Indie Books Finally Get Their Chance in Brick-and-Mortar Bookstores

I have some exciting news for independent authors and book lovers like you! Indie books, those hidden gems created by talented writers outside of the big publishing world, are now getting a well-deserved opportunity to shine in traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores. This means that you, as a reader, will have more options to discover unique and captivating stories.

Imagine walking into your favorite bookstore and being greeted by a vibrant display of indie books, each cover filled with curiosity and promise. You’ll no longer have to solely rely on online browsing or word-of-mouth recommendations to find these hidden treasures.

Thanks to a recent shift in the book industry, brick-and-mortar stores are recognizing the value and appeal of indie books. These stories are often fresh, diverse, and offer a unique perspective that can’t be found in mainstream publishing. Bookstores, always looking for ways to engage and delight their customers, are now opening their doors and hearts to these indie authors and their exceptional works.

By providing a place for indie books on their shelves, bookstores are not only supporting independent authors but also enriching the literary landscape. With this new opportunity, indie authors can reach a wider audience and showcase their talent to readers who may not have discovered them otherwise.

In addition to benefiting authors, this development also means great things for you, the reader. With the inclusion of indie books in brick-and-mortar bookstores, you now have the chance to explore a more diverse selection of stories. You’ll be able to discover exciting new voices, different genres, and unique perspectives that may resonate with you in unexpected ways.

So, the next time you step into a bookstore, keep an eye out for those indie books displayed proudly on the shelves. You never know, you might just stumble upon your new favorite author or a captivating story that takes you on an unforgettable journey.

Embrace this exciting change in the book world and support independent authors by giving their books a chance. Let’s celebrate the rise of indie books in brick-and-mortar bookstores and keep the joy of reading alive and thriving. Happy reading, my fellow book lovers!

I have some exciting news for self-published authors and indie publishers out there! It’s now easier than ever to get your books distributed in the United States through major book distributors like Baker Taylor. What does this mean for you? Well, it means that indie books are now on the same playing field as books from big traditional publishers when it comes to getting your work into brick and mortar bookstores.

You might be wondering how this change came about. Well, according to bestselling author Kristine Rusch, who knows a thing or two about the publishing world, it’s a recent development. Now, bookstores have access to all published print books through Baker Taylor, whether they’re from Amazon’s Createspace (for self-published authors) or the big traditional publishers. This opens up a world of opportunities for indie authors like you!

I want to talk to you about some recent changes that Baker Taylor, one of the big companies that distribute books, has made. Earlier this year, they decided to make things better for self-published authors who use print on demand (POD) by improving their discount and return policies. Now, POD books are included alongside traditional books on Baker Taylor’s lists, instead of being separate.

In the past, self-published authors had some disadvantages. The discount and return policies for their books weren’t as good as those for traditionally published books, which made it harder for them to sell their books in stores.

I’m happy to say that these changes will be really good news for self-published authors:

The change is really great for self-published writers like me who publish both print and e-book editions. Actually, it’s amazing news for us indie writers! It won’t affect those who only publish e-books, but it might convince them to start offering physical copies too.

In the past, we self-published and indie writers would literally drive around with our books in our cars, trying to get them into bookstores. It took a lot of hard work to convince a few stores to carry our books.

If you want to increase your chances of getting your book into bookstores, I recommend listing it through Extended distribution in Amazon’s Createspace. This will help your book get picked up by Baker Taylor. There is a $25 cost for extended distribution.

But here’s the thing – even with this change, it doesn’t guarantee automatic sales.

Let me tell you something important: just because you managed to get your indie-published or self-published book in front of bookstore owners, it doesn’t guarantee that your book will actually be stocked in their store. You see, your book needs to be a good business proposition for the bookstore.

Here’s the thing: a bookstore won’t order your book unless they know that someone actually wants it. It may seem like a tricky situation, but if you’re not in a rush, it’s not really a problem. So, imagine this: a reader hears about your book from someone else and decides they want it. They go to their favorite bookstore and ask for it. That’s when the bookstore will order your book, but not before. First, it’s all about word of mouth, and then the brick-and-mortar stores come in.

In an email interview, Rausch shared with me that it’s important to have several books published before expecting to be featured in physical bookstores. She emphasized the importance of having appealing book covers and engaging descriptions. It’s also crucial to price your books competitively, as bookstores rely on the margin to make a profit.

When it comes to marketing, word of mouth is key. Rausch provides valuable marketing advice for authors on her website.

But what about the future of physical bookstores?

You may be wondering if it’s even necessary to aim for physical bookstores given the common narrative that they are struggling. However, it seems that reports of their demise may have been exaggerated. According to an article in the Christian Science Monitor, independent bookstores are actually experiencing an increase in sales:

Hey there, great news for all you self-published authors out there! Guess what? Independent bookstores are totally into stocking indie books, which is fantastic! While those big chain bookstores like Barnes Noble are scaling back, indie bookstores are on the rise. And let me tell you, that’s a big win for us self-published authors and our print-on-demand books!