Independent Publisher Goes Online

Posted on April 14, 2000

Independent Publisher (IP), a trade magazine covering self and independent publishing, is now exclusively an online magazine. The periodical began as Small Press magazine in 1982, before being purchased in 1995 by Jenkins Group, Inc. In 1998, it was renamed Independent Publisher to better reflect the changing nature of the market.

"We began looking to the future by observing where we had been and what changes we needed to make to remain vital," said Phil Murphy, Executive Editor. "Independent Publisher Online sparks visions of new and innovative challenges on which to build that future."

From its beginnings, the magazine's creators reported on the burgeoning small press industry. As technology changed the landscape of publishing, IP continued to report the news and trends that shaped independent publishing. As such it was believed a change in direction was called for the magazine.

"Change is necessary if we are to stay nimble, said Jerrold Jenkins, Publisher. "The race goes to the fleet of foot, and we intend to win that race. Online business is the way of the future and IP will be there, keeping people informed and entertained. Online is the next step in our future."

Independent Publisher has also added new columns and writers to coincide with the launch. The new departments are: Children's Book Publishing in The New Millennium with children's book author and columnist Hallie Love, Inklings: Writing Well & Profitably for Books, Film, and Stage with playwright and author Christina Hamlett, Moon Mountain Publishing: A Year Long Journal by Moon Mountain co-founder Robert Holtzman, For the Love of Books by columnist C. J. Metschke and e-Book Bytes with e-book publisher Aliske Webb.

Feature articles on independent publishers and the business of publishing, book reviews, and industry news continues to be a mainstay of the magazine. Brian Jud resumes his role writing about the practical side of marketing and promoting books through his column Passageways to Profits.