I am looking for self-publishing authors who have either used a self-publishing company such as Booklocker, iUniverse, etc., or who have remained completely independent, that have managed to get their books physically stocked in bricks-and-mortar bookstores.


Please respond to: cstevenson@accesswave.ca


Cathi

My elderly father (now 90) and I did manage to get his novel into several bookstores. The ones near him were easier, as he was a local author, and his age was probably a factor. Being his editor across the country made it a little problematic here but I was able to get it into local bookstores by writing a feature story about our joint project for the local newspapers. I had the clipping laminated, then brought it to the bookstores, where they displayed it on a wall near the book.
I think any story you can make out of it that is "newsy" rather than like an ad will open the door for you.
Hope that helps.

Wrote my first book about 2 years ago - it was a bit of a specialist topic ( see http://www.gazlannathai.com/Book-Store/WKK.htm )

Did everything myself from start to finish, in a foreign country whose language I speak poorly and connot read or write, and untook all distribution myself. Found a good plate maker and an excellent printer through recommendation by another expat journalist - best piece of help ever received that was. :wink:

I have it in a dozen book stores locally and one national chain, it's been reviewed in both local and national media, and of the original print run of 1,000 I've sold about half - about 10% of them using avenues like online auction sites.

All book stores except one wanted consignment terms, but the national chain took 90-day invoicing (hooray) and have been the best payers of the lot (yeehaa).

OK, so after 2 years I'm still sitting on copies that need seriously updated, but they're still selling. Networking with other expat self-publishers has been invaluable as we were able to swap books and distribute for each other in non local areas - one of them got my book into over a dozen outlets including museums and restaurants on interstate highways. Exchanging like that increases the "portfolio" of books we can offer and makes appear more acceptable to book stores.

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The power of accurate observation is often called cynicism by those who don't posess it, and criticism by those observed - George Bernard Shaw

Yes. I think networking is key--especially if you have others expanding into new areas.Unfortunately, my Dad, the now-90-year-old author I mentioned in my previous post, is no longer very mobile, his hearing is bad, and his computer skills lacking, so his location on the other side of the country doesn't help much. Oh well-- I'm not complaining. We do what we can. It just takes longer.
Neglected to include his web in my last posting: http://www.wwiiromancenovel.com/
Good luck!

I was fortunate enough to get some of my books into a few local bookstores. The titles are also being "reviewed" by the managers of a few others (Coles, Smith Books, another McNally Robinson location...). Here's hoping.

Just keep pressing on. If a bookstore turns you down for your current book, be professional about the rejection and approach them again on your second (or whatever number) book.

Peace to you all.

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Open your heart, open your life. Go to www.apfuchs.com/peterfox.html, the home of my love story, "April," written under the pen name Peter Fox.

Hi, I'm moving ahead with this project, if you're all still interested. Please contact me at"
cstevenson@accesswave.ca