IBPA Publishing University 2025

Optimizing Amazon for Profit
Ian Lamont

Amazon Ads. Kindle Direct Publishing. Amazon Advantage. No matter which way you turn, Amazon is always finding another way to take a bigger slice of the revenue pie ... and leave less for publishers. So how can publishers put some of that money back into their own pockets?

An experienced independent publisher and Amazon seller, Ian Lamont has deep experience with Amazon programs. While he doesn't have a magic wand, he has insights and best practices that can help everyone from independent authors to distributed publishers make more money from sales on Amazon. 

Come prepared with your three biggest concerns about Amazon and your best listening skills. This fast-moving session will leave you with tons of notes and resources, and will feature an opportunity for on-the-spot evaluations of your own Amazon book listings. 
 
Topics will include:

• The 10 Commandments of Amazon 
• Detail Page Optimization for Books 
• Amazon Search Fundamentals
• Best Practices for Amazon Ads
• Navigating Dark Patterns on Amazon     
• Branding on Amazon, from A+ to Amazon Stores

With Joylynn M. Ross, Dr. Katherine Newburgh, with moderator and host Jared Kuritz.

Independent publishers are essential for expanding the definition of authorship, voice, and visibility in our society. Often we take risks on emerging markets and new voices, which means the need to generate revenue beyond book sales alone. In this session we'll explore . . .
· how to mobilize community support
· ways to maximize fund-raising opportunities
· leveraging sponsorships
· grant writing, funding, and resources
. . . to help you scale your publishing business while creating sustainable growth.
As a thank-you for attending and engaging, participants will also have the opportunity to win publishing prizes and literary swag in our raffle!
Come with a strong vision for your company's impact, and leave with practical ideas, action steps, resources, and inspiration for generating new and creative streams of revenue.

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.) 

Leveraging Tech (and AI) to Expand Your Business
With faculty Ian Henzel, Florenza Lee, and Sierra Kay, with room host Brooke Horn.

Leveraging the right technologies is crucial for building your brand, reaching your audience, and driving sales. New publishers are constantly challenged with managing resources. Technology can help extend a publisher’s reach. This session will provide insights into AI and marketing technologies publishers can use to help streamline efforts and engage effectively with readers.

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.) 

How to Successfully Partner With Your Distributor
With faculty Laura Stanfill, Jeff Tegge, and Rachel Zugschwert, with moderator and host Keith Riegert.

Distribution is one of the least-understood and most important pieces of the publishing landscape. What’s the difference between POD and current distribution models? What should publishers on the market for distribution be weighing? What should publishers with traditional distribution do to make their partnership successful? This session will provide actionable insights into building and maintaining successful distributor relationships that go beyond the basics of logistics and inventory. We’ll explore practical techniques to align goals, communicate effectively, and leverage your distributor’s strengths to maximize reach and sales.

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.) 

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.) 

Environmentally Responsible Production and Publishing
With Karla Olson, Elizabeth Cleveland, Jen Dedman, and Victoria Gallina.

More publishers than ever are investigating environmentally responsible production and publishing and choosing practices that reduce the carbon footprint of the books they make. In this panel of experts, Patagonia publisher Karla Olson leads a discussion between publishers and printers about the greener options available and how they affect the bottomline.

Together, this discussion between publisher and printer will highlight the considerations and options so that you, too, can produce books in a more responsible and environmental way.

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.)