Key Takeaways from IBPA Publishing University 2025

Every spring, IBPA Publishing University gathers indie authors, publishers, and industry insiders for an energizing exchange of ideas, strategies, and inspiration. This year’s conference delivered a vibrant mix of innovation, caution, and opportunity — showing that the indie publishing world is not just surviving but evolving.

Rather than summarize each keynote or session, we’ve distilled the major themes that emerged across the programming — the big conversations that every indie publisher and author should be paying attention to right now.

💡 Theme 1: Rethinking Publishing Models for a Shifting Market

A central thread across the event was clear: publishing success today requires flexibility and innovation.

From hybrid publishing models to strategic partnerships with powerhouse brands like Costco and Scholastic, speakers emphasized the importance of breaking away from rigid corporate molds.

Workshops on succession planning, open access, global market expansion, and creative partnerships highlighted that:

• Indie publishers need to stay nimble and inventive.
• Strategic, mission-aligned collaborations can amplify reach and credibility.
• Publishers should unapologetically lean into their unique business models, brand strengths, and community relationships.

The message was clear: whether you’re a solo author or a midsize press, the path forward demands entrepreneurial thinking and a willingness to experiment.

🤖 Theme 2: AI  — Friend, Foe, or Both?

There was no sidestepping it: AI is reshaping the publishing landscape. Conversations focused on how AI can enhance productivity — from manuscript assessments to metadata management — but also on the profound ethical, legal, and cultural questions it raises.

Key takeaways included:

• Tools like Ink Bloom are helping publishers sift through slush piles faster, but human judgment remains irreplaceable.
• Created by Humans is pioneering AI licensing models so authors and publishers can be fairly compensated when AI companies use their work.
• The Authors Guild has introduced the “Human Authored” badge, a certification that signals when a book was written by a human — meeting the growing reader demand for authentic, human-made storytelling.
• Publishers must set clear internal AI use policies and require author disclosure when AI-generated content is involved, ensuring transparency and ethical standards.

As one panelist noted, the publishing world is moving into an era where hybrid human–AI creation will be common, but it’s up to publishers to ensure that human creativity and quality stay at the forefront.

📜 Theme 3: Copyright, Intellectual Freedom & Advocacy

Maria Palante, President and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, delivered a keynote that reminded attendees of the deep civic responsibilities attached to publishing.

Palante stressed that:

• Copyright is not just a legal formality — it’s an economic right that underpins authors’ and publishers’ livelihoods.
• The First Amendment protects not only speech but also the right to read, publish, and distribute diverse viewpoints.
• Historical efforts to censor or limit access to works are reemerging, requiring publishers to actively defend intellectual freedom.
• The rise of AI models trained on pirated content threatens to undermine human authorship and creativity, making licensing and legal protections more urgent than ever.

Palante’s rallying cry: authors and publishers must advocate fiercely for fair copyright policies, ethical AI practices, and the long-term health of the creative ecosystem.

🌍 Theme 4: Expanding Global, Diverse & Sustainable Impact

Many breakout sessions focused on how publishers can broaden their reach and deepen their responsibility — both globally and locally.

Key focus areas included:

• Reaching non-English readers and expanding into international markets.
• Diversifying supply chains and manufacturing options to build resilience.
• Exploring environmentally responsible production methods to reduce publishing’s ecological footprint.
• Securing grant funding, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships to amplify underrepresented voices and tell richer, more inclusive stories.

Forward-looking publishers understand that growth today requires not just chasing sales, but committing to purpose, sustainability, and equity.

🌱 Theme 5: Human Connection & Community at the Core

Amid all the talk of AI and efficiency, a consistent refrain emerged: publishing is, at its heart, a human business.

From author branding and book reviews as marketing tools, to networking strategies and public speaking opportunities, the conference emphasized the enduring importance of:

• Building genuine author–reader connections.
• Investing in team development and mentorship to secure the future of the industry.
• Collaborating within the indie publishing community to amplify shared successes.

In a crowded, tech-saturated market, human creativity, authenticity, and community will continue to be key differentiators.

✨ Final Reflection

IBPA Publishing University 2025 was both a reality check and a rallying cry. The publishing world is evolving fast, but at its heart, it remains a space powered by creativity, courage, and community.

At Written Word Media, we were proud to be a sponsor of this year’s event because we echo this sentiment and believe that books are not only a source of creativity and courage but also a powerful force for good. Supporting the authors and publishers who bring those stories into the world is at the heart of what we do, especially by helping them find their readers through effective and data-driven book promotions. We are excited to see how this industry flourishes and to continue empowering authors and publishers to share their stories with the world.

For indie publishers and authors alike, the big takeaway is this:
→ Stay nimble. Stay informed. Stay connected.