Local Bookstores

[Cindy Jost]

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.

www.freewebs.com/cindyjost

[Linton Robinson]

Well, I don't like consign, but I do it when I have to. As Feon suggests, part of the problem is getting them to see the book as an investment they need to move out.

If a book is selling well at an outlet I like to move people into a retail position when I can. "Hey, you're selling this thing really well. Instead of us having to keep count of the consignments, why don't you just buy (one, two four, what seems to work) to keep things simple."
I usually, especially with little outfits unsure about the book, will guarantee them. "If you don't sell those four in a month, I'll take 'em back." I've only had to do that once in like 20 years of selling my own books.

Also, I get much better sales in stores other than book stores. Part of that is the kind of book I have, but if you anything that fits into a non-bookstore environment, it's the only book there, usually right on the counter by the register.

[Smitty]

I have found that the smaller local bookstores are easy to deal with. Especially Christian bookstores for the Christian author. Consignments can be good, however you can also end up with a number of books with bent covers and pages from being handled and not purchased. It's wise to ask the store manager to showcase one book and keep the additional books off the shelve. Just a thought.

Some bookstores do not oder directly from the author and will not stock books that can't be returned. Having a return policy for books that do not sell always helps increase the chances of getting your books in bookstores.

[Patricia Wilson]

Hi Cindy,
If you have a really good book that you believe in, you can sell it to independent book stores. They will nearly always mention consignment because it is a better deal for them. They are accustomed to being able to return the book in 30days if it doesn’t sell. You need to be a good salesperson for your book (not pushy), believe in the book and tell them enough about it so that they will believe in it as well. Many independent book/gift stores look for the ‘special’ book that can’t be found in the big box stores. Only once have I consigned my book. Because the book store has no money in it there is no reason to tell people about it. You lose because you end up getting a returned book that is shop worn. If the store owns it, it is a win-win situation when they sell. They get a profit on their investment and they order more from you. If a store owner/manager balks when I say I don’t do consignment, I will suggest that they only purchase 2-3 books . That is not a big outlay for them and I give them a 40% discount so that they make their profit when the books are sold. So much of this book marketing thing is just a matter of not giving up. Don’t stop at 5 book stores.

[Smitty]

Very well said Cindy.

[Emily Bryan]

Indie booksellers are a writer's best friend. I recently contacted THE BOOK OASIS near my home and they agreed not only to stock signed copies of my books, they put me on their website! Check it out!

You never know till you ask.
Good luck!
Emily

[Smitty]

Goes to show what a little marketing will do. (-:
Sometimes one door, can open many doors.

Blessings,

Author Media Blogs & Book Marketing

[Don Harold]

Kudos to you and your book! Another way to promote your book is the idea of having mobile book stalls. It can be done in your own neighborhood. Also, you can donate one or two books for the public library. Maybe you can also make special arrangements.

http://www.articlesbase.com/press-releases-articles/bookwhirlcom-la...