Publishing Matters: Regional Pubishing University Aug 14-15 Minneapolis MN

MIPA will host this year’s Regional Publishing University, co-sponsored by IBPA, Independent Book Publishers Association, formerly PMA. Please join us on Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, at Embassy Suites (airport location) for presentations, discussions, good food and camaraderie. IBPA board members, publishing professionals from all over the country, will be flying into the Twin Cities to join us in trying to make sense of all of the changes that technology and the economy have created in publishing, and speculate on the future (how popular will e-books get? What does Google Book Search mean to authors and publishers?). There’s no shortage of subjects to talk about!

The conference will begin on Friday afternoon with two tracks. The first, “Publishing Basics” will be an overview of the publishing process and the options available. Whether you’re hoping to be published by Simon and Schuster, or you’re planning to publish on your own, you should be as knowledgeable as possible about the publishing process. This 3-hour workshop is for you. Track Two is aimed at the experienced publisher, with workshops on the psychology of design and legal issues facing writers and publishers.

Saturday starts with Breakfast with the Experts, one-on-one time with the speakers, who can answer your questions on marketing, distribution, design, publishing economics and more. The rest of the day will include panels on Book Promotion in a Digital World—Social Media and Beyond, How to Partner Effectively with Distributors and Wholesalers, Tips for Tough (and all) Times; and The Future of Publishing: It’s Crystal Ball Time. At the end of the day, there will more opportunity for continued discussion, but also to brainstorm solutions for marketing your book, business management issues, the feasibility of a new project, and critique cover designs.

All conference attendees are invited to a reception Friday afternoon sponsored by IBPA.

We’ve kept the cost of this conference as low as possible: if you’re a MIPA member, an IBPA member or a member of another IBPA affiliate, the early-bird (by July 15) registration is only $50 to attend Friday afternoon ($60 for non-members); if you plan to attend only Saturday, the early-bird cost is $125 for members; $150 for non-members. To attend both Friday and Saturday, $150 for members; $175 for non-members. After July 15, add $25. Registration fees include Friday’s reception, Saturday’s lunch, snacks, “goody” bag, a chance at great door prizes, and the opportunity to meet many other publishing professionals, including our wonderful vendors.

WHO: YOU and publishing professionals from around the country (speaker bios are on our website)
WHAT: IBPA/MIPA Regional Publishing University
WHEN: August 14 – 15, 2009
WHERE: Embassy Suites, airport location
WHY: To learn, to ask, to discuss, to eat, to enjoy

For much more information, and to register, visit our website, or call Marly Cornell at 651-917-0021.