Independent Book Publishers Association
The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) is a not-for-profit membership organization serving the independent publishing community through advocacy and education. With nearly 3,000 members, IBPA is the largest publishing trade association in the United States. IBPA programs and publications include the Benjamin Franklin Awards, Publishing University, Benjamin Franklin Awards. The Benjamin Franklin Awards honor independent publishers and self-published authors for excellence in book editorial and design. Prizes are given in a number of categories. IBPA members, as well as librarians, reviewers, editors and bookstore owners choose the winners and provide feedback to the  authors about their books. Publishing University. IBPA's Publishing University is a two-day networking and educational event. Hosted annually, the program includes learning labs and a book-award ceremony. Independent Industry Standards. In March 2017, the IBPA Advocacy Committee published an Industry Standards Checklist for a Professionally Published Book. The purpose of the checklist is to give independent publishers an at-a-glance gauge of the professional presentation of any book in order to help level the playing field between indie publishers and large-scale conglomerates.