For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers
Local Bookstores
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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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by William Butler on
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Hello Cindy,
I love your thread. It has provide a great deal of good information.
I have a question that's slightly off-topic; regarding radio and television publicity. I have a book signing scheduled for September 8th and want to get as much publicity as possible. However, in our town there are no radio or television stations (only a local newspaper) but the neighboring cities have both. Was you communication with the media (radio and TV) done in person, through written correspondence, or by phone?
I guess I'm trying to determine the best method of attack before I spend time and effort on less likely avenues.
William
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Permalink Reply by Cindy Jost on
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Hi William
I sent an email to the radio and television stations in the cities surrounding the small town I live in. It worked for me. As of today will be doing two television appearances. One of sept 10th and the other at the end of November.
www.freewebs.com/cindyjost
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Permalink Reply by Robyn on
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The success we've had getting publicity for our authors comes from picking up the phone or email. Email only works of course if the other person opens it so the title has to be quite clear that you are not selling, just promoting an opportunity to work with them. One our authors is in a rough state for getting media attention but all I had to do on rainy afternoon is pick up the phone, talk to a reporter and he requested all my information by fax or email. I sent it off and she appeared in the community events page. The event was very successful, and I think more so because of the media attention.
Likewise, you can google local community calendars for cities or go on radio websites to add your events.
I find you really have to act fairly professional, pitch the information to them in a short amount of time if you have them on the phone and be quiet while they respond to what you've said. Even no's with half answers can provide more information.
Robyn
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Permalink Reply by Tanya White on
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Are you a self published author? If so, what was your technique for getting the local bookstores to agree to sell your book? I have contacted a great deal of bookstores in my area and have experienced rejection after rejection b/c they all say the the don't shelf self published authors or even host book signings from self published authors. I would love any insight you may have.
Thanks
Tanya
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Hi Tanya
I am not a self published author, but one of the book stores I contacted didn't ask that question. Another one I contacted would only work with the publishing company. So I suppose it all depends on who you contact. Neither one of them are big named bookstores like Chapters etc, but they do have a steady customer flow.
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Permalink Reply by Marion James on
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Oooh.. Tanya. If you could fly to Istanbul, we'd love to host you at the Greenhouse, your book looks informative and FUN!
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Permalink Reply by Dennis N. Griffin on
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I have a total of nine books published. The first six were fictions. Four were self-published through 1stBooks (now Author House). Two are with Publish America - a royalty paying POD publisher. My last three are non-fiction and are through a traditional small press.
I had generally poor results with chain stores regarding signings/stocking my self-published and/or POD books. If they did allow authors in my category to do signings I had to appear with others in the same boat, supply my own books and split any sales 60/40% with the store. That made it a losing proposition financially, assuming any books were sold. In one case I had to wait nearly six months, make a lot of phone calls and send several e-mails to pry my share of the two sales out of Barnes & Noble. I never tried leaving books on consignment because the money the store demanded made it cost prohibitive.
I have posted multiple blogs here on BMN about my signing and marketing experiences. Those articles are also available on my BMN page and on my personal site at: http://www.authorsden.com/dennisngriffin
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Permalink Reply by Georgia Richardson on
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I've done this and with great results. When I approach a bookstore, I have my Consignment Notebook handy and I know exactly what I will accept as far as percentages. So, when they say, "Gee, we would love to have your book, but we only do consignment," I say cheerfully, "Hey, no prob...I have a few books I can leave you for a test drive, and I like to do ___ to ____%, how does that suit your needs? Want me to leave say....five to start with? And I'll check back every other Wednesday to see how many more you need. Would that work for you?"
I've never been turned down, and they've always sold the books. And...some have said, "Let me just buy 10 books for you from now on, and you can just stay on schedule to check for refills." Not many, but some of them. I've only had ONE bookstore that was slow in payment and as it turned out, that manager was eventually fired for mismanagment of funds...ahem. But the new manager there takes books all the time and payment is always on schedule; quarterly.
I think it is another great avenue for getting your name out there and for establishing a good, workable relationship with the store owners/managers. I've been invited for many book signings (which I hate) at these consignment stores, too as a result of our "relationship."
I have to add here that I HAVE talked with other authors who had horror stories about not getting paid by bookstores who had their books on consignment, but if you take a Consigment Sheet for them to sign, this binds them legally, or at least obligates them to you for payment. A contract, if you will. Make sure it has a date, number of books, the store's name, the managers name printed under their signature (so you can read it) and the percentage you agreed upon. Hope this helps! Forgive the "thesis." I don't know when to shut up.
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Thank you Georgia...I totally gapped the idea of taking a "contract" to ensure payment...
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Georgia
THANK YOU, not just for this comment, but for your impressive and organized way of dealing with bookstores.
I guess, really authors: what you are struggling with is the culture clash thing. Authors tend to be creative, spontaneous and off the cuff - book store managers are administrators, detail people. A great generalization I know, but so is the Venus and Mars concept and that has sold millions of books!!!!
The more organised, efficient, and dare I say it business-like you appear, the more the book store is going to think that you will be easy to work with when it comes to settling up, providing receipts and invoices etc etc.
Try to present a proposition that will make it easy for the bookstore manager, in a way that makes it easy for them.
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I would be remiss if I didn't mention one more thing. I promise to keep it short. If a store manager turns you down, they have their reasons. Their job is not an easy one, so be kind, be courteous, and respect their decision. That seems obvious, I know, but I have witnessed the opposite and it wasn't pretty.
Remember this, a person may not remember your name, but they will always remember how you made them feel. As the beloved Aretha Franklin sings, R-E-S-P-E-CT!
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Permalink Reply by Deborah Rummelhart on
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Hi Georgia:
This is great advice; thank you som much. Would you be willing to share a copy of the "Consignment Sheet" you use? If not, do you know where I can see a sample? Also, what percentage do you suggest to bookstores? I was thinking 60% for me, 40% for the bookstore, I come back in a month a take the books that have not sold, and I provide a bookstand to them for my books.
I have written and self-published a book about the stress relief and other health benefits of yoga, and the book and my website have a coupon for a free yoga class honored at 45 yoga studios nationwide. Go to www.funnypath.com to get the free coupon, and thanks in advance for your advice.
Best wishes,
Deborah Rummelhart
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