Lee Foster, well-known travel writer and longtime BAIPA member, has been carefully following the issue of “Traditional versus Independent Book Publishing.”
He is a practitioner as well as an observer of the trends. Lee has, in fact, given presentations on this subject to the Bay Area Travel Writers and to the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association.

Lee Foster
Lee has published a detailed summary of his current observations about this evolving subject on his website.
The article will be illustrated with a 46-minute video on YouTube (coming soon) of Lee speaking to a BAIPA meeting about this topic.
Any writer engaged in publishing traditional books, independent print-on-demand books, ebooks, enhanced ebooks, book marketing, books-as-websites, books-as-licensable content, and apps will be interested in the article and the video.
The direct links are:
- –The YouTube video of Lee Foster’s presentation “Traditional versus Independent Publishing: What’s Best for Your Book?” for the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association

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, currently, members get in free for all workshops and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.


