Independent Book Stores

Some Tidbits, Dos and Don’ts

During my Best Seller Blueprint Program I read an excerpt from an article Steve Harrison (marketing expert) wrote for his Book Marketing Update. It was titled, “How to Market Your Book to Independent Bookstores”.  In his writings he mentions how lucrative a small independent book store could be for an author, but also indicates how authors need to make bigger efforts to get shelf space in an indie book store these days. Since Borders closed, a bit of that business has flowed out to the Independent stores. 

According to Michael Powell in this article, founder and president of Powell’s Books, a successful bookseller here in the US; authors are not doing all they can to get their books in the independent stores when they do not have their books available at  distribution centers. The article indicates that authors who do not use a distributor are making a mistake that could keep them from getting shelf space in that inde store they so wish to occupy.

Independent book stores like to order from those distribution centers because those distribution centers fit with their shipping, inventory, and billing systems.  The article goes on to say that in the case of self published authors, independent book stores won’t bother to seek out their books if it is too difficult for them to order.  They like the idea of one shipment from the distributor, rather than a bunch of little shipments with a whole pile of separate invoices from separate authors.  One Independent book store owner from West Chester PA, stated that she liked ordering from the distributors because they can get her what she wants in the way of a book shipment the next day.

Independent book store owners indicate that books that are self published, or books from a small publisher that are carried by a wholesaler are easier for the small independent book stores to order from.  They prefer that there isn’t a separate invoice, and order system for them to deal with.  Getting that one shipment makes it easier for the indie book store.  The easier it is to acquire your book, the more likely the independent book store is to stock your book.

The very large distributors like Ingram and Baker&Taylor don’t usually buy from self published authors.  A better way to go for your distribution would be to sign on with distributors that specialize in independent publishers or a regional book distribution co.  The article listed and stated… well-regarded distributors include: Independent Publishers Group; National Book Network; Greenleaf Book Group; Partners Publishers Group and Publishers Group West. To contact these distributors, information can be researched at the (IBPA) Independent Book Publishers Association.  www.ibpa-online.org/pubresources/distribute.ospx

Independent book store owners in this article explained how important it is to be professional; to remember to conduct yourself in a professional fashion when dealing with them.  They are not happy when their phone calls or e-mails are not returned in a timely manner. They like when you make an appointment to speak with them.  They do not like when you stop by and interrupt them.  They usually have a rather small staff, that requires their time for business, and they expect to be treated with professional respect. Showing up on time for your appointment, returning their phone calls and e-mails in a timely manner, and dressing professionally, will all help you to better deal with Independent book stores.  Good Luck!