BAIPA is an all-volunteer educational organization dedicated to elevating the art of the independent author-publisher. Members include creative people who are involved in various aspects of publishing, linking writers with the services they need to publish and sell their work.
Formerly the Marin Small Publishers Association, BAIPA was founded in 1979 in the San Francisco Bay Area and incorporated as a nonprofit public benefit organization in 1981.
We meet virtually on Zoom the first Saturday of every month (except around national holidays) for Q&A, networking, and a speaker on a topic of interest. Our meetings are opportunities to gather information, exchange ideas, share successes and challenges, meet supportive professionals, and ask questions about the rapidly changing industry. Several times a year, we are offering separate workshops on specific topics of interest to indie authors.
BAIPA’s core values are community, learning, professionalism, and creativity.
Several thousand people have joined BAIPA over the years since its founding in 1979 and members have published more than 2000 titles, often with the assistance of fellow members who are editors, designers and publishing consultants. Currently, there are approximately 200 active members and 50-80 people attend our meetings each month.
Our members include:
- Writers (all genres)
- Bloggers
- Editors
- Copywriters
- Copy Editors
- Proofreaders
- Photographers
- Agents
- Artists
- Audiobook Professionals
- Illustrators
- Computer Instructors
- Computing Services Professionals
- Ergonomic Specialists
- Book Shepherds
- Writing Coaches
- Librarians
- Book Designers
- Book Layout Experts
- Book Cover Designers
- Digital Publishing Experts
- Printers
- Print Brokers
- Grammarians
- Distributors
- Publication Consultants
- Reviewers
- Marketing Coaches
- Publicists
- Social Media Mavens
- Web Designers
- Videographers
- Literary Rights Attorneys
- Business Consultants
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.