Hi Reader,

Last month, I had the privilege of attending Publishing University, the annual conference hosted by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). It was an incredible few days filled with education, networking, and conversations with publishers, authors, printers, distributors, and industry experts who are all working to help books succeed.

I was also honored to receive a Silver Award in the Interior Design category

for my book, How to Format a Children's Book for Self-Publishing. While the award was certainly a highlight, the greatest value came from the lessons, trends, and insights I brought home to share with you.

Whether you're writing your first book or preparing to launch your next one, here are three important takeaways from this year's conference.

1. Books Win with Better Metadata

One message came through repeatedly: discoverability matters.

Your book is competing against millions of titles online, and metadata plays a major role in whether readers find it. Metadata includes much more than keywords and categories. It includes your book title, subtitle, description, author information, categories, keywords, ISBN data, contributor information, and even your cover design.

The more complete, accurate, and strategic your metadata is, the more opportunities retailers and search engines have to connect your book with the right readers.

A professional cover isn't just attractive—it is part of your book's metadata and one of the strongest marketing tools you have.

2. Trust Sells Books

Readers want reassurance before they invest their time and money.

Professional reviews, testimonials, endorsements, and reader reviews all help establish credibility. However, trust doesn't stop there.

Authors who consistently build authority through podcasts, guest articles, speaking engagements, newsletters, and educational content create a stronger platform for long-term success.

If you're wondering how to market your book, start by asking:

"How can I demonstrate expertise and help my audience before asking them to buy?"

Trust is built one interaction at a time.

3. Amazon Is Investing Heavily in AI

One of the most talked-about topics at the conference was artificial intelligence.

Amazon has made it clear that AI will continue to transform how customers discover products, including books. Generative AI is already influencing customer experiences across Amazon's ecosystem, and we can expect that influence to grow significantly over the next few years.

This means authors need to pay close attention to how books are presented online, how metadata is structured, and how content is positioned for both human readers and AI-powered discovery tools.

The publishing landscape continues to evolve, and the authors who stay informed will be better positioned to take advantage of new opportunities as they emerge.

Books Worth Adding to Your Reading List

One of my favorite parts of attending conferences is discovering new books and learning from other professionals in the industry. Here are a few titles that stood out to me:

• Before the Best Seller by Alex Strathdee
• Story Business by Gavin McMahon
• Promote Your Book by Eleanor C. Whitney
• Painting Wonder by Katie Wray Schon
• Fox Creek by M. E. Torrey

Resources for Professional Book Reviews

If you're looking to strengthen your book's credibility, consider exploring these review services:

• ​BlueInk Review – Professional editorial reviews often used for credibility and marketing.
• ​NetGalley – Connects authors and publishers with reviewers, librarians, booksellers, and influencers.
• ​Booktrovert – Reader-focused review and discovery platform for independent authors.
• ​Foreword Reviews – Respected review source serving libraries, booksellers, and the independent publishing community.

Professional reviews can be valuable tools for marketing, library outreach, media kits, and building reader confidence.

A Special Thank You

One of my favorite parts of attending Publishing University wasn't found in a classroom—it was the opportunity to connect with fellow publishing professionals and clients in person.

A special thank you to my author client, Christine Goodner, for graciously picking me up at the Portland airport, sharing a private tour of the city, and introducing me to some wonderful local food.

Christine has published multiple books that help families and music educators nurture successful young musicians through positive practice habits, encouragement, and proven learning strategies. She also hosts the Time to Practice podcast, where she shares practical advice and encouragement for music students, parents, and teachers seeking to build confidence and consistency in their musical journey.

It was a joy to spend time together discussing publishing, education, and the impact books can have on families and students.

What began as a professional relationship through book design has grown into a valued friendship. Experiences like this remind me that the publishing industry is built on people helping people—authors sharing knowledge, professionals supporting one another, and friendships developing through a shared passion for books.

Thank you, Christine, for your kindness, hospitality, and for making my visit to Portland even more memorable.

Final Thoughts

One of the reasons I attend events like Publishing University is so I can stay current on the rapidly changing publishing landscape and bring that knowledge back to the authors I serve.

The technology is changing. Retail platforms are changing. Reader expectations are changing.

But one thing remains the same: great books presented professionally have the best chance to succeed.

If you're planning to self-publish and would like a professional review of your project before you invest time and money into production, I'd love to help.

Schedule a Book Design Readiness Review and let's discuss your goals, your manuscript, and the best path forward for your book.

Warmly,
Becky Bayne
Owner, Becky's Graphic Design, LLC
Award-Winning Book Designer + Self-Publishing Expert

​Becky’s Graphic Design​