Worried about Getting Your indie Book into Stores? We Got You.

How to Get Your Indie Book into Stores

Breaking into brick-and-mortar bookstores as an indie author can seem daunting, but with the right strategy, it’s entirely achievable. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your indie book onto store shelves, from preparation to persistence.

1. Polish Your Book to Perfection

Before approaching bookstores, ensure your book is polished:

• Professional Editing: Hire a professional editor to review your manuscript. A well-edited book is more likely to be taken seriously by store buyers.

  
  

• Cover Design: Invest in a high-quality cover that looks appealing on store shelves. A professional cover design is crucial in attracting readers.

• Interior Formatting: Ensure the interior of your book is formatted professionally. Poor formatting can be a turnoff for both store buyers and readers.

2. Choose the Right Distribution Method

• IngramSpark: IngramSpark is one of the most popular platforms for indie authors aiming to get their books into stores. It provides access to Ingram’s global distribution network, allowing bookstores to order your book.

• Draft2Digital: Another option is Draft2Digital, which offers print distribution through Ingram, among other platforms.

• Direct Contact: Some local stores may be open to dealing directly with authors. In this case, you might need to supply the books yourself and negotiate terms.

3. Set Up Your Book for Retail

• ISBN: Make sure your book has a unique ISBN. This is essential for bookstores to catalog and order your book.

• Discounts and Returnability: Bookstores typically expect a wholesale discount of 40-55% and may prefer returnable terms. While offering these conditions might reduce your profits, they increase your chances of being stocked.

• Pricing: Research competitive pricing for your genre. Ensure your book is priced in line with similar titles to make it appealing to buyers.

4. Create a Marketing Plan

• Author Website: Have a professional author website with details about your book, a press kit, and contact information.

• Press Kit: Prepare a press kit including your author bio, book synopsis, cover image, and any media coverage or reviews.

• Social Media Presence: Build a social media presence to show that you’re actively marketing your book. Stores are more likely to carry books from authors with an established online following.

5. Target the Right Bookstores

• Local Independent Bookstores: Start with local indie bookstores. These stores are often more supportive of local authors and may be more flexible in their terms.

  
  

• Niche Stores: If your book fits a specific genre or niche, target stores that cater to that audience (e.g., a D&D game store for a high fantasy novel).

• Chain Stores: Once you’ve had some success with independent stores, you can approach larger chains like Barnes & Noble. Be aware that chain stores usually have stricter requirements. Some require you to upload your novel into their publishing platform.

6. Make the Pitch

• Research: Learn about the bookstore’s inventory, preferences, and any special programs they offer for indie authors.

• Personalized Approach: Tailor your pitch to each store. Mention why your book would be a good fit for their customers.

• Offer a Sample: Leave a sample copy of your book with the store manager. A physical copy allows them to see the quality of your book firsthand.

• Follow-Up: If you don’t hear back, follow up after a couple of weeks. Persistence is key, but be polite and respectful in your communications.

7. Organize Events

• Book Signings: Offer to host a book signing at the store. This not only helps sell your book but also brings traffic to the store.

• Readings: Organize a reading event, especially if your book has a strong narrative or poetic elements.

• Workshops: If your book is non-fiction, consider offering a workshop related to your book’s topic.

8. Build Relationships

• Networking: Build relationships with store managers, employees, and other local authors. A positive relationship can lead to more opportunities.

• Consignment: Some stores might offer consignment deals, where they take a percentage of sales. Be open to these arrangements, as they often require less upfront commitment from the store.

  
  

• Community Engagement: Participate in local literary events and festivals. Being an active member of the local writing community can increase your visibility and credibility.

9. Track Sales and Adapt

• Monitor Performance: Keep track of your book sales in stores and be open to feedback from store managers.

• Adapt Your Strategy: If a particular approach isn’t working, be willing to tweak your strategy. Whether it’s adjusting your pricing, marketing efforts, or even the pitch itself, flexibility is key to success.

Getting your indie book into stores requires preparation, persistence, and a bit of hustle, but the rewards can be significant. With each new bookstore that stocks your book, you’ll expand your reach, connect with new readers, and build your author brand. Good luck!