THE IPG AT 60 AND CHANGE IN INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING

As the IPG celebrates its 60th anniversary, we’ve invited some longstanding IPG members to reflect on their achievements, change and our role in their stories. Here are the thoughts of Alison Shaw of Bristol University Press.

1 What achievements in publishing are you most proud of?

Commissioning and publishing impactful books that have contributed to social change has to be up there, but founding three presses over the past 33 years—each developing out of the other—has been the most amazing privilege. I am delighted that the University of Bristol chose to invest in the creation of Bristol University Press (BUP) after 20 years of publishing under Policy Press. Their commitment to non-profit, purpose-driven publishing is really gratifying.

It is our wonderful team that makes working for BUP such a pleasure with their dedication to our social and scholarly mission, values and high-quality standards. So, I am most proud of working with all those amazing people.

Two recent team achievements are at the forefront of my mind. Launching our online content platform Bristol University Press Digital, which brings together our books and journals, has been a huge project. Our readers can now find our content by our Global Social Challenge themes, the UN’s Social Development Goals (SDGs) and subjects and disciplines, and it is just so good to see our work over the years gathered in one place. Launching our Open Access Global Social Challenges Journal is another proud moment for me. It provides free access to work from across the Global North and South and enables discussion between academics, policy makers, thought leaders, NGOs, practitioners and the public. It has brilliant editors from around the globe and the content focuses on pressing societal challenges.

Reflecting back, getting my first job in publishing was a big step. I learnt so much as a publicity assistant with Bloomsbury in their and my early days. I made some mistakes (sorry Nigel!) which shaped the way I worked in future. I am not proud of those, but I do now appreciate that learning and making mistakes is part of growing and developing and I hope that at BUP we embrace that.

2 What do you think are the main ways independent publishing has changed since you first became involved in the sector?

The transition to digital content has to be the biggest difference that cuts across the industry. The scholarly sector made an early transition with academic journals moving online more than 20 years ago, and books following some time later. The pandemic has rapidly accelerated the shift to digital for our core market of university libraries, and this financial year our book revenue moved for the first time to digital being ahead of print, with 54% digital and 46% print.

The bookselling landscape has changed dramatically, with the rise of the large chain booksellers in the 1990s and early 2000s and then their demise as Amazon and online retail rapidly grew. Many independent and specialist bookshops, a natural partner of independent publishers, were lost through that time, but they are thankfully on the rise again.

The technology revolution is by far the most obvious shift across all areas of the business. The first manuscripts I worked on were typed up on a ‘word processing machine’ from a handwritten typescript and there was no email, no internet and ‘data’ was hard to come by. Printouts of sales reports arrived in huge bundles from the distributor and there was certainly no data manipulation possible. All ancient history, which makes me also ancient!

3 And what elements have stayed the same over that time?

Working with authors to create and curate the very best content for our readers. That will not change. We obviously have no business without our authors and customers and for me, and our team, being embedded in the scholarly communities we serve and really understanding their drivers and needs, is fundamental to our business.

I would also say that the values and behaviours of an organisation remain fundamental to who they are, how they do business and how fruitful their partnerships are. As a smaller independent press, we rely on external partners for many aspects of our work—from sales representatives and distributors, copyeditors and technology providers—as well as our authors. Treating everyone with respect, regardless of background, being supportive and collaborative, and acting with integrity and compassion, will always be core values for us.

4 How do you think the IPG has evolved since you first joined?

We joined the IPG 23 years ago and I remember clearly my first conference in Brighton. I was nervous and felt I knew nothing about running a publishing business. There was an option to pose a question and an expert would be sought to help. I wanted to know how to set up our first books distribution arrangement and John Skelton, managing director of Open University Press, was my match. I was bowled over by how forthcoming he was in sharing his expertise. This support has been replicated many times by publishers, booksellers and other industry specialists over the years, and that sharing and supportive environment remains fundamental to the IPG. It is really quite special.

The IPG has developed significantly with more conferences, events and training programmes and we get huge value from all the support we receive at the London and Frankfurt book fairs. The IPG has transformed into the leading voice for independent publishing in a wide range of forums. Bridget and the IPG board are fantastic advocates for our industry and for the importance of the independent sector across trade, scholarly and educational publishing.

5 Where do you see independent publishing heading in the next five years?

I am sure we will see many more independent start-ups emerging. The ability to get specialist content into the hands of customer communities has never been easier and finding your tribe and engaging with them via social media and online content means increased D2C opportunities. The IPG will be a very welcome place for new ventures to benefit from its knowledge exchange.

The welcome focus on diversifying our industry is also key. I hope to see people from under-represented backgrounds across all areas of publishing, bookselling, authorship and readership, as well as an expansion of content that speaks to diverse communities. Ensuring content is as accessible as possible, and to as wide a number of readers as possible, is vital.

We have to have an increasing focus on sustainability. Climate action is needed fast and publishing as an industry has to change. It is great that the IPG is supporting our community to do just that.

The IPG will remain a central focus for discussion, inspiration, support and learning. It’s been core to Bristol University Press and Policy Press’ development and my own personal growth over the past 23 years, and I know it will continue to be in the future. Thank you IPG, and a very happy 60th anniversary!

Visit the Bristol University Press website