As your book approaches publication, chances are you may be getting excited about having your book on the shelf at your local bookstore! While this is possible for self-published authors, it's important to manage expectations. The reality is that getting a book stocked in physical stores is a highly competitive process, and often reserved for titles with strong sales histories, significant media buzz, or those authored by well-known authors.
Most bookstores order books through distributors, and while having your book set at a 55% wholesale discount and returnable makes it possible for stores to order, these terms can significantly reduce your profit margins. Even with these terms in place, most bookstores won’t automatically stock your book without a strong sales record, positive reviews, or direct outreach from you or a publicist.
At Tellwell, we don’t facilitate direct placement of books in brick-and-mortar stores. However, we do offer marketing services, such as book retailer engagement, to help authors approach bookstores effectively. A more practical route for many self-published authors is to work with local independent bookstores through consignment arrangements. In a consignment model, you provide the books to the store, and they take a percentage of each sale (typically 45-55%).
Tellwell can help you order copies of your book to build up your personal inventory for consignment or direct sales. From there, building relationships with independent bookstores and demonstrating local demand can increase your chances of getting your book on the shelves.
While it’s challenging, many indie authors find success with a combination of local bookstore outreach, online sales, and targeted marketing efforts. With the right strategy, it’s possible to get your book in front of more readers!
Related Article: How can I get my book into physical bookstores?