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So now that I no longer work for a bookstore chain, I can tell you the honest truth about trying to get your self-published book carried by your local bookstore.
For the most part, it isn't worthwhile, BUT...
a thread
For the most part, it isn't worthwhile, BUT...
a thread
Self-published work can be successful, primarily as a low-priced ebook or free Kindle Unlimited book play where amazon pays you.
For 99.99% of novels, this is the best bet. Don't even bother with print.
For 99.99% of novels, this is the best bet. Don't even bother with print.
But if you must have a print book that must be in your local store, the best bet is to make it as close to a typical book as possible:
Within a $1 of other books of its format
Available through Ingram at the regular discount
Returnable
Within a $1 of other books of its format
Available through Ingram at the regular discount
Returnable
"What's Ingram? How much is a regular discount? But what happens if the books are returned?!"
Good questions. You're a publisher now! Learn the answers.
Good questions. You're a publisher now! Learn the answers.
Okay, what if that's too hard? No problem, most independent bookstores take local self-published books via consignment! Which means you may have to pay a shelving fee (anywhere from $35 per title to $50 a month!) and the buyer will need to approve your book.
Starting to see how it's not worthwhile and maybe you should have gone the Ingram route? Anyway maybe you've not. Here's what to do next.
Look at your book: is there a price on it? Is there an author name, a title, and SOME KIND of imprint logo on it?
No? You made it difficult.
Look at your book: is there a price on it? Is there an author name, a title, and SOME KIND of imprint logo on it?
No? You made it difficult.
The message you are sending is "I am unfamiliar with books."
But it's your dream! What can you do? Talk to the buyer! And what should you not bother saying?
"But my book is soooo good!" (I'm not even the buyer but I heard this any number of times.)
But no, most probably your book isn't good, much less soooo good. It's probably terrible.
"But my book is soooo good!" (I'm not even the buyer but I heard this any number of times.)
But no, most probably your book isn't good, much less soooo good. It's probably terrible.
Don't worry, though! Most books commercially released are terrible too. There's so much competition.
Speaking of, wouldn't your book sell better were it on display up in front? Can you get one of those slots for your $35?
No.
Speaking of, wouldn't your book sell better were it on display up in front? Can you get one of those slots for your $35?
No.
The reason why not is because it's not being up front that makes a book sell, it's the strong possibility that a book will sell sending it up front. Are you going to be on NPR (not the website) or in the New York Times? You are not.
"It's not fair! Nobody will buy my book if it's just on a shelf with a million other books!"
You're half-right. Nobody will buy your book, but it is entirely fair, because nobody buys most of the other million books either. What would be unfair is you getting a special chance.
You're half-right. Nobody will buy your book, but it is entirely fair, because nobody buys most of the other million books either. What would be unfair is you getting a special chance.
What CAN you do?
Make sure your book looks like a book.
Have it be about a topic of interest in your town—like the town itself, or the local sports team, or whatever religion your community is interested in.
Send YOUR FRIENDS to THE STORE and NOT AMAZON to buy copies.
Make sure your book looks like a book.
Have it be about a topic of interest in your town—like the town itself, or the local sports team, or whatever religion your community is interested in.
Send YOUR FRIENDS to THE STORE and NOT AMAZON to buy copies.
But that's all hard, without much in the way of profit!
Correct—that's publishing. A high-volume low-margin business. The problem is that self-publishing is a low-volume low-margin business. Ebooks fix the volume problem.
Correct—that's publishing. A high-volume low-margin business. The problem is that self-publishing is a low-volume low-margin business. Ebooks fix the volume problem.
Print books, unless it's "A Guide To Walking Around This Town You're In Right Now, For Tourists and Locals" that you can place at several bookstores that cater to tourists and townies, aren't going to do super well.
"But Jesus/Source/angels/Dharma beings told me to—"
Listen, those cats tell lots of people lots of things. Jesus told me to make this thread, to help you!
Book like a book. Good price. Local interest. Don't say stupid things to staff. Tell your friends. That's all.
Listen, those cats tell lots of people lots of things. Jesus told me to make this thread, to help you!
Book like a book. Good price. Local interest. Don't say stupid things to staff. Tell your friends. That's all.
On the plus side, the right self-published book of local interest can sell hundreds and hundreds of copies, and the most reasonable local stores will waive consignment fees. But you need a city of at least 100,000 and some tourist trade (beach? college with football?) to do it.
Addendum: you won't get your book at the front of the store (though maybe by the register if tourists ask directions a lot) but resist the "local authors" section if possible. You're much better off in mystery/cooking/religion etc than "local authors", which is Kook Central.
