Insights from the IPG Autumn Conference 2024: A Young Publisher’s Perspective

Posted on November 6, 2024 in London, UK

The Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) Autumn Conference 2024, held on September 17 at the Shaw Theatre in London, brought together professionals from across the publishing spectrum. As aspiring and early-career publishers, events like these offer invaluable insights into the industry’s current landscape and future trends. The conference theme, “Getting stuff done,” set the tone for a day filled with practical advice on seizing opportunities and improving effectiveness in publishing. Noam Buchshrieber, SYP London Communications Officer (Social Media), went along and has written about her key takeaways from three standout sessions:

The Power of Independence and Niche Focus

Jenny Broom and Rachel Williams, co-founders of Magic Cat Publishing (the 2024 CPI Independent Publisher of the Year), shared their journey in a masterclass on independent publishing success. They emphasised the advantages of being an independent publisher, including agility in decision-making and the ability to focus on niche markets. Key strategies for success included:

• Partnering with experts to fill knowledge gaps
• Maintaining a strong online presence for awareness and direct consumer connections
• Staying attuned to market demands and societal trends

Importantly, Broom and Williams stressed the significance of value-driven hiring. For young professionals navigating the job market, this insight is crucial. Understanding a company’s values can help determine if it’s the right fit and guide how to present yourself during the application process. As they noted, “The challenge for publishing is to always know what happens in the world and what people are looking for.” This approach applies not only to book content but also to building a cohesive team.

Embracing Technology: AI in Publishing

Vicky Hartley from Watkins Media presented a case study on how AI is revolutionising their manuscript evaluation process. The Storywise AI tool has become a valuable ally in their workflow, assisting with tasks such as sorting unsolicited submissions and identifying promising projects. Hartley addressed the crucial question on many minds: “Isn’t AI dangerous? Where is the limit when a tool like that could replace the real human editor?” She emphasised that AI should be viewed as a tool to augment human decision-making, not replace it. As Hartley explained, “The AI helps support the choice; it doesn’t make the choice, but we definitely found better books, especially since sometimes we used to overlook books that didn’t have good cover letters.” This highlights how AI can help overcome human biases and potentially discover overlooked talent. Benefits of AI integration include:

• Time-saving in initial information gathering
• Enhanced collaboration among team members
• Ability to detect AI-generated content in submissions

Adapting to Changes in Distribution and Sustainability

David Taylor from Ingram and session chair James Kellow highlighted the evolving landscape of book distribution. A key trend shaping the industry is the unprecedented volume of books, driven largely by the reduction of barriers to becoming a publisher. Self-publishing, print-on-demand technology, and the revival of out-of-print titles have all contributed to this boom. Other significant trends include:

• The global reach of English-language books
• The decline of traditional wholesalers

In response to these changes, Taylor suggested several strategies for more sustainable production and distribution:

• Critically assessing publishing strategies for sustainability and cost-effectiveness
• Developing strategies to maximise sales opportunities and reduce waste
• Considering international markets while optimizing shipping and logistics
• Factoring in both financial costs and carbon footprint in production decisions

This session highlighted the interconnectedness of distribution challenges with broader industry trends, including the use of technology and the push for sustainability that were echoed in other talks.

The Value for Young Publishers

These insights are invaluable for us at the Society of Young Publishers and other young professionals. While we may not be in position to implement these strategies directly, understanding them provides us with:

• A broader perspective on the publishing ecosystem
• Valuable knowledge for job interviews and career advancement
• The ability to contribute more meaningfully to discussions in our current roles
• Preparation for future roles where we might influence decisions

By staying informed about these industry trends and challenges, we position ourselves as knowledgeable professionals ready to contribute to the evolving world of publishing. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance in the industry, engaging with organisations like the IPG and attending their events are essential steps in our professional journey. As we reflect on the insights from this conference, it’s clear that the independent publishing sector is dynamic, innovative, and full of opportunities for young professionals. By embracing new technologies, focusing on sustainability, and staying attuned to market trends, we can better prepare ourselves for the exciting challenges that lie ahead in our publishing careers.