Thursday, June 18, 2026
12:00 – 2:00 pm MDT
Members: FREE
Nonmembers: $10
You must register to receive the Zoom link!

The link will be provided in your emailed receipt. SAVE YOUR RECEIPT!

 

Book Distribution Options and Sales Models 

As independent publishers, we need to understand the logistical systems and business strategies used to make a book available for purchase and deliver it from the author/publisher to the reader. These concepts dictate where your book can be bought (retailers vs. online), how it gets there (wholesaler vs. direct), and how you get paid.

Book Distribution Options: Distribution is the process of getting books into customers’ hands through physical, digital, or print-on-demand methods. We’ll discuss:

  • Wholesale Distribution (e.g., IngramSpark)
  • Retail Book Distributors
  • Print on Demand (POD)
  • Aggregators (e.g., Draft2Digital, BookBaby)

 

Book Sales Models (The Strategy) define the business relationship with the retailer and how the profit is split. We’ll discuss:

  • Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)
  • Retailer-Specific (Exclusive)
  • Wide Distribution
  • Wholesale/Traditional Model

 

Key Differences & Factors

  • Returnability
  • Margins

 

About our presenters –

Patty Maher of Fulcrum Publishing

Patty Maher has worked nearly all of her career in publishing. Her experience spans firms that produced monthly magazines and a weekly newspaper, self-publishing her own book, and working with Colorado-based Fulcrum Publishing, which has produced numerous titles over the past 40+ years.

 

Melissa Serdinsky of Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME)

Melissa Serdinsky is a publishing and distribution professional with more than 35 years of experience in the book industry. During her tenure at Perseus and Ingram Content Group, she worked with more than 250 independent publishers on distribution, sales, marketing, and digital publishing strategies. She currently manages the publishing program for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, where she oversees book development, distribution, and marketing strategies for technical and professional content. Melissa brings a unique perspective on how publishers can leverage distribution partnerships to increase visibility, sales, and long-term success.

 

CIPA Annual Membership & General Business Meeting

Join us for CIPA’s final program meeting of the 2025–2026 season and our Annual Membership Meeting. This important gathering provides members with an overview of CIPA’s activities, accomplishments, and financial status for the past year, while also offering insight into the organization’s future direction.

Members will also have the opportunity to participate in the nomination process for the CIPA Board of Directors, helping shape the leadership and continued success of the organization.

Your participation is valuable as we reflect on the year’s achievements and prepare for the year ahead.