Best Book Conventions and Conferences to Attend as an Independent Publisher

For independent publishers, staying connected with industry trends, networking with professionals, and learning from experts are vital for growth. Book conventions and conferences offer the perfect opportunity to achieve these goals and boost your publishing strategy.

This guide will cover the best book conventions and conferences for independent publishers, what you can gain from attending, and how to make the most of your experience.

Why Attend Book Conventions and Conferences?

Attending conventions and conferences can transform your publishing journey by offering these key benefits:

• Networking: Meet industry professionals, fellow publishers, and authors to build relationships that open doors to collaborations and new business opportunities.
• Learning Opportunities: Attend panels and workshops on self-publishing trends, marketing strategies, and digital tools.
• Discovering New Trends: Stay ahead by learning about market shifts and technologies shaping the publishing landscape.
• Exposure: Promote your books, brand, and services by participating as a speaker, exhibitor, or attendee.

For independent publishers looking to go wide and expand their reach, conferences offer invaluable insights and connections that can help them succeed.

Top Book Conventions and Conferences for Independent Publishers

Here’s a breakdown of some of the best conventions and conferences to consider attending in 2025.

1. Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse)

Location: Frankfurt, Germany
When: October 8-12, 2025

Why Attend: Frankfurt Book Fair is the largest international book trade fair, with over 300,000 attendees worldwide. Independent publishers can benefit from:

• Rights trading opportunities with global partners.
• Insightful sessions on digital publishing trends.
• Networking with distributors, bookstores, and media representatives.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Book your meetings in advance—this event is massive, and time slots fill quickly.
• Bring promotional materials to showcase your catalog and distribution reach.

The dream team at Frankfurt in 2024:

2. London Book Fair

Location: London, UK
When: April 15-17, 2025

Why Attend: As one of Europe’s premier publishing events, the London Book Fair focuses on rights negotiation, international publishing, and digital innovation. It’s an ideal space to:

• Meet industry players from Europe, North America, and beyond.
• Attend panels on key topics like AI in publishing, audiobooks, and marketing trends.
• Pitch your books for potential licensing deals.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Take advantage of the Author HQ sessions to support independent publishers and authors.
• Consider hosting a booth if you have a growing catalog—it can enhance your credibility and visibility.

3. Writer’s Digest Conference

Location: New York City, USA
When: October 2025 (exact date TBD)

Why Attend: The Writer’s Digest Conference is an excellent opportunity for publishers focused on working with emerging authors. It includes:

• Pitch Slam events where publishers can connect directly with new writers.
• Workshops on how to expand author platforms and brand presence.
• Sessions on SEO, blogging, and leveraging metadata for book sales.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Use the Pitch Slam to scout for unique manuscripts and expand your catalog.
• Join the marketing sessions to learn actionable strategies for online promotions.

Also, there are several virtual events organized around craft and othet topics by the Writers’ Digest team.

4. Indie Author Fringe (by ALLi)

Location: Virtual
When: Various dates throughout the year

Why Attend: Hosted by the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), Indie Author Fringe events offer free online sessions explicitly tailored to self-publishers. Sessions cover topics like:

• Metadata optimization and discoverability.
• Print-on-Demand (POD) vs. traditional printing.
• International rights and translation opportunities.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Attend as many live sessions as possible to ask questions in real-time.
• Download session recordings for later reference.

5. Authors & Innovators Business Conference

Location: Boston, USA
When: October 2025 (exact date TBD)

Why Attend: This unique conference focuses on the intersection of publishing and entrepreneurship, making it perfect for independent publishers looking to scale their business. Sessions cover:

• Brand-building for publishers.
• Monetizing backlists and diversifying revenue streams.
• Leveraging partnerships to grow your audience.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Prepare questions for panelists who discuss monetization strategies.
• Join roundtable discussions to share insights and gain fresh ideas.

6. Author Nation Conference

Location: Las Vegas, USA
When: November 3-7, 2025

Why Attend: This conference emphasizes author-publisher collaboration, making it a great place to:

• Connect with high-profile indie authors.
• Learn about co-authoring and royalty split agreements.
• Participate in discussions on leveraging book bundles and collaborations for broader reach.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Network with speakers and panelists to explore potential collaborations.
• Attend sessions focused on community-building and engagement.

Check out our recap of Author Nation 2024.

7. NINC (Novelists, Inc.) Conference

Location: St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA
When: September 17-21, 2025

Why Attend: NINC is known for its focus on career-focused authors and publishers who want to grow their presence in the indie space. Highlights include:

• Marketing sessions tailored for digital and international sales.
• Keynotes from successful independent authors and industry leaders.
• Workshops on the latest publishing tools and platforms.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Focus on panels related to direct-to-reader sales strategies.
• Take advantage of one-on-one coaching sessions to refine your publishing game plan.

8. IBPA Publishing University

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
When: May 15-17, 2025 (exact date TBD)

Why Attend: IBPA Publishing University is a must-attend conference for independent publishers. It offers a wealth of sessions designed to provide actionable tips and guidance, including:

• Lessons on metadata and discoverability.
• Strategies for selling more books in global markets.
• Expert-led discussions on managing royalties and co-publishing agreements.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Attend the workshops on digital storefronts and metadata for practical tools to improve discoverability.
• Network with independent publishers from diverse niches to learn new growth strategies.

9. Independent Bookstore Day Events

Location: Various locations across the USA
When: April 2025

Why Attend: These events celebrate independent bookstores and offer publishers a chance to engage with readers directly. As a publisher, you can:

• Build relationships with independent bookstores for consignment sales.
• Promote your catalog and attend community-driven events.
• Join discussions on the role of indie booksellers in the digital era.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Connect with bookstore owners to discuss potential partnerships.
• Offer signed copies, promotions, or special bundles to increase visibility.

10. ALA Annual Conference (American Library Association)

Location: Philadelphia, USA
When: June 26-30, 2025

Why Attend: Libraries remain a crucial channel for indie publishers to reach readers, primarily through digital lending platforms. At ALA, you can:

• Pitch your digital catalog to libraries looking for diverse titles.
• Attend panels on trends in digital borrowing, audiobooks, and library collections.
• Network with librarians and digital content providers.

Tips for Independent Publishers:

• Bring information about your books' availability in digital lending stores like OverDrive and Hoopla.
• Explore opportunities to offer special library editions.

How to Make the Most of Book Conventions and Conferences

1. Set Clear Goals

Before attending, decide what you want to achieve—expanding your distribution network, securing partnership deals, or learning about new industry tools.

2. Prepare an Elevator Pitch

Have a concise explanation of your publishing services, catalog, and unique value ready for potential partners and authors.

3. Bring Promotional Materials

Business cards, brochures, and branded materials help you leave a lasting impression.

4. Schedule Meetings in Advance

Many events offer apps or scheduling tools—use these to book meetings and ensure you make the most of your time.

5. Follow Up

After the event, send follow-up emails to new contacts to maintain relationships and explore potential collaborations.

Conclusion

Attending book conventions and conferences can elevate your publishing strategy and expand your reach as an independent publisher. From global giants like the Frankfurt and London Book Fairs to specialized events like IBPA Publishing University, there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you’re seeking distribution partners, exploring new markets, or looking for innovative solutions, these events will set you up for success.