for the book, defining clear goals, and creating a shared strategy for s
How to Build Sustainable Business Growth through Niche Publishing
How to Build Sustainable Business Growth through Niche Publishing Jul 30, 2026 00:36:23 How can independent publishers achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace? In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” AdventureKEEN Publisher and COO Molly Merkle shares advice about the power of niche publishing and the strategies publishers can use to build loyal readers, stronger sales, and resilient businesses. You’ll learn practical tactics abou
The Book Editing Roadmap: Every Stage Your Book Needs
The Book Editing Roadmap: Every Stage Your Book Needs May 28, 2026 00:45:16 Every standout book has one thing in common: a strong editorial process behind it.  In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” the Editorial Freelancers Association’s Director of Professional Development Asher Rose Fox demystifies what it really takes for independent publishers, author-publishers, and authors to transform a manuscript into a market-ready book—covering every st
An Insider’s Guide to Selling Your Books to Schools and Educators
An Insider’s Guide to Selling Your Books to Schools and Educators Apr 30, 2026 00:36:18 Breaking into the education market can transform your publishing business—but many independent publishers and author-publishers don’t know where to start. On today’s episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” Teacher Created Materials Publisher, Trade Division Kyra Ostendorf pulls back the curtain on how books actually get into schools and classrooms, revealing the strategies, positio
From Local to Global: How Independent Publishers Land International Rights Deals
From Local to Global: How Independent Publishers Land International Rights Deals Mar 26, 2026 00:38:56 Want to take your books beyond the U.S. and into global markets—but not sure where to start?  In this episode, Gryphon Publishing Consulting Owner Mary Jo Courchesne breaks down the entire process of selling international rights, so independent publishers can turn their books into opportunities around the world. You’ll learn: how to determine whether your title is a good fit for international ma
Live Events, Real Results: Marketing, Logistics & Sales Tips for Independent Publishers
Live Events, Real Results: Marketing, Logistics & Sales Tips for Independent Publishers Feb 26, 2026 00:48:12 In a crowded marketplace, a well-executed in-person event can do more than sell books—it can elevate a publisher’s brand, build lasting reader relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.  In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” W. Brand Publishing Founder JuLee Brand will dive into practical, real-world advice for independent publishers who want to turn live events
Funding 101 for Independent Publishers: Grants, Fellowships, and Other Creative Ways to Raise Money
Funding 101 for Independent Publishers: Grants, Fellowships, and Other Creative Ways to Raise Money Jan 29, 2026 00:37:02 Running an independent press on a tight budget? You’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. This episode of Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA) explores funding opportunities many indie publishers miss.Shero Comics founder Shequeta Smith shares practical advice on finding and securing grants, fellowships, paid creative opportunities, and other nontraditional funding sources to help sus
Unlocking AI: Expert Tips Every Independent Publisher Needs Now
Unlocking AI: Expert Tips Every Independent Publisher Needs Now Dec 25, 2025 00:42:41 Every single day, there are news stories about artificial intelligence (AI)—most notably, controversies about unethical practices by companies that offer AI services—so independent publishers are trying to determine if using AI is the right fit for their businesses.Author and Indie Author Magazine Co-Founder and Publisher Chelle Honiker joins “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)” to share he
Audiobooks: Insider Tips to Produce & Sell Titles More Profitably
Audiobooks: Insider Tips to Produce & Sell Titles More Profitably Nov 27, 2025 00:44:29 Audiobook sales have been on the rise for many years, and they show no signs of stopping; so many independent publishers are hoping to take advantage of this boom. But there are important factors to consider first. Will the return on investment be worth the cost of producing an audiobook? How do you produce a quality audiobook on a lean budget? What genres perform the best as audiobooks? Do you ma
Best (and Worst) Book Marketing Strategies
Best (and Worst) Book Marketing Strategies Oct 30, 2025 00:46:53 The question that IBPA staff probably gets asked the most by publishers is: How do I sell more books. We’re always happy to help, so IBPA’s Chief Content Officer Lee Wind joins “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)” to share advice on the most effective and ineffective book marketing tactics, including how you can get your book vetted so bookstores, librarians, and consumers will be more like
How to Find Your Book Publishing Niche to Thrive
How to Find Your Book Publishing Niche to Thrive Sep 25, 2025 00:42:43 Canadian publisher Page Two found their publishing niche early on, honed it to perfection, and have had great success since then. It’s always helpful to learn from other publisher’s stories to improve your own publishing business, so Page Two Co-Founder and Co-CEO Trena White joins the podcast today to share details about how their team discovered the best books for their business, how they build

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