Your Guide to Success at BAIPA
Attend Monthly Meetings and Workshops
We meet online at least once/month, with an additional workshops in many months. Application of these suggestions will depend on which way you attend, in person or on Zoom. Currently we meet just twice/year in person, but EVERY month on Zoom.
- To get the most out of your membership, we encourage you to attend our monthly meetings and workshops whenever possible.
- Write out and bring your questions.
- Arrive in time for Q&A, which runs 9-9:45am Pacific Time. This part of each meeting is a rich conversation about changes in the world of independent publishing. Peer to peer sharing is an important part of our Q&A sessions and the exchanges are facilitated by our President and enhanced by our members who are indie publishing experts.
Meeting Tips
- Ask questions that might help you avoid costly mistakes. No question is too basic. Members cover the full range from completely new and just getting started to successful with decades of experience to share.
- Come prepared to introduce yourself at the meeting. You will have 25-30 seconds to give us your name and tell us about your book or the services you provide. If you have an event coming up, tell us about it. It is a wonderful way to practice your speaking skills.
- Share what you have learned and experienced—successes and obstacles that you may have encountered along the path of publishing.
- Write out your introduction and rehearse it before you come to the meeting. Time yourself. Be concise. Then relax.
- Give an honest review of our presenters. Complete an evaluation form at the end of the meeting.
- Talk to people you don’t know! There is time for networking at all of our meetings during the breaks.
- During Introductions on Zoom: If you are using a virtual background, turn it off during introductions if you’d like to show us your book cover.
- When on Zoom: mute yourself when not speaking.
For Hybid Events You Attend in Person
Speak into the microphone as if it were an ice cream cone, holding it up to your mouth.- Stand up (if possible) when you speak so we can better hear you and see you.
- During Introductions: Hold your book up next to your face when you are introducing yourself.
- Bring copies of your books with you.
- Bring event flyers to put near your book on the display tables provided for members.
- Be respectful of others by turning off your cell phone or muting it at the start of the meeting.
Your Member Profile
We want to get to know you online too!
- Your Member Profile is a key part of your membership. It’s like your Amazon Author Central Page and your Author Profile on Goodreads. Your profile lets the world know you, your books, and services offered. (You can cut and paste from any of your social profiles or from a text document.) You can decide what you want to show and share and what you want to keep private.
- Your profile can include text, images, photos, and video. Include a good, recent headshot of yourself and images of your book(s) and perhaps your company logo.
- You can work on your profile, save your work as a draft, and publish it when you are ready.
- And you don’t have to worry, you can edit your profile at any time.
- If you need help with your profile, reach out to one of the Board members.
The BAIPA Blog
- Visit the baipa.org website frequently. You will find the latest information on self-publishing, upcoming events and news from our members.
- The blog is delivered via email to all members and subscribers, which is over 1,000 people!
- Let us know when you have an upcoming event by sending your announcement to webmaster@baipa.org for possible inclusion in our news feed.
- Submit articles that you feel would be of interest to our readers. It could be a tip or a resource you want to share. Send it to webmaster@baipa.org.
- Tell us how BAIPA is contributing to your success by sending your comments to membership@baipa.org
Volunteer Opportunities
One of the best ways for you to get the most out of your membership is to volunteer! We are an all-volunteer organization. You have a chance to make BAIPA better by stepping up and volunteering your time and expertise.
When you give back here are some of the things you gain:
- Increased visibility
- Meet colleagues and build relationships
- Recognition for your contribution
- Be on the inside track when new events and offers are available to members
- Increase and develop your leadership skills
- Learn new skills
- Satisfaction of knowing you make a difference
- Be the change you want to see
- Shape the future of the organization
- Expand your reach
Let us know how you would like to contribute by contacting board@baipa.org or speak to a BAIPA Board member.
Members Only
You can find a full list of Members Only Benefits. Here are some of the highlights:
- Attend regular monthly meetings for free
- Enjoy reduced fees on workshops
- Access a wealth of Member-Only Resources on our website
- Submit articles to the BAIPA blog
- Enter contests for members only
- Show and sell your books at meetings
- Display flyers and brochures for your events
- Announce your events to all members and subscribers to our blog
- Volunteer opportunities (committees and events)
- Share your business cards at meetings and put some in the card box near the registration table where members and guests can find them
We are here to help you succeed. BAIPA has helped our members publish more than 2,000 books!
We want to celebrate your success too.
One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, members can buy a member ticket and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.