The Independent Book Publishers Association consists of both self-publishing authors and small (sometimes micro) publishers; PubWest consists of small and independent publishers. Both organizations will hold special elections for their members to vote on the merger approved by the boards of directors. IBPA CEO Andrea Fleck-Nisbet said in an announcement, “Bringing together these two organizations will enhance member benefits; expand trade marketing programming, networking opportunities, and education; and provide a single destination for all of your association needs. Most importantly, it will amplify the collective voices of independent publishers to more effectively advocate for industry representation, support legislation that protects independent businesses, and work to improve business practices with trading partners.” If approved, the merger will happen in July 2025. Learn more.
Jane Friedman has spent her entire career working in the publishing industry, with a focus on business reporting and author education. Established in 2015, her newsletter The Bottom Line provides nuanced market intelligence to thousands of authors and industry professionals; in 2023, she was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World.
Jane’s expertise regularly features in major media outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, The Today Show, Wired, The Guardian, Fox News, and BBC. Her book, The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition (The University of Chicago Press), is used as a classroom text by many writing and publishing degree programs. She reaches thousands through speaking engagements and workshops at diverse venues worldwide, including NYU’s Advanced Publishing Institute, Frankfurt Book Fair, and numerous MFA programs.
