Getting your book into bookstores can feel like a monumental task, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable. Whether you’re a self-published author or working with a smaller press, understanding what bookstores and libraries are looking for is the key to opening those doors.
Here’s what you need to know to get your book on the shelves:
1. Avoid Publishing ONLY Through Amazon
If you’re dreaming of seeing your book in local bookstores or libraries, you’ll want to steer clear of Amazon’s publishing platforms like CreateSpace or Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Many independent bookstores have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Amazon. In fact, some won’t stock books printed or published by Amazon at all. Why? Amazon is their competition. For bookstores, supporting Amazon’s self-publishing platforms is like rooting for the opposing team!
What’s the workaround? Use a different publishing service like IngramSpark or go with a small press that isn’t connected to Amazon. That way, you’ll have a better shot at getting your book onto physical shelves.
2. Professional Packaging is Key
The secret to marketing your book? Create a quality book that provides value and has an amazing cover/illustrations. When it comes to bookstores, the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” simply doesn’t apply. A book’s appearance can make or break whether it gets picked up or passed over. Professional packaging—everything from the cover design to the interior formatting—can signal to bookstore managers that your book is worth their shelf space.
Think of your book’s presentation as its resume. It needs to be polished, well-designed, and, most importantly, it needs to look like it belongs alongside traditionally published books. Hiring a professional cover designer, editor and proofreader can make all the difference.
3. Price It Right
Pricing can be a tricky dance, but it’s crucial to get it right. Bookstores and libraries are businesses, and they need to make a profit. If your book is priced too high, customers might balk at buying it. On the flip side, if it’s priced too low, the store might not make enough profit to justify carrying it.
A good rule of thumb is to check out similar titles in your genre and see what they’re priced at. Make sure to account for the industry-standard discount as well—most stores want a 40-50% discount from the retail price. This gives them enough wiggle room to make a profit. And if you’re going the consignment route (more on that later), this is something you’ll definitely need to discuss with the store.
4. Is Your Book a Good Fit?
Every bookstore and library has its unique vibe, and it’s essential to make sure your book fits their inventory. Before submitting, take some time to browse the shelves. Are they carrying books similar to yours? Does your book complement their current selection?
Pitching a sci-fi novel to a bookstore specializing in cookbooks probably won’t get you very far. But if you’ve written a local history book or something relevant to the community, your chances increase. For libraries, books with educational, cultural, or community interest are often favored. So make sure you’ve done your homework before reaching out!
5. Mind the Timing
Timing can be everything in the publishing world. Ideally, bookstores and libraries want books that have been published in the last six months or are upcoming releases. This is especially true for major book releases and promotions. If your book has been out for a while, it might still be accepted, but recent or upcoming titles tend to be prioritized.
6. Consignment Opportunities
If you’re self-published or your book isn’t available through large distributors like Ingram, don’t fret—there’s always the possibility of consignment. Consignment is when a bookstore agrees to carry your book but only pays you once the book sells. It’s low-risk for the store and can be a great way to get your foot in the door, especially if you’re a local author.
Some stores, like Book People, have specific consignment guidelines, such as:
- You must live in their local area (for Book People, that’s Virginia).
- Your book must be professionally bound—paperback, hardcover, or board books are okay, but no spiral-bound books (except for some cookbooks).
- Your book needs to be proofread and free of typographical errors.
- The title and author’s name should be clearly printed on the spine.
These rules might seem a bit strict, but they’re there to ensure that every book on the shelf meets a certain standard.
7. Polish, Polish, Polish
One of the quickest ways to get your book rejected is for it to contain typos or formatting issues. Proofreading is your best friend. Many bookstores and libraries will immediately disqualify books that aren’t properly proofread or contain glaring errors. While it may seem like a small thing, professional quality control is vital when trying to present your book in a competitive marketplace.
8. Build Relationships
At the end of the day, the world of book sales is about relationships. Attend local author events, meet bookstore managers, and build connections within your community. The more a store or library knows and trusts you, the more likely they are to support your book.
Don’t be shy about offering to host a book signing or reading event at a local bookstore. These events can help you build an audience, move some copies, and develop rapport with the store itself.
In Conclusion
Getting your book into bookstores and libraries takes more than just a great story—it requires a strategic approach. From professional packaging and competitive pricing to aligning with a store’s inventory and making sure your book is polished and typo-free, every detail matters. With a little persistence and attention to what bookstores and libraries need, you’ll have a solid chance of getting your book in front of readers where it belongs!
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