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I recently contacted 5 local bookstores and 3 have agreed to sell some of my books. One of them will take the book on consignment. Has anyone had any problems with this type of agreement...is there any other way? The other two stores are owned by friends so there isn't an issue.

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I always have a written agreement (either their form or my own) so that I know when to expect payment: as each book is sold, monthly, or quarterly. I also touch base with store owners at least every six weeks so they don't forget about me. I've only had one incident where I had to send two notices that payment was overdue, the second one strongly worded. It worked. This business works like any other; you have to follow-through and follow-up.
Most bookstores order books from catalogs, distributors and on demand from patrons.
Only small local bookstores will buy from 3 to 10 copies but it takes a lot author’s time and energy. The best way to promote your books is to participate at different kind of events…Bookstore will have your book when set up time for your presentation… The consignment is a very tricky tool…

Rachel Madorsky,
Author of “Symphony of Your Karma” and
“Create Your Own Destiny.”
http://www.rachelmadorsky.com
This is going to be a great week!! I hope

I got invited to a local book store on Sunday for a book reading and signing, There offering to place my books.

One of the author's who's going to be there is a person who is in charge of a small local news paper and is going to interview me for the paper. By small I'm saying they deliver 33,000 papers locally.

I'm excite and nervous at the same time. Hope it goes well. I'm willing to do a lot more reading at this place to help get out my name, as well as sell my books.
Congratulations!!
Congratulations, William! It is always a thrill when we get such a positive response to our book. You mentioned another author being there. Is it an author fair or a single book signing and reading?

Bask in the glory! *grin*
This is going to be a great week!! I hope

I got invited to a local book store on Sunday for a book reading and signing, There offering to place my books.

One of the author's who's going to be there is a person who is in charge of a small local news paper and is going to interview me for the paper. By small I'm saying they deliver 33,000 papers locally.

I'm excite and nervous at the same time. Hope it goes well. I'm willing to do a lot more readings at this place to help get out my name, as well as sell my books.
Bookstores seem to be getting increasingly sheepish. I've had the same problem.They just don't want to deal with returns. I think it's good if you some stores are willing to take your books on consignment. It's better than being told "no."
I'm finding that with budgets tight, bookstores are taking less chances on just a press release and a book. If they know you, they are more apt to take a chance. I'm still having trouble getting local bookstores to be interested. I wish I had a friend that managed one nearby. Indie bookstores are more interested on-line than chains. But new authors just have trouble getting the word out about their books. Network with who you know is a great way. The fact you've got 3 to agree is fantastic. Be proud of yourself. That's a great start.
Hi, I put my book in alot of local stores and it has done very well. Good idea Linda
Consignment has its advantages and disadvantages. If you have a bookstore that keeps accurate records and will provide you a contract and will place your book in a key spot, you could do well. I have a bookstore in Turkey and we do this sometimes with new authors. It is extra work for the bookstore staff but if they think the book has potential they are willing to offer consignment. Be sure to include a clause on damaged goods. Hope your book does well.Wish you much success!
Charlotte,
Where in Turkey is your bookstore in Turkey located? I am a Turkish-American author and would be most interested in having your store there carry my book, Voice of Conscience, by Behcet Kaya
thanks,
Behcet Kaya
www.behcetkaya.com
Just make sure you get it in writing. Consignment sales are risky if the store has hidden costs, such as shelf space charges, etc. I have a friend in the SF Bay area who sold books on consignment for several months only to discover the store owner was charging her a quarterly shelf space charge equal to her expected receipts. If she had put the agreement on paper, then the owner would not have been quite so willing to cheat her. If the store owner balks at a written agreement, then don't do business with them, period. Let them rip somebody else off. A reputable store owner will gladly sign an agreement which describes all of the terms, while a crook will seek ways to keep it in the verbal domain.

On a similar vein, never connect the store owner directly with your publisher, perform all transactions as though they were between you and the owner. There are numerous reasons for this. Your publisher may not appreciate being dragged into an agreement they didn't make, nor will they care much for law suits should the deal go south.

Keep it professional, put it in writing, and act directly.
M. Andrew Sprong, author of "Haley Cork and the Blue Door"

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