When will the combination of entities happen?

July 1, 2025

What is the new name for the combined organization?

It will be known as the Independent Book Publishers Association. Where appropriate we will add “(incorporating PubWest)” after IBPA i.e. the “Independent Book Publishers Association (incorporating PubWest).”

What happens to the PubWest name and organization?

PubWest will cease operations on June 30, 2025, and be incorporated into IBPA.

Who will approve this combination of entities?

Both IBPA’s and PubWest’s board of directors approved the proposed combination of entities in their respective meetings in August and September 2024. The PubWest and IBPA membership will vote separately on November 13 and November 19 to approve the combination of entities. The membership of BOTH organizations must approve the combination of entities in order for it to proceed.

What will the voting process be like?

Both PubWest and IBPA voting members must be present at their respective online meetings on November 13 (PubWest) and November 19 in order to vote. Voting will be conducted LIVE during both meetings. There will be no absentee, online or email voting either before or after the meeting. Whether you are for, against or neutral about the proposed combination of entities, please attend the member meeting to cast your vote so that the wishes of the majority are reflected.

PubWest bylaws require a quorum of publisher members be present at the meeting on November 13. At least 25% of the publisher votes are required to establish a quorum. Each publisher member will have one vote. A simple majority of votes is required to approve the proposal.

IBPA bylaws require that a simple majority of the voting members who are present at the meeting vote to approve the proposal for it to proceed.

Why does PubWest want this combination of entities?

In today’s competitive landscape of independent publishing, the PubWest board and staff believe that uniting our strengths will empower us to better serve our members through enhanced programs and initiatives. By combining our organizations, we can leverage our collective resources, navigate challenges more effectively, expand our reach, and foster a more vibrant community dedicated to the success of independent publishers.

Why does IBPA want this combination of entities?

Bringing together IBPA and PubWest will allow the two organizations to strengthen their member benefits, trade market programming, networking opportunities, and education so that we can provide one destination for all members’ association needs. Most importantly, it will amplify the collective voices of independent publishers so that we can effectively advocate for industry representation, support legislation that protects independent businesses, and work to improve business practices with trading partners.

What is IBPA’s definition of an independent publisher?

IBPA welcomes trade publishers, hybrid publishers, academic and nonprofit presses, and author-publishers into the association. IBPA offers a mix of universal and special focused programming for the member types.

What will the new membership types?

After the combination of the two entities, IBPA will keep all its current member types (Independent Publisher, Author Publisher, Publisher Partner, Author, Publisher Friend, Future Publisher) and will add a new member type for Established Independent Publishers.

IBPA defines an “Established Independent Publisher” for purposes of membership as a publisher with a minimum of 10 books in print by not less than three authors and has either a traditional distribution relationship or a mechanism for distributing their titles to more than one trading partner.

What will my dues be at renewal?

The IBPA membership dues will remain the same for all current member types. For those publishers who qualify for inclusion in IBPA’s new established publisher division, the membership dues will match PubWest’s current dues rates.

What if I am currently both an IBPA and PubWest member?

Both memberships are on a 12-month rolling basis. Those who are currently members of BOTH organizations will have their IBPA membership extended by the time left in their current year of PubWest membership.

What will happen to PubWest programs such as PubWest Conference, Roundtables, Fall Boot Camp, Mentorship, Awards, Indie Pavilion at Library Conferences, and discounts? Will my access to PubWest resources change?

PubWest programs will be incorporated into IBPA offerings with a portion available exclusively for established independent publisher members. In addition, IBPA will work with all the companies that currently provide discounts to PubWest members to continue offering those same discounts. After the combination of entities is approved, both the IBPA and PubWest leadership will work together to fully form the new combined programming.

Will combining with IBPA continue to serve established indie publishers such as me?

From the beginning, IBPA has served both established independent publishers and small/micro publishers. As the author-publisher business model grew in prominence, IBPA welcomed author-publishers as well. IBPA has numerous programs and benefits designed to serve all of these different publishing business models. Now, with the combination of IBPA and PubWest, IBPA will create a new member type to further serve established indie publishers.

Established indie publishers can expect access to advanced industry insights, specialized networking opportunities, and targeted professional development programs that address the goals of more seasoned publishers. Additionally, IBPA will focus on advocating for issues that matter most to established indie publishers, ensuring their voice is heard within the broader publishing community.

Where and how will I access my new IBPA membership?

If you are an active member of PubWest at the time the combination of entities goes into effect, IBPA will set up an account for you and honor the remainder of your membership year. If you are also a current IBPA member you will continue to access your combined membership through your existing IBPA membership.

When will I receive my new login credentials?

A new member orientation will occur virtually in June 2025. You will receive your login credentials shortly after the orientation.

What happens to my PubWest membership that is paid through past July 1, 2025?

PubWest members who are not currently members of IBPA will have their membership transferred to IBPA and their renewal date will remain the same.

Will there be people who will lose their jobs?

PubWest administration is currently contracted out to an association management company. Its current Executive Director will be added to IBPA’s staff and continue to provide services and special dedicated programming for former PubWest members (and IBPA members who fit a similar criteria) within the new organization until the contract ends.

Do you have a question? Email your questions to executivedirector@pubwest.org

In addition, register to attend the IBPA & PubWest joint Town Hall on November 7 where leaders of both associations will share their vision of the combined organization and answer questions.