Bay Area Independent Publishers Association

Upcoming Meetings

May 10
Andy Fessel, Branding for Publishers

The concept of a brand applies to the producers of the arts (books, plays, movies, TV programs) just as much as it does to the manufacturers of toothpaste, footwear and alcoholic beverages. It just applies in some different ways - a key one that the author/artist often embodies the brand - personally. As an author - you are your brand! Brand Consultant Andy Fessel will offer perspectives from the developing sector of corporate branding, and how those can be related to the authoring and publishing of books.

As Director of Strategic Planning for MCorporation, Andy has an extensive background in the assessment of consumer and business markets and the development of effective competitive strategies.

In the role of Senior Vice President, Andy has directed and managed research and planning across all aspects of the marketing process including ABC-TV/Disney, Fox Broadcasting, Dreamworks, Microsoft; research and consumer measurement companies such as Media Metrix, Simmons Research; advertising agencies and industry associations.

Andy is a leader in defining the key strategies and market positions for competitors in the consumer and business sector, the measurement and evaluation of the competitive marketplace, and implementation of advertising and marketing campaigns to realize those market opportunities.

Previously a research consultant for the Interactive Advertising Bureau and Simmons Research, Andy has also led strategic and research efforts at ABC-TV, Fox and Microsoft.

Andy has a BA from New York University and studied for an MBA in marketing from the Graduate School of Business at NYU.

June 14

Sal Glynn, Author of The Dog Walked Down the Street: An Outspoken Guide for Writers Who Want to Publish
The Dog Walked Down The Street

July 12
Program to be announced

August 9
Annual Picnic


Our meetings are generally held on the second Saturday of the month. BAIPA Saturday meetings, except for our annual workshop, take place at the First Congregational Church, 8 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94903. The first hour of the regular monthly meeting is a question and answer session for beginning publishers. The main meeting begins at 10 AM. A copy of our current newsletter is located on the Programs and Sponsors page.

Directions to the meetings:
Go to San Rafael on Highway 101.
From 101 southbound: Take the North San Pedro Road exit. At the stop sign, turn left on Merrydale Road. Turn right at the stop light on North San Pedro Road. Turn left on Pilgrim Way, which leads directly into the church parking lot.
From 101 northbound: Take the North San Pedro Road exit. Follow the signs that say West. The exit curves back under the freeway and on North San Pedro Road. Go through the stop light. Turn left onto Pilgrim Way, which leads directly into the church parking lot.