Evolution Part 6: SPU, Publicity, PR, and IBPA

Small Press United

Small Press United reflects all of the considerations and insights previously discussed. Because it is backed up by IPG's strong logistical resources, it removes any reluctance any customer could have in dealing with a small or new publisher. It provides a secure and affordable way for very small presses to introduce titles to the market and to build sales over time. It eliminates the many months of lead time the book trade insists on for new titles. And it does not require a large, risky initial printing.

Publicity and PR

Every book needs some publicity support, and even the most basic publicity campaign for a book will cost thousands of dollars if handled by a publicity professional. To make publicity affordable for SPU publishers, IPG's in-house staff of seven publicists compiled a complete book publicity handbook and template. This material is available only to SPU-distributed publishers on a private part of the SPU website.

Energetic publishers, even those with little or no publicity experience, have produced impressive results for very little money using this publicity template.

Independent Book Publishers Association

One important piece of the small press distribution puzzle could not be provided by IPG to the SPU client publishers: the educational component. This is why a membership in the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) is part of the SPU sign-up fee. IBPA is a rich and comprehensive resource for new publishers. It is hard to imagine any publishing issue this group has not covered, and covered well, in the materials offered on its website. Moreover, IBPA offers effective and affordable group marketing programs that reinforce SPU's efforts. Since IBPA can provide new publishers with a solid grounding in the book business, the SPU staff can focus its attention on executing the aggressive marketing plans that really sell books.

Part 5: Push vs. Pull Marketing

Part 7 of 7: Sales Reporting