How to Get a Self-Published Book Into Bookstores
You’ve spent hours, days, weeks, months and maybe even years compiling all the information in your book. It is perfect. You paid a printing company to make your book look professional. You can have several books made, but it won’t become a bestseller until you get your book on the shelves of bookstores.
- Hire a publicity agent to promote your book and create revenue for your book. An agent can be quite costly, especially if this is your first book. You may want to do the work yourself. You may be able to get your book on the shelves of stores without an agent or manager.
- Call local bookstores and talk with a manager. Ask the manager how you can get your book sold at the store. Some bookstores have very specific policies about buying books from self-publishers. Explain to the manager that you are a local writer. Many bookstores have a section for books written by local writers.
- Follow the procedures set forth by the store to get your book on the shelves. This process may take some time, as stores require some additional information about you. By following the procedures, you are showing the bookstore that you are reliable and able to complete tasks presented to you.
- Ask the store to purchase your books at a certain price and then allow the managers to set the price for the book in their store. You will have money in your pocket and the store will have another product to sell. It is a win-win situation for everyone.
- Consider asking the bookstore to sell your book on consignment. This means that you offer the books to the store for free. When a book sells, the store will pay you a percentage.
- Present your book to the Independent Publishers Group (IPG). This group accepts self-published books and submits them to bookstores for the writer. Only a certain number of books are selected and you have to apply and complete the review process, but if your book is selected, it will be on the shelves of bookstore all across the country.
- Send your book to newspaper and magazine review panels. Do this whether you are able to sell your book in a bookstore or not. This will cost some initially, but it could get a review that helps the book to sell itself. If people are requesting your book because of a review they read the bookstores are much more likely to put your book on their shelves.