For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers
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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The math for my books seems better than what you are describing. I have Happy Publishing, my own imprint of Wyatt-MacKenzie (publisher in Oregon). Lightning Source does the printing for the publisher, and the book is listed in Ingram.
For my second book, it is called "Happiness Quotations" due next month and I will pay:
Thank you very much for sharing this info. I've known about such "events," and others. In fact, my one and only New Year's Resolution is to "not freely contribute any more books!"
A. K. Buckroth. Independent Publisher
WOW! I just did it - referencing book signings with Alma Maters. Both in Massachusetts, I heard from one (Worcester State University) and awaiting the other (Quinsigamnd Community College) along with the non-profit organization out there that receives a partial percentage of my profit. I wrote that in the book (The Center for Diabetes Education)!
Good Luck! Don't procrastinate. Google your school(s) and locate the Publicity Department/Director of Media Services. I am hoping to schedule before graduation day(s). Wish me luck!
A. K. Buckroth
Hi. Well, my similar efforts have not been as responsive as I had originally hoped. After 'walking the streets' in four different towns with a purpose, beginning with a Book Signing, each town has 3 - 4 books on consignment. It took me a while to learn - especially after sending invoices without a response - that each store prefers a telephone call to give me an update. Better still, I become satiated when making a personal visit.
Presently, and when I can fill up the gas tank, I'll visit and inquire if the proprietor(s) would rather I take the books back. I have better luck at personal Book Signings.
Consistently learning...A. K. Buckroth.
Okay, I'm about to share some information with you guys, you really need to know. Now, if any of you would like me to open up a new group and start something to help answer questions and give you suggestions as to the "HOW" to's, I have an approval on this and will be glad to do it.
First off, the publishing industry is vast and is suffering through a major change right now. I speak of this, because I own a publishing company and have the "IN's" with the 'Powers That Be'. My social contact lists on a regular basis are The New York Times Book Reviews and book buyers at the major store book chains. So the information I'm telling you is correct and backed by experience.
Dealing with POD's are tricky. Book buyers don't like POD books for several reason. 1) They have to pay for them upfront. 2) 90% of the time POD books are offered to the bookstore buyers with limited discounts and no returnabilty. Basically, they would be buying the book - not knowing whether the book will sell or not. Having a stock a book and it not selling- is dangerous for bookstores. Hence the returnability- they are stuck with the book.
Dealing with POD publishers. All publishers are not alike. Most POD publishers DO NOT promote the books or even try to sell their books to a bookstore. Why? Because they don't want to take the risk that the books will be returned. It costs a publisher more than just the cost of the book. These publishers see very little in the way of marketing books they publish IF they do any marketing at all. Most don't, because of the money it takes to advertise and campaign a book properly. Not to mention they are not going to put the money into stocking books in a warehouse. Hence -POD. Like I stated before- not all publishers are alike.
John Kramer is very correct when he stated- "Your publisher should be the one to get your book in the bookstores." Now, if your publisher doesn't do anything but take your money to publish your book, this is called a Vanity Press and is truly where you don't want to be.
Now, Borders has recently changed their book buying policy, where they will only be buying books that are by well known or best selling authors. Yeah, okay. I've found a way around this.
Another thing mentioned is retail discounts. Most places like Amazon or even dealing with Baker & Tayler require a 55% discount on books they sell. This again is something your publisher works out- as it is their job to SELL your book and not hide behind 'we offer' or "you book is available to'. Watch the wording folks, this is where you can be limited.
To truly self publish your own books, you need a printer. Like, someone mentioned above (please forgive me as I did forget the person's name), they use Lightning Source. This is one method where you can publish your own books and have them "available" to places like Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers.
To have your books on the bookstore shelves takes a larger step than what you have imagined. True publishers put alot of time and effort into preparing a book before it's even released. There is a process here to build a media kit to present to the book buyers. Even Baker & Tayler ( a wholesaler) want to see this. A properly written media kit, tells the book buyers about your book and gives them an idea of the work you've done to promote the book prior to its release.
Again, this is only a tidbit of information, the whole process that makes it work is basically a program from start to finish, before the book is published and after its release.
Now, concerning problems with getting a big publisher to look at your manuscript is another story all together. An editor of a publishing company considers a number of things when reviewing your submissions. The first thing: Did you follow directions? This is the number 1 reasons why manuscripts are refused. 2) A well written and prepared Query letter is a must. You have to do your homework and research on the other books in the market which are similar to yours. 3) Editing. If you have past the test of the first 2, and your book is poorly edited the manuscript will be refused.
On the subject of booksignings, this again is another process of work which needs to be done and explained in detail so you understand why you get refused by bookstores.
I have to give John Kramer credit, to the highest degree for developing a website such as this, where you can learn HOW to market your books. But, there is a way to put the information he gives you into a working package and make the most out of it. There is a step by step process to all this madness.
To make the most of it, you have to understand how the process works and where you fit in. Then you discover your role as not only an author, but a promoter, marketer and even in certain cases a distributer and sales agent. Yes, it's alot of work, but ...fun!
Again, if you would like for me to set up a group, please let me know. We can discuss the how to's of each step and I can explain to you in depth of why there are certain rules. Because of my passion for people and new authors I try to be as helpful as I can. I know the struggles and disappointments each face. However, I do know the success as well.
T.
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