The first Wednesday of every month I participate in The Insecure Writer’s Support Group. #IWSG. This is one AMAZING group of talented beginners and professional authors. One of the many things we all have in common is our moments of extreme insecurity about our craft. Another is our gratitude and pay it forward attitudes when our confidence is soaring.
To find out more about the IWSG or to join us, visit:
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com
Wednesdays are also ‘Writing Wednesday’s’ here. Each week I am going to share some of the things I have found that worked and some that didn’t work so well along my journey to publication, marketing and preparing to be published again.
How to get you and your book in bookstores…
To have a chance at having your book stocked in a book store, your publisher has to be willing to offer your book to them at a wholesale discount price of at least 55% off the cover price. The books must also be returnable to the publisher if they do not sell within the stores allotted time-frame.
If you use Amazon for publishing it will be difficult to have your book available in an actual book store. This is because Amazon Publishers will not process returns and they will not offer further discounts.
Lightening Source is a self-publishing company you can use if you want your book to be available in book stores. They process returns, for a charge. All publishers, even traditional ones charge you for your returns. (I don’t know any one that has used them so this is not an endorsement)
All print books are ordered and delivered to stores through a book distribution center. The two major distributors are Ingram and Baker & Taylor. If the publisher you are planning to use does not use one or both of these distributors, move on from that publisher.
It is possible to have a CRM (Barnes & Noble) or an Event Coordinator (Independent) to allow you to bring books to the store and have them manually put them into the store’s inventory. This is not something they like to do so you will have to convince them the book has received decent reviews and that you can get people through the door.
If you have an agent or a publisher they will most likely ask you for a list of place’s you would like to have a book signing or a reading. Chances are they have a business relationship with the event coordinators for those stores and your chances.
Once you have an event scheduled you will need to do your best to get customers through the door. Social media alone will not work. You also cannot count on foot traffic in the store. Once people realize you are selling something they will go the other way. You need to be creative to get them in front of your table. I use chocolate and promotional items like book markers, pens and notebooks.
Read how to get media attention for your book- https://doreenmcgettigan.com/?p=5243
Print postcards and ask the book store to keep them on the counter, mail them to everyone on your address list and ask other stores if you can pin one on their bulletin board.
Print flyers, do an e-mail blast, send press releases (see PR post,) post the event on the calendars of every local newspaper and magazine (online and in print if available,) write a blog post, social media posts and place a small add in a local newspaper.
Completely stress out over what to wear, just kidding (no I’m not!) Seriously have fun.
Other suggestions for book signings:
Libraries
Gift shops
Book Fairs
Holiday Fairs
Charity Events
Did you know that if you go into a library and donate paperback books it is possible (highly likely) they will be thrown in the trash can? Libraries prefer hardcover books. They also use major distributors to purchase books. Ask the librarian what their policy is before leaving books.
Happy Writing,
Doreen
18 thoughts on “Writing Wednesday/Book Store Signings & Readings…”
More good info, Doreen. I love that you are compiling this.
Thank you so much, Carol!
Awesome article! Great advice that I hope I need one day!
Thank you!
Great advice! I hope, by this time next year, I’ll be in a position to use this advice!
b
I hope you are too! Hopefully once you are settled in the creativity will be overflowing.
I always look forward to these posts! I have a whole board on Pinterest for these great tips. Thanks so much for sharing them with us rookies!
Thank you!!
Echoes a lot of what I’ve been reading lately. And I am in the process of self-publishing a novel. My head is ready to explode!
The whole process is beyond overwhelming.
Great info, Doreen. And you’re so right about foot traffic in the bookstore looking the other way when they realize you’re selling (tho signing). I used to run the literacy program at the local B&N, and so often I saw a lonely book signer whom the store traffic did their best to avoid.
I loved it when my publicist or even my granddaughters walked around the store handing out bookmarkers and inviting people over to the table. Sometimes people are just shy.
Love this post. I printed it and will be putting it in my resource folder. As an indie author, this folder is overflowing, but I love this community and its willingness to share. Thanks!
My IWSG Post
Thank you so much. I absolutely love #IWSG too!
Great info Doreen! Thanks for sharing. On my way to click the other interesting links in your post – so glad I found you! -Veronica
Thank you so much Veronica!
I am having a book signing at my home Wednesday night…a lovely woman has written a book and I am going to do everything I can to help her.
That is awesome!!