IBPA Publishing University 2025

Book Reviews: Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool
With Cevin Bryerman (Publishers Weekly), Patricia Moosbrugger (Blue Ink Reviews), and Michelle Schingler (Foreword Reviews), moderated by Christopher Locke (IBPA's Director of Membership and Member Services).

Book reviews are among your most powerful marketing tools. They assure readers that your book is laudable and worth their time. But the process can be a bit mysterious. This panel, moderated by IBPA's Christopher Locke will give authors a peek behind the curtain. Curious about how reviewers are chosen? What they look for? How to know when your book is ready for review? Ways to avoid common mistakes that lead to negative reviews? This panel — including representatives of some of the most esteemed book review services for indie titles — will entertain these questions…and more!

The Start Strong Independent Publishers breakout sessions are for independent publishers who are just starting out and are looking for help navigating the basics of successful publishing. (Generally you will have been in the publishing industry for three years or less and have published fewer than ten titles.)