Specific Services for Publishers

Prepublication Consultation

IPG consults with publishers well before a title goes to press to determine best practice for maximum sales. We research the comparative strength of the market niches into which any particular title might fit, analyze the success of the various approaches to cover design and title that have been tried, and help publishers build sales "hooks" into their titles from the very start of the title development process.

As part of the book production process we review the cover, book design, and layout from a sales perspective; review jacket and flap copy for appropriate and effective content; discuss publication date, timing, and pricing issues; discuss format issues—paper, cloth, or other; review marketing, author tours and appearances, and publicity plans; suggest or review advertising plans and opportunities; explain how to collect and interpret comparable title information; and discuss initial print runs and sales projections with the publisher.

The collaboration and resources at IPG are especially important for small publishers who are new to the general trade world. We are here to help our publishers learn about the business not only through suggesting efficiencies but by passing along discounts or important no charge “extras” such as a Nielsen BookScan account, Lexile leveling discounts, inclusion at no charge in gift and education catalogs, custom catalogs (region specific for example), and representation at dozens of trade shows for the book, gift, library and education markets.

Publishers have access to everyone at IPG who works on their titles, be it the operations department or publicity, or sales. Publishers may work more closely with some staffers, but the entire IPG staff is available directly without an intermediary.