Independent Book Publishers Assn. and PubWest Merge
The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and PubWest have voted to combine the associations.
The new entity will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will be known as the Independent Book Publishers Association. With over 3000 members, IBPA is the largest association for independent publishers in the United States. With the addition of PubWest’s members, programs, and services, the combined association will be the industry’s most powerful advocate and voice for independent publishing. “Now more than ever, independent publishers need a community where we can come together and, with a collective voice, push for better market access and distribution options, fairer terms and transparency from our trading partners, and the validation of diverse and legitimate publishing models,” said IBPA CEO Andrea Fleck-Nisbet (above right).
The desire to serve more independent publishers nationally factored in PubWest’s decision to combine with IBPA. “We’ve been talking for years about rebranding, trying to have more of a national presence, trying to change our name, and trying to grow our membership,” said PubWest Board President Amy Barrett-Daffin (left). “The smartest thing to do is to join forces with another organization to have more of a national presence and expand our reach and our offerings.”
For IBPA, the addition of PubWest further strengthens its mission to be the association for all independent publishers. Said IBPA Board Chair Tieshena Davis (right), “The combination of IBPA and PubWest will unite our strengths and provide even greater opportunities for independent publishers to thrive. This allows us to better support our members through expanded resources, stronger advocacy, and a unified voice that champions the vital role of independent publishers.”
Following their respective boards’ approvals, members of both associations voted separately on November 13 and 19 to proceed. “Now begins the work to combine these entities. Before July 2025 we will continue to have two sets of programs,” said PubWest Executive Director Michele Cobb (left). “As we reach the combination date, PubWest members will be migrated into IBPA’s database and a new category of membership will be created to serve the unique needs of established independent publishers.” Former PubWest members will continue to enjoy current PubWest programs that are designed for independent publishers with larger catalogs and distribution under the combined association, as well as new IBPA programs now available to them.
IBPA members will experience no changes to their current benefits and will enjoy new benefits that come with the combination of entities. IBPA members who meet the criteria may elect to join the new category of membership to access additional programming designed for established publishers.