About the Independent Publishers Guild

The IPG is the membership organisation for independent publishers. Founded in 1962, we have grown into the biggest community of publishers in the UK and Ireland. We’re a registered charity with leadership from a board of experienced publishers and a brilliant team.

Our 600+ members create books, journals and other content that entertain and educate people around the world. They work across trade, children’s, academic, professional, educational and specialist sectors and share annual turnover of more than £1bn. IPG members are based from the north of Scotland down to south west England, and they range enormously in size—from one-person start-ups to globally-recognised names. Many of publishing’s leading suppliers and service providers are part of our community too.

We provide these inspiring organisations with award-winning resources, services and events that help them do better business. Here’s more about what we offer.

A powerful community
The IPG is where like-minded publishers and their partners meet and learn from one another. We provide professional communities and personal connections that bring the world of publishing closer together.

The best events in publishing
The IPG’s flagship Spring and Autumn Conferences are among the biggest and best events in publishing, bringing together hundreds of members in London and online for days packed with information and inspiration. There are many more events, including a free online ‘Summer Summit’, webinars on hot topics and meetings of our Sustainability Action Group and Publisher Networks. Every year we celebrate members’ achievements at the Independent Publishing Awards, and host members on popular collective stands at the London and Frankfurt Book Fairs. See all our upcoming events here.

Information and practical support
Our website and weekly ebulletin keep members up to date with the latest news and events from the IPG and publishing. We provide deals and discounts on top publishing products and services, plus a wealth of expert-led resources including the IPG Distribution Report, Sustainable Printing Report, Zero Carbon Toolkit and Independent Publishing Report. Our correspondents and advisors supply regular industry briefings, and there’s help with recruitment via the popular IPG jobs board. The IPG team are always on hand to answer your queries.

Learning and development
IPG members benefit from award-winning training via The Place for Publishing Excellence. We run courses on important industry issues like Artificial Intelligence, accessibility and copyright, as well as vital skills including leadership, management, publicity and marketing. Members also get unlimited use of the IPG Skills Hub, which is packed with multi-module courses and bite-sized advice on multiple aspects of publishing. There’s a popular and powerful mentoring programme too, helping publishers share their advice and experience.

Industry leadership
The IPG is the voice of independent publishing. We represent members’ interests in policy-making and consultations, and play our part in industry initiatives like the Sustainability Industry Forum. You’ll also find guidance on urgent legislative and legal issues including AI.

Visit our member testimonials page to hear what our members think about being part of the IPG.

If you are an independent publisher or support their work and are not yet a member, we would love to support you too! It’s quick and easy to join.

Join the IPG

Mission, vision and values

MISSION

To promote the highest standards of publishing professionalism, both to IPG members and to their customers and stakeholders
To project and celebrate the cultural and commercial value of independent publishing in the UK, through a wide forum of example and experience
To encourage IPG members to embrace opportunities for digital innovation and reach out to international markets and global partners

VISION

To offer a platform for the exchange of information, ideas and professional advice that strengthens our members’ impact
To share expertise and experience between well-established businesses and small independent publishers and start-ups
To help members with their continuing professional development through access to training, mentoring and online support
To ensure that the voice of independent publishing is heard in the wider world
To forge beneficial partnerships with other publishing and professional bodies

VALUES

To provide a rich programme of events that give members unique opportunities for worldwide commercial and cultural exchange
To celebrate the unique quality of members through the annual Independent Publishing Awards
To help members reach high standards of ethical business practices and sustainability in their operations and output
To encourage fairness and transparency in agreements with partners, suppliers and staff, and ensure a non-discriminatory commitment to access and inclusion

There is a collective might when joined together and the IPG harnesses that, giving us opportunities that might otherwise be impossible. The events are a magnificent chance to network... I devour the newsletter and make use of everything that could be helpful... simply, priceless! - Orenda Books

A network of endlessly helpful people willing to share their wisdom and experience. The generosity and kindness of people who have been happy to help over the years, both through the IPG’s mentoring scheme and informally, is amazing and humbling. - UIT Cambridge

Everyone in the IPG is so willing to share ideas and expertise. We enjoy going to IPG events to learn about new developments and to network with other publishers. Every conversation at an IPG event... has been valuable and has helped us in some way. - Brilliant Publications

View Member Testimonials