In my last blog post, we looked at why you might want to try and sell your book in bookshops and have libraries stock it. In this blog post, we will be considering what you can do once you have made that decision – how you can get your book into bookshops and libraries. You may have to try for a long time, and it will take a lot of your energy but, hopefully, it will be worth it in the end if this is your goal!
In order to get your book in bookshops and libraries, you will first need to think about it from their point of view and adjust your book and plan accordingly. However, before we start looking at this, we will first have a quick reminder of the benefits having your book in bookshops and libraries brings.
What are the Benefits?
One of the advantages of having your book on the shelves in bookshops and libraries is the increased visibility this gives you as an author. Readers who would never have found your book on online selling platforms will instead see it in print, allowing you to increase your audience. This can also help you to diversify your earnings, which is great if you have a month of low sales online – print copies can make up for this, and vice versa.
Another advantage is the increased credibility being stocked in bookshops and libraries gives you as an author. It means that you are more likely to be taken seriously, at least by some people, which helps your reputation as a professional author grow. In addition, it may matter to you – maybe you feel a sense of pride seeing your book on shelves and would not get this just from being published.
Where to Start
The very first thing you need to do when trying to get your book into bookshops and libraries is to make sure your book is as polished as you can possibly get it. Make sure you have done all the stages of editing – you can read more about this in my blog here. You will need developmental editing to make sure your writing itself flows and is of a high standard, all the way through to proofreading, to iron out the final errors.
As well as looking professional, your book will need to have an ISBN and barcode. You can buy these yourself (check what the relevant organisation is in your country) and assign them to your books. It is essential that you have these, as bookshops and libraries will need them for their records and to make keeping track of stock easier.
Selling to Bookshops
The next thing you need to do is be prepared for the bookshop’s needs. Bear in mind that they receive pitches all the time from self-publishing authors, but they’re not obliged to stock any of these. Selling your book would be a risk for them, so you need to be prepared for the possibility they will reject it.
Don’t assume that you will get nearly all of the cover price of your book if they do agree to stock it– you won’t. Bookshops need to make their own profit on the book, as well as you. They will also have overheads such as heating and staff wages that must be dealt with before they get any profit. Expect them to ask for a 40% discount on your book, so make sure you have allowed enough room in your cover price for this.
Also, have a system set up for sale or return. If your books don’t sell within a certain period, the bookshop will require you to refund them and take the excess stock away, at your own expense. It is a good idea to plan how you would do this.
Next, think about which bookshops you will sell to. It is really helpful here if you are a regular customer of an independent and have got to know the owner. If they already know that you love books, they will be more likely to listen when you pitch yours. Offer to do signings and other events that might draw in customers.
In addition, keep track of any bookshops you have already been stocked in and how many copies sold. Knowing that your book is profitable makes it less of a risk for the bookshop, so they will be more likely to take it on.
Getting Your Book into Libraries
This requires a slightly different approach. You still need the basics like a professionally finished book, an ISBN and a barcode, but you don’t need to worry so much about price agreements and who will buy your book.
However, libraries are increasingly going digital to reach new audiences. This means that they may require your book in an ebook format, either instead of print or as well as. Make sure your ebook can be accessed in this way – exactly how will depend on your country, but many now use OverDrive, which uses books from Smashwords.
In addition, remember that different types of library tend to have different books. For example, an academic library will have quite a different range to a school library. Think about what section your book comes under and select which libraries you will try to get your book in based on this.
Wrapping Up
I hope that this helps you plan your strategy for getting your book into bookshops and libraries. In my next blog post, we will start thinking about how to get reviews for your self-published book, so come back in two weeks for that!
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