Insights for Modern Publishing

Episode 66: Technological Advancement at University Presses

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

For university presses of all sizes, technology adoption is a constant necessity—yet the process can feel daunting, confusing, and even disruptive. Jana Faust (University of Nebraska Press) and Rachel Lee (UCANR) join the podcast to share their insights on technology adoption and change management.

Rachel Lee is Director of Publishing at University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (https://ucanr.edu), where she leads a dedicated team that publishes California Agriculture journal, books, and open access publications showcasing ANR's research and extension work. Outside the office, she enjoys trail running, biking, and exploring new destinations. anrpublications.org

Jana Faust is the Manager of Digital Assets and IT at the University of Nebraska Press, where she leads initiatives in publishing technology. She manages projects ranging from ebook remediation to ensure compliance with the European Accessibility Act, to system implementations that improve transparency and efficiency across departments. In her spare time, Jana likes to read, knit, and crochet. nebraskapress.unl.edu

Metadata Minute (Issue #31): Data & Systems Acquisitions

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Mon, 25 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

When two publishing companies merge, the champagne toasts focus on the list, the talent, and the market share. But once the ink dries, the real work begins: integration. Most due diligence during a merger or acquisition focuses on P&Ls and legal contracts. However, the bridge between a signed deal and a profitable one is the integrity of the data. While certain buyers are often willing to inherit legacy systems with the intent to integrate them later, failing to audit those data habits means underestimating the true cost of that technical debt.

Episode 65: The Indie Voice: Advocacy and Community with IBPA’s Andrea Fleck-Nisbet

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:38:10 GMT

Andrea Fleck-Nisbet is Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), where she leads the largest nonprofit trade association serving independent publishers. With more than 20 years of experience in publishing, she has held leadership roles at Harper Horizon, Workman Publishing, and Ingram Content Group.

On this week’s episode of the BookSmarts Podcast, Andrea discusses the evolution of the IBPA and its mission to serve a diverse membership of independent publishers and author-publishers. She provides a deep dive into the recent merger with PubWest, the advocacy efforts the IBPA is leading against censorship and book bans, and the upcoming Publishing University (PubU) in Portland, Oregon. The conversation also explores how the IBPA provides a space for peer-to-peer learning and the massive catalog of member benefits that help independent voices thrive in a consolidated market.

To learn more about the Independent Book Publishers Association and their advocacy work, visit ibpa-online.org. You can also find details on the upcoming conference at publishinguniversity.org.

Metadata Minute (Issue #30): Tips & Strategies for Contributor Metadata

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:44:36 GMT

Contributor metadata is a powerful driver of discoverability, but it is often overlooked. Contributor information can influence how titles are discovered and sold across retail, book discovery, and library channels.

Episode 64: The Benefits of Independent Distribution with Joe Biel

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Joe Biel is an independent publisher who draws origins, inspiration, and methods from punk rock to sell millions of books. He is the founder and CEO of Microcosm Publishing, a Publishers Weekly‘s fastest-growing publisher from 2022-2024.

Metadata Minute (Issue #29): Common Publisher Questions About BISAC Codes

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

BISAC codes are an essential piece of book metadata, used to classify titles by subject and help retailers, libraries, and distributors understand where a book belongs. While selecting your BISAC codes can feel deceptively simple, taking a strategic approach to these categories can significantly influence your title’s discoverability.

Episode 63: Nurturing Christian Publishers at ECPA with Jeff Crosby

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Jeff Crosby is the president and CEO of ECPA, the trade association of Christian publishers and has worked in bookselling and publishing roles for more than four decades. He is also an author of several books, including World of Wonders: A Spirituality of Reading (Paraclete Press, 2025), The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts (Broadleaf, 2023) and Days of Grace Through the Year (IVP, 2007).

His next book, titled The Spirit in the Sky: The Power of Music in Our Search for Graceland, will be published in September by Bloomsbury. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and trade journals, including CRUX, Conversations Journal, Living Lutheran, Publishers Weekly, and CRA Today.

Jeff joined us on the Booksmarts Podcast to discuss the history and mission of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), as well as their three annual publishing events they host to bring Christian publishers, leaders, and speakers together. He also discusses the emerging challenges and opportunities facing Christian publishing—from AI and market consolidation to global growth in regions like Brazil.

To learn more about ECPA, visit their website.

Supadu & Firebrand Technologies launch Radley Books, a website solution for publishers

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:26:31 GMT

For more information contact Joshua Tallent, joshua@firebrandtech.com

Metadata Minute (Issue #28): How Often to Update Metadata

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Look, we get it. With acquisitions and new release marketing deadlines dominating your to-do list, updating your catalog metadata can feel like a low-priority task. But in today’s digitally saturated market, having a system in place for maintaining metadata isn’t optional. It’s essential for publisher success.

Episode 62: Publishers Without Borders Director Discusses London Book Fair

joshua@firebrandtech.com (firebrandtech) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Prashant Pathak is the Co-Founder and Director of Publishers Without Borders, a global and non-commercial community supporting publishing professionals through collaboration and knowledge-sharing. With 20 years of experience across publishing, licensing, printing, EdTech, and gaming, Prashant brings a cross-sector perspective to building content, partnerships, and global markets.