As you see the galley proofs of your book cover or lay your hands on the first printed copy with your byline, you feel that euphoric bliss known to authors. More so upon seeing your authored book arranged on bookstore shelves, along with other titles by seasoned writers.
One of your ultimate goals is to have your book in local bookstores, and perhaps one day, in bookstores worldwide. To keep you grounded, the Xlibris Author Advice reveals more reasons why bookstores may refuse to carry your book, as presented by She Writes Press publisher and author Brooke Warner.
3. You’re a self-published author
While more and more self-published authors are making a name for themselves, some bookstores remain skeptical over carrying them. Rest assured that the reason is more business-related than personal. Bookstores are in the business of selling books and not merely carrying them. This doesn’t mean you suck as a writer.
If you’re self-published, you are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to getting your book into brick-and-mortar stores. Some bookstores even have a policy against carrying CreateSpace books (because they’re anti-Amazon) … Buyers are wary of getting saddled with non-returnable inventory. If books aren’t easily accessible, set at the right discount, and readily returnable, bookstores simply don’t want to deal. They opt out, and self-published authors are marginalized as a result.
4. Where are your reviews?
Go the extra mile. Have your book reviewed by a professional book review company. As self-publishing takes off, it’s time to tell the reading public that a self-pubbed author like you have something to say. Imagine your work as a compilation of B-side tracks from a gifted yet unknown artist. A book review service can tell the world that your music is worth listening to despite crossing mainstream boundaries – That readers need to take a closer look, to give it a try, to cross over to the other side because it may be growing greener grass.
Reviews still drive buys, and anyone who tells you they don’t is misinformed. Reviews from the industry magazines/sites (Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, Library Journal, and Shelf Awareness) drive buys from bookstore buyers, librarians, and special accounts…
5. How far are you willing to market your book?
Xlibris hopes that your excitement in the early stages won’t be too overwhelming to end too soon. Keep the same fervor you had when you have decided to become an author. Your work is far from over and the adventure has just begun.
The more exposure you can get, the more reason a bookstore has to carry your book. You can walk into any bookstore in the country, too, and ask them to carry your book. If you are distributed by a major distributor, lead with that. Bring a copy of your book to show, and also give the bookstore good reason WHY they should carry your book.
Read the first part of this Xlibris Author Advice here.
Learn book marketing tips from Xlibris authors featured on the Xlibris Blog and the Xlibris Indie Authors Roundup. Always visit the Xlibris Writer’s Workshop for free writing, editing, and book marketing tips.