Placing in Bookstores

It can be extremely challenging to get your books put onto book store shelves. You might think a bookstore has a ton of shelves - but there are millions of books out there vying to get those spots. It is a very tight market. The key usually is to drum up interest in the book, so that people are asking for it, and the bookstore realizes it's going to make them money to have the book.

Remember, book stores generally aren't out for charity reasons. They want to make money. If you can prove your book will sell, they'll gladly sell it! They aren't going to take a chance with books that will sit on their shelves, costing them money, though. It's not their responsibility to "trust you". It's your responsibility to prove to them that your books will make them money.

You do this by hosting a book signing there. Bring in lots of family, friends and visitors with a wide variety of publicity options. When the bookstore sees the book sells - and they make that all important personal contact with you - they're likely to keep a few books on the shelves after that!

For smaller book stores and gift stores related to your theme topic, try writing them a presentation letter. Explain how well your book will sell in their area, making them money. Remember, they don't care about your talents or why you want to sell your book! They only care that the book will appeal to their customers and make them money. Write the letter to explain how well your book will sell for them.

Note that you can also write internet stores. It could be that they simply link to your Amazon sale entry - which is fine! Easy for them, more publicity for you.

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