MANHATTAN BEACH, California
,
August 1, 2023
(press release)
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The Independent Book Publishers Association—a 4000-member trade association of independent and author publishers, association and university presses—is pleased to announce the promotion of Lee Wind to the newly created role of Chief Content Officer. In his six years at IBPA, most recently as Director of Education and Programs, Wind developed new educational programs for indie publishers, including two online workshops on branding and marketing, and consultation packages that enabled members to connect with experts on areas where they needed advice such as metadata, Amazon, book marketing, and media lists. He also initiated partnerships with several book industry nonprofits such as Binc, We Need Diverse Books, NABU, and Benetech, which have raised more than $25,000 through members’ participation in IBPA’s bookstore catalog. He also led the planning and production of IBPA’s Publishing University Conference in May, which was one of the highest attended IBPA conferences in recent years. Said IBPA CEO Andrea Fleck-Nisbet, “IBPA is committed to delivering strategic, industry-leading content that will serve our members and the publishing community at large, as we navigate an ever-changing publishing landscape. In the coming years, we aim to make the extensive library of educational material that we have developed more accessible, make the ability of members to network easier, and solidify our support of a diverse and inclusive publishing community. I can think of no better person in helping IBPA to achieve these goals than Lee Wind.” “I’m excited to further empower IBPA members in this new position.” Wind said. “The plan is to add more value for IBPA members, keep innovating our education and programs, and to always remember to lead with my heart – our members are passionate about their publishing programs, and all of us on staff continue to be passionate about empowering them!” An author himself, Wind has seven books published or under contract with independent publishers including RED AND GREEN AND BLUE AND WHITE (illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky, Levine Querido) and NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY? HIDDEN LIVES AND SECRET LOVES (Zest Books/Lerner) which has won numerous awards, along with the dubious distinction of being banned. His crowdfunded YA novel QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL was named a Publisher’s Weekly Top Five Independently Published Young Adult Book of 2018. Lee also runs the popular blog “I’m Here. I’m Queer. What the Hell Do I Read?”. Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) leads and serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 4,000 members, IBPA is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its vision is a world where every independent publisher has the access, knowledge, and tools needed to professionally engage in all aspects of an inclusive publishing industry. For more information, visit ibpa-online.org.
In his new role, Wind will lead IBPA’s integrated content strategy across its various programs and events including its annual IBPA Publishing University, create customized educational pathways for IBPA’s different types of members, as well as explore additional opportunities for IBPA publishers to reach more readers.
Lee Wind
About the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
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