CHICAGO, Ill. — Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is thrilled to announce the launch of IPG Publishing. The new business development pipeline will make use of the synergy between IPG’s distribution capabilities and in-house publishing programs and extend its suite of services to include additional publishing models, such as licensing and co-publishing and proprietary and custom publishing.
“As a business development officer who has sold distribution services for many years, I’ve seen a pivot in our industry,” says Richard T Williams, IPG’s VP, Business Development, Publishing & Licensing. “Clients need more than a way to get their books into the market. They need the strategy and support from an experienced publishing partner. IPG has 50 years of industry knowledge to secure better business terms with a wide variety of partners and services, and a talented staff to help support publishers with expanding needs.”
IPG Publishing’s new line of projects will be managed by Williams and kick off in June 2022 with the release of “Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable,” a children’s book co-published with veteran documentary and music producer Spencer Proffer and his media production company, Meteor 17.
“Having IPG as a partner is key to making a relevant mark in the publishing community,” says Proffer. “The team’s professionalism and passion for what they do rivals that of Meteor 17 and together we’ll make a significant impact. The book industry is ever-changing and I’m confident that IPG will continue to raise the bar with innovation and inspiration.”
The alliance offers Proffer and Meteor 17 worldwide distribution and sales and marketing support for titles that are organic extensions of the company’s culturally relevant film and documentary properties. In addition, Proffer and Meteor 17 publishing consultants Lori Burke and John Cerullo will develop music-anchored books with potential for ancillary opportunities, including television, theater and animation.
The partnership will also align IPG and Huqua Press, the boutique publishing arm of Proffer’s holding company, with titles based primarily in the children’s and culinary lane. Helmed by Judith A. Proffer, the Huqua Press catalog includes titles by Brandi Carlile, Heart, and Graham Nash. Huqua will have five topical and timely titles to be announced for 2023.
“Huqua Press has a unique catalog of award-winning titles,” adds Proffer. “And with IPG’s efforts, our independent publishing company will have the same opportunity as the majors to engage, inspire and entertain a significantly wider base of readers.”
About Independent Publishers Group:
Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.
Contact: Sidney Thompson | Corporate Communications | 312.337.0747 | sthompson@ipgbook.com
