1.
Get
your
self-published
booksinto
bookstores
&libraries!
Get
your
self-published
booksinto
bookstores
&libraries!
8KEY STEPS TO RETAILBOOKSALES step-by-step
guide!

2.
Learn about BOOK DISTRIBUTION and
BOOK BUYERS and how they decide
to buy books!
YES, you can
get your book
into the stores
and libraries!

3.
step
1
Know the Market
for Your Book
What books and categories are selling well
right now?
What is the average retail price that readers
expect to pay for books like yours?
What are the covers and designs
people are comparing to your book?
Do the stores and libraries
you are targeting BUY books
like yours? Are you sure?

4.
step
2
Know How
They Buy Books
Most chain bookstores buy from wholesalers.
Independent bookstores buy from wholesalers
AND also buy on consignment sometimes
directly from authors or publishers.

5.
step
3
Get into Book
Wholesalers
Bookstores and libraries will start
by looking at their favorite wholesaler’s database.
If you are POD with IngramSpark
then you will already be in the Ingram Wholesaler
database.
If not ...
> > >

6.
step
3
If you are not Print on Demand (POD),
then you can apply to the wholesalers of your choice.
Start by visiting these sites:
Ingram
Baker & TaylorB&T Application
America West Brodart
Follett (K-12 and University Libraries)

7.
step
4
Create a Marketing
& Media Plan
Create a constant set of activities
to “show” the world your book.
What are you doing to create that buzz?
What media are you contacting
and what reviews are you going after?

8.
step
5
Create Professional
Marketing Materials
You have just moments to convince a
bookstore buyer or a librarian to take your book.
The best way to get the “YES” is to show them
these key book marketing tools in one place.

9.
step
6
Know Your Buyer’s
Goals
Librarian or bookstore buyers have goals
that keep them employed and happy.
Ÿ to look good to their bosses
Ÿ to choose books that appeal to their patron
Ÿ to make money for their location
Ÿ to increase traffic to their location
Ÿ to not have to add a lot of items
to their to-do lists

10.
step
7
Contact Bookstore
Buyers & Librarians
Start by sending an email to the buyer
or librarians stating that you are promoting your book.
Remember that you know their goals.
Every part of your communication
should be focused on their goals, not yours.
Keep this in mind
and you will get a LOT further!

11.
step
8
Follow up
Know the answers to these questions BEFORE
you ask a book buyer to stock your book on their shelves:
Ÿ Is your book returnable?
Ÿ Where is your book available?
Ÿ What discounts and terms are you offering?
Ÿ What marketing are you doing?
Ÿ Are there any events or programs you can do
at their location?
Ÿ Are there any articles or content
you can provide for their
website or newsletter?

12.
Find the right stores
and libraries, do your homework,
create your materials,
reach out to the buyers
and get ready for those checks!
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