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

[Robert Morgen]

Most independent bookstores will pretty much always take books on consignment. I usually offer the standard 40% discount (they pay you 60% of the books retail price and keep the rest) when the books sell.

YOU CAN NEGOTIATE with bookstores! If they want a 50% discount then tell them that that's ok as long as they put the books on the counter next to the register, or face out on the shelves. Remember to leave bookmarks and postcards with the books info, ISBN and your website on the counter!

Remember that you have something they WANT. I see a lot of authors who act like the bookstore owners are doing them a huge favor, but remember that if you put your books in on consignment, set up a booksigning and put in your marketing materials then you are doing a LOT for the bookstore!

This should always be a win/win situation for both you and the bookstore owner.

Robert Morgen :)
Kundalini Awakening for Personal Mastery 2nd Edition

http://kundalini-awakening.info

[Jack Joseph Prather]

Hi There - Bookstores require 40%, consignment and delivery for POD books like mine, and won't stock them despite the fact returns are guaranteed by my publisher. So, I recently decided to "minimize" use of bookstores in my marketing plans to concentrate on shows and exhibitions, readings and signings, and carefully vetted direct-to-purchaser websites that take much less of a percentage. My novel, poetry book and PR guidebook are doing okay, despite the crushing volume of new books pouring off traditional or digital printing presses.
P.S. - Joslyn Bleick, owner of Mountain Lore Bookstore, a fine venue that does a great job of marketing local authors, mentioned your name to me a while back.

[nancy y. bonar]

Jack:

I'm a retired, accredited PR counselor (PRSA), and an emerging (I hope) author of the first-ever Navy submarine cookbook for the general public; my way of educating about The Silent Service and its men who receive, by the nature of missions, little or no fan fare.

As of now, I'll be going the traditional publishing route as I have a established marketing base via Navy., cookbook clubs, web site/blog, etc.

Tell me about your PR guidebook and, perhaps, I can provide some marketing suggestions. Assume you have a PR background?

[ANDREA BAXCY]

No. My publisher is handling mine so far.

[Phanuel Muverengwi]

I am self-publishing. I had no choice because local publishers turned down my manuscripts. They prefer educational books which they see as having a captive market. The norm in Zimbabwe is that books are sold on consignment, even books from publishers.

The problem that I face is that some bookshops put very huge mark-ups on my books, which reduces the chances of the books being bought. They do not even want to disclose beforehand what their mark up will be. In addition, the bookshops prefer to window-display only books by established writers.

[Anthea Carson]

Hi Cindy,

I have had mixed experience with consignment. Some pay, some loose track of what they owe, and don't keep good records, one actually lost the book and then refused to pay, blaming it on me! But others have been very postive. I think it just depends on the store. It might be a good idea to keep really good records, and get receipts from them so you can prove they have your book. My publisher has discouraged me from using them, so I have only used a few.

Anthea

[Charlotte McPherson]

You need to keep accurate records and check your records with their records. I am the owner of a bookstore and we tend to avoid consignment agreements as it can be time consuming keeping up with records. So glad you have 3 who have agreed. Make sure every thing is in writing with proper signatures. Congratulations!

[JS]

Have you had any experience with ebook distribution? What about online distribution of hard copies?

[Jack Joseph Prather]

Yeah, thanks . . . am on several indie bookseller sites and all of the online bookseller sites . . . e-book still under consideration. Jack

[Brad Collen]

Yes, there is another way to reach a large audience base you can also opt for a book marketing and a book promotion company. They certainly have an edge over the conventional way of marketing your work. You just have to register with them and for a very low cost your work will be showcased in national and international book fairs and book exhibits. In reference to that I would like to recommend a website that will help to display your work on a global level. The name of the website is Combined Book Exhibit and they have a very good reputation in the publishing community.

[Michael Burns]

Depends on who your publisher is. Some won't accept returns, so bookstores are not likely to run the risk of getting stuck with a pile of books that they can't sell.

[Skeeze Whitlow]

08/17/09
Skeeze Whitlow
4317 N. 16th Street
Arl. VA 22207
240 – 271 - 7569 www.NewFiction.com


Dear Bookstore Sellers,
As a former U.S. Capitol attendant, I offer you Senate Parking. A 90 K word novel about a multicultural crew of parking lot attendants who operate an escort service from the Senate lots. A good look at the underbelly of our law making process. Senate Parking can be listened to at www.NewFiction.com
“Hill Intros” is the brainstorm of attendants unable to obtain employment within the confines of the Capitol. Senate Parking is the story of power structures, on a personal and national level. Done from the perspective of workers who see themselves without much chance of ‘making it’ in a culture of power drivers, Washington’s backdrop provides a tension all its own.
This book concerns every kind of shady deal for which the political arena is famous. Senate Parking is full of anecdotes which let freedom ring. I can provide you with a synopsis or with the complete manuscript – whatever you like. Either way, I’ll be in touch.
Sincerely,

Skeeze Whitlow