We’ve done a push here at Duramen Publishing, getting our book into honest-to-goodness bookstores. It’s something most authors may never accomplish, but we’re working hard to do it right. What I hadn’t expected was that every bookstore does it differently, or rather their own way. It’s not bad, just means more homework and more miles. Some shops buy from IngramSpark a well known indie-publisher, but they are not necessarily easy to work with as an author. Wholesale discounts are different and overhead expenses may get added unexpectedly, but they are worldwide which is a bonus.
Some shops buy outright, placing the books right on their shelves. Others will take books on consignment, paying once or twice a year if you check in. Most want the opportunity to return the books if they don’t sell, often simply tearing the covers off and recycling, rather than paying for shipping. And if the book is stolen or damaged, it’s not their fault. The author simply loses a book and income. Did I mention it’s a tough business? So goes the great American Dream. But it is what it is.
Go wide young man, go wide, is a common mantra in the publishing industry, but it doesn’t necessarily mean extra income. It takes a very sizable customer review string to make that happen, and to do that, you need a built in customer base you basically give the book to, hoping they give a positive review. An author may ask, but can’t require, and can’t give, expecting something in return. The rules are very inflexible, hopefully producing unbiased reviews. It’s not a bad system, but does make it difficult to get into the charts. The best numbers guess say, 1 in 8 will give a review. Mine say 1 in 30, even if you give them the book. Definitely a game for the strong of heart. Luckily, we’ll be better prepare for the next book. As my old professor used to say, “Find what works, and do it again.”
On the happier side, we now have Stone, book 1 of the Rhone & Stone series, out at more book stores in the Puget Sound region, and more to come. Our newest outlet is Browsers Bookshop in Olympia, or find them on-line at browsersolympia.com.
