Self-publishing has quickly become an accessible and effective method for authors to bring their books to life. Thanks to platforms such as Amazon, IngramSpark, and Lulu, anyone can publish their work and make it globally available. However, having your self-published book available on bookstore shelves often remains out of reach. The question remains: How can authors get their self-published books onto store shelves?
According to the Publishers Weekly 2024 report, self-published books now make up over 40% of total U.S. book sales, marking an impressive growth in independent publishing. Yet despite this rise, breaking into traditional bookstores still proves challenging but ultimately achievable goals for authors and their titles.
This guide provides practical steps, strategies, and tactics for navigating the complicated world of bookstore distribution and increasing your odds of success.
Why Do You Want to Get Your Book Into Bookstores?
Before getting involved with the logistics of getting your self-published book into bookstores, it is vitally important to ask why. Many authors dream of seeing their work featured on store shelves, yet beyond just seeing your hard work physically present, there may also be significant benefits:
Increased Visibility: Placing your book in a bookstore exposes it to a larger audience, giving customers browsing the shelves a chance to encounter and discover your work—sparking interest and increasing sales!
Increased Sales Opportunities: Bookstores provide your book with ample sales opportunities; therefore, if placed strategically or receiving positive reviews from store staff, it may attract foot traffic that leads to impulse buys.
Credibility: Placing your book in a bookstore instantly builds credibility; readers see that your work has passed specific standards, establishing trust with prospective buyers.
How to Get My Published Book in Bookstores?
Step 1: Prepare Your Book for Bookstore Distribution
Before approaching bookstores with your self-published book for distribution, its quality must fulfill specific standards. Content quality, as well as presentation, will have an enormous effect on whether bookstores will even carry it - here are a few aspects you need to pay particular attention to:
Professional Editing: Your book needs to be professionally written and carefully edited before being released for public reading. An experienced editor can ensure it complies with industry standards while being free of errors and oversights.
Attractive Book Cover Design: When designing the cover of your book, aesthetic appeal should always take precedence over functionality. A visually striking cover should look professional while drawing readers in and showcasing your story.
ISBN and Barcode: For your book to be sold at bookstores, it will require its own unique ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and barcode for tracking sales and inventory control purposes. These components of inventory management provide essential details.
Quality Printing: Be certain your book is printed using high-grade materials; bookstores typically do not stock books with poor binding, cheap paper, and/or low-grade printing quality.
Step 2: Understand Bookstore Distribution Channels
To successfully get your book into bookstores, it will need a reliable distribution channel that bookstores trust. Standard options for self-published authors are as follows.
IngramSpark: One of the leading print-on-demand and distribution services for authors, IngramSpark enables authors to distribute their books directly into bookstores, including Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, etc.
Amazon CreateSpace: Their Expanded Distribution program gives your book exposure beyond Amazon itself when publishing self-published books through Amazon's CreateSpace platform.
Direct Sales to Bookstores: Some authors opt to sell directly to bookstores, although this can be challenging compared to working through established distributors; it may take more patience. However, it can work, provided the author builds relationships and offers incentives as part of his or her strategy.
Step 3: Build Relationships with Bookstore
Publishing books in stores is more than simply meeting technical specifications; it also requires building relationships. Many bookstores prefer stocking books by authors they already trust more often, which makes this step crucial in getting into stores. Here are a few suggestions for connecting with bookstore owners and managers:
Attend Book Events and Festivals: Attending book events is an effective way of building relationships with bookstore owners and decision-makers who may help promote your book's success. Handshake interactions help develop rapport while showing people your dedication.
Create a Press Kit: Your press kit should include information on the book, author biographical details, media coverage, and any key accolades or reviews received that sway bookstores to stock your book. Be sure to include professional photographs of its cover and any notable accolades received or reviews you have been honored with, in addition to professional photographs showing the book cover artwork or the author's face!
Offer a Local Connection: Independent bookstores are often more willing to support local authors if there's some connection with that area (for instance, if you live there). Leverage this to your advantage when approaching bookstores for support.
Step 4: Get Reviews and Build Buzz
Bookstores frequently depend on customer demand and reviews when deciding to stock books, so creating buzz around your self-published book increases its chance of getting noticed by bookstores. Here are some strategies for doing this:
Get Reviews from Influencers and Bloggers: Reach out to book bloggers, reviewers, and influencers within your genre to secure positive reviews that demonstrate credibility for bookstores wanting your book in their inventory.
Use Social Media: Social media is an incredible platform for connecting with readers and increasing awareness about your book. Share sneak previews, behind-the-scenes looks, and reader testimonials to drive interest from potential buyers.
Consider Paid Advertising: Paid ads on platforms like Amazon or Facebook may help drive more visitors and sales for your book, increasing its chances of being picked up by bookstores.
Step 5: Provide Consignment Deals
Consignment deals are one of the easiest and most straightforward methods of entering bookstores as a self-published author, where your books are given out on a trial basis to stores that only pay when one or more sell. Some key considerations should be kept in mind here when offering consignment offers:
Understand Your Terms: Before agreeing to consignment terms, including how long your book will remain on shelves and payment arrangements. Be clear and precise regarding these matters for optimal success.
Follow Up Regularly: To monitor your book's progress at bookstores and managers, it is vital that you contact them periodically with updates—be polite but persistent!
Discounted Pricing: Offering your book for consignment at discounted pricing may make it more appealing to bookstores that seek to maximize profit margins.
Step 6: Consider Professional Help
If your self-published book has proven difficult to sell in bookstores, professional assistance might be in order. Therefore book publishing services may offer bookstore placement services, marketing guidance, and distribution expertise, which could greatly assist the process and boost your chances for success. Hiring such assistance may save you time and frustration in reaching success with self-publishing your novel!
Step 7: Stay Patient and Flexible
Introducing your book into bookstores can take time. Bookstore buyers often have many books they review at once, which could delay their placement on shelves. Here are a few things you should bear in mind as part of this process:
Don't Take Rejection Personally: Not every bookstore may agree to carry your book; that doesn't indicate its lack of quality—only that it's not right for that store's customers.
Be Open to Alternative Distribution Options: When major bookstores are unavailable as sources for your genre-related books, try exploring smaller independent or niche bookstores as possible distributors.
Continue Promoting: Once your book has hit store shelves, it's important to continue promoting it by hosting events, book signings, or offering discounts—these measures should help maintain momentum!
Final Thoughts
Implementing your self-published book into bookstores takes hard work, patience, and strategy - but with these traits, you can successfully navigate this complex process and see your book hit store shelves!
Make sure your book is professionally produced, foster strong relationships with bookstore owners, and generate buzz via reviews and promotions. Consider consignment deals. If needed, seek professional book publishing services, as they will guide your book through this journey to success.
If you follow these steps, you are taking an important step toward making your self-published book a hit in traditional retail outlets.