Should I Ask Local Bookstores to Sell My Book?

Yes, absolutely! Reaching out to local bookstores to sell your books can be a fantastic way to connect with your community, gain local visibility, and potentially increase sales. Here's a breakdown of why you should and how to approach it:  

Why You Should Ask Local Bookstores to Sell Your Books:

• Community Connection: Local bookstores often foster a strong sense of community and cater to local readers. Having your book on their shelves connects you directly with that audience.  

• Local Visibility: People who shop at local bookstores are often looking for books by local authors. It's a great way to reach readers who have a vested interest in supporting local talent.

• Personal Connection: You can build a personal relationship with the bookstore owners and staff, which can lead to more enthusiastic promotion of your book.

• Author Events: Many local bookstores host author events like signings, readings, and Q&As. This provides an excellent opportunity to meet readers, promote your book, and sell copies.

• Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Happy local readers are more likely to spread the word about your book to their friends and family in the area.

• Credibility: Being stocked in a local bookstore can add a degree of credibility to your book in the eyes of some readers.

• Support Local Businesses: It's a way to support other local businesses in your community, fostering a reciprocal relationship.

  
  

How to Approach Local Bookstores:

1. Research: Identify bookstores in your area that align with your book's genre and target audience. Visit the stores to get a feel for their selection and atmosphere.

2. Prepare Your Pitch: 

   • Professional Presentation: Have a well-designed book with a compelling cover.

   • Compelling Synopsis: Be ready to concisely and enthusiastically describe your book.

   • Author Bio: Include a brief author bio that highlights your connection to the local community (if applicable).

   • Sales Information: Know the wholesale price of your book and the potential discount for the bookstore. Be prepared to discuss consignment agreements if they prefer that.

   • Marketing Plan: Briefly outline any marketing efforts you're undertaking (social media, local events, etc.) and how you can potentially support sales at their store.

   • Sell Sheets (Optional but helpful): A one-page document with your book's cover, synopsis, author bio, ISBN, price, and contact information.

3. Make Contact: 

   • Introduce Yourself: Reach out to the bookstore owner or buyer. An email introduction followed by a phone call or in-person visit (if appropriate) can work.

   • Be Professional and Respectful: Understand that they are busy and have limited shelf space.

   • Focus on the Benefits for Them: Explain why your book would be a good fit for their store and their customers. Highlight your local connection.

4. Be Prepared for Different Responses: 

   • Consignment: Many independent bookstores operate on consignment, meaning they'll stock your book, and you'll get paid only when it sells (minus their commission). Be prepared to discuss the terms.

   • Direct Purchase: Some bookstores might be willing to purchase copies outright, especially if they see strong local interest.

   • No Thank You (Initially): Don't be discouraged if a bookstore declines initially. It might not be the right fit at the moment. You can always try again with a future book or follow up if your book gains more traction.

5. Support Their Efforts: 

   • Offer to do a signing or reading at their store.

   • Promote the bookstore on your social media.

   • Let your local network know your book is available there.

   • Be responsive to their needs and requests.

     
     

Important Considerations:

• Book Quality: Ensure your book is professionally edited, formatted, and has a compelling cover. Local bookstores care about the quality of the books they stock.

• Distribution: Be prepared to deliver books to the store and potentially handle returns (if on consignment).

• Pricing: Understand the economics of book selling and set a reasonable wholesale price that allows the bookstore to make a profit.

  
  

In conclusion, reaching out to local bookstores is a worthwhile step in marketing your book and connecting with local readers. Be professional, prepared, and enthusiastic, and focus on building a positive relationship with these valuable community hubs.