PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2017
Compiled by Alexa Schlosser, Managing Editor,
IBPA Independent magazine -
Being a publisher often means you do more than just publish. Below, six IBPA members discuss how they’ve found alternative ways to make money.
If publishing is not your main source of revenue, how do you juggle your day job with your publishing business?
K. Sean Buvala, Storyteller, Coach, Author (SB): My work is as a speaker, author, and trainer. The publishing business allows me to create the materials to support that work. We’re moving more into the work of publishing the work of others to reduce the amount of time I spend on the road.
Elaina Zuker, Consultant (EZ): I do consulting and training for corporate executives and staff on the subjects of my books,
Seven Secrets of Influence and A Swift Kick in the Cant's.
Chris Brewer, President, Exeter Art Tallery and Museum Association (CB): Publishing intermingles with my other pursuits, including research and writing of history, managing a museum, operating a frame shop and gallery, and running a citrus ranch. The answer to this question is simply that you do it.
Frances Harder, Founder/ President, Fashion Business Incorporated (FH): I consult and do expert witness. I also speak at trade shows and sell my books.
Have you obtained speaking, teaching, or consulting gigs using your book? If so, how did you go about it?
SB: I was once out with a potential client to talk about possible bookings. She wasn’t really listening to me, as I think she was doing someone a “favor” to meet with me. As soon as I put one of my books down on the table, she picked it up and said, “Oh, you’re an author!” The book wasn’t even related to our meeting subject. Books sell speakers. I prefer to sell books by the caseload. Worrying about Amazon ratings doesn’t put food on our table. Books are business cards for the speaker/author and should be given out freely. I am always amazed at the perceived value of books. I can attribute more than $20,000 in speaking gigs directly from two of our books. Well-designed books with attractive covers can really open doors when they’re given away.
EZ: I actually was in the training business first, then began writing books (at first with conventional publishers), and then self-publishing as a way to market my brand.
Mary Jo (“MJ”) Courchesne, Owner, Gryphon Publishing Consulting: Networking, networking, networking. IBPA has been helpful in that regard. But growth is slow, and I am constantly searching for the next gig out of necessity as well as my desire to share my expertise.
FH: Yes! I was a professor for many years, then wrote my book, then left teaching to start a fashion incubator—and that has led to many interesting other opportunities.
Joel Friedlander, Book Designer, Blogger, Writer: I’ve used my blog to demonstrate my authority in my field and create a likable persona. I’ve received many speaking invitations through my contact form and regularly schedule consulting gigs the same way. For teaching, in the past I created an online course and sold it through my email list. I’ve also used these same resources (books and a blog) to establish three e-commerce businesses.
Experts! Share your insights in an upcoming Roundtable!
Are you interested in being featured as a thought leader in an upcoming roundtable for
IBPA Independent? We're looking for contributors to speak on what they've learned in 2017 and what they're most excited for in 2018. Contact
IBPA Independent managing editor Alexa Schlosser at
alexa@ibpa-online.org.