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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Permalink Reply by CBM Christian Book Marketing on December 3, 2010 at 1:44pm

I love it, thinking outside the box ....

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Permalink Reply by Betty Williams on December 21, 2010 at 1:02pm

Oh, I LOVE these ideas!!!

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Permalink Reply by Betty Williams on December 21, 2010 at 1:01pm

Hi Cindy:

I have also been contacting local bookstores to carry my book and am getting positive feedback from those willing to sell my book on consignment. Since my book was recently published, I cannot say that I have had problems with this arrangement, so I remain optimistic. Since your post was written several years ago, do you mind enlightening me on how you have faired with the consignment arrangements? Also, can you provide any recommendations to me as a newly, self-published author?

Thanks,

~Betty

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Permalink Reply by Erica M Nelson on December 29, 2010 at 7:28am

The only problem I've had with consignment is keeping good records and remembering to check back in, collect, that kind of thing. I had spa owners sell my book as a display for spa visitors (it is about happiness) and then I had to remember to check back in and such. So it doesn't scale perfectly, but it was good business. I didn't have any problem collecting the funds.

I also had my hairstylist display the book. The best tool was to purchase these little stands (triangle looking) to hold the books. Then I could offer the stand with the books, and this helped displays get accepted all over.

~Erica

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Permalink Reply by A. K. Buckroth on December 29, 2010 at 11:11am

This topic, ["Selling In] Local Bookstores" has become increasingly interesting as well as encouraging. Not only am I a newly published author (March, 2010) but am an Independent Publisher. With that said, not only am I the Marketing Director, but Sales Promoter and more of what has become a sole-proprietorship. And let me tell you, it's all a lot of work with few monetary rewards!

With a background in business management and administration, I literally set out to (#1.) do some footwork. Not only did this involve leaving flyer invites on neighbors doors and window placements in local businesses to the initial "book launch," but (#2.) also onto smaller, qauint, neighborhood style bookstores. Through the knowledge of my publisher (Prismatic Publishing, Rocklin, CA), my book, a project of my dreams, is now featured in Borders Bookstores. Book signings and/or Book Speaks go along with each invite/event. Thus far, I have traveled over 500 miles, one-way (Sacramento to Los Angeles) to market this book.

To shorten this long story, since April, 2010, my book is on the shelves of four libraries and six bookstores. (#3.) Time has to be put aside for further footwork: courteously visiting and/or telephoning each library and bookstore.

I have become embarrased when asking them for my percentage check (60:40 in most cases). Invoices have been sent - and ignored except for one bookstore. This has become a lone fight really, but a learning experience as well.

Good luck to all with your book selling endeavors. I look forward to reading your replies.

~Andrea.

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Permalink Reply by CBM Christian Book Marketing on December 29, 2010 at 12:14pm

Congratulations on a job well done .... keep pressing forward.

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Permalink Reply by Johnny Saunders on January 7, 2011 at 9:32am

I ran into a brick wall with Barnes & Noble and thus decided not to do business with them... ever! However, Borders seems to be working with me--at least the local branch. The national portion of Borders has a lot of barriers. The manager said I'd be lucky to have it on the shelves by next Christmas. Hmmm?

Then he offered a ray of hope: he said he'd review it and if he's satisfied he'd sell it at his branch. No mention of a consignment deal. I did say that ultimately I wanted to do a book signing. That might have helped, and I'd be pushing the local author stuff.

A smaller, independent book seller agreed to consignment sales.

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Permalink Reply by CBM Christian Book Marketing on January 7, 2011 at 11:07am

I encourage all author to pursue as many books signings as you can, even with smaller book stores. This can make a huge difference ... You might even find a store at the local mall that would allow you to do a book signing. Working with a local bookstore manager is better than corporate head-quarters, that's for sure.

Keep your presentation professional ... be bookstore and customer friendly. Offer a drawing for free books, give away book markers .... make your book signing more than just a book signing ... bookstore managers like that.

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Permalink Reply by Erica M Nelson on January 7, 2011 at 11:55am

Thank you! that's great advice. I really appreciate it.

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Permalink Reply by B.M. Harwani on January 15, 2011 at 5:07am

Hello Cindy

My two books are available on Amazon as POD.The links of them are as follows :

http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Web-Development-Smartphones-Applica...

and the link of other book is

http://www.amazon.com/Blogging-WordPress-Beginners-Practical-Mainta...

I want the books to be sold at local bookstores. What shall I do?

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Permalink Reply by John J. Hohn on January 23, 2011 at 5:39am

I cobbled a consignment agreement together from model documents I found through Google. I have had luck both with consignment and selling copies outright to the store owner. Selling them ourtright is much less complicated. The store owner doesn't need to keep records. I don't need to check back. Shoplifted copies never become an issue (or otherwise unaccounted for). None of us make much on Amazon and other sites. I price my books for sale outright at an attractive level so the profits are there for the seller. I also suggest a trial price, perhaps a buck or so above my cost with agreement that if the book moves, we can negotiate something better. I think it is a mistake to look only into bookstores. I live in a town the attracts a lot of tourists. I found a couple of stores catering to tourist traffic willing to carry my book. I prepare an 8 1/2 X 11 poster featuring the picture of my book, excerpts from reviews that have been published, and top it off with a banner the heralds the work as a local writer's product.