The dream of many self-publishing authors is to see their books on the shelves of bookstores. Without the traditional book publishing companies’ distribution network, it may seem like an impossible dream. It is undoubtedly more difficult for self-publishing authors to get their books on bookshop shelves, but it isn’t impossible. Here are four tips to help self-publishing authors reach that goal.

1. Focus on Independent Bookstores

It is much more difficult for self-publishing authors to get their books into chain stores than to find a place in local independent bookshops.
Usually, independent bookstores are more locally focused, and they tend to have decision-makers present at the store. This makes it far easier for self-publishing authors to work with Independent bookstores that don’t have distant corporations creating rules and policies.

2. Put Your Best Book Forward

An Independent bookstore wants to sell books. Presenting a well-edited book with an attractive cover and well-marketed by the author significantly increases the chances that a bookseller will take a chance on a book by a self-publishing author. Additionally, the book’s binding should be similar to traditionally published books in the same genre.
One mistake commonly made by self-publishing authors is having unique custom book covers but a plain spine. Books sitting spine out, such as in a bookstore, need an attractive spine that hints at its contents with designs, fonts, and the book title itself. An attractive spine will convince readers to pull the book off the shelf and give it a closer look.

3. Ask About Author Events

If the Independent bookstore hosts author events, self-publishing authors would be wise to participate. If there are no author events on the calendar, self-publishing authors can ask to assist in creating an event.
Independent bookstores want to draw in customers, and having authors on site can bring in new customers and create excitement among existing customers. Often, a self-publishing author can sell their book during an author event. Proving a book is sellable puts that author leaps and bounds closer to the bookstore agreeing to purchase copies for their shelves.

4. Ask About Consignment

Self-publishing authors should consider offering their books on consignment to independent bookstores. Stocking books on consignment alleviate concerns from the bookstore that they will have unsellable stock while also getting the self-publishing author’s books on bookstore shelves where readers can easily find them. Offering books on consignment gives the independent bookstore owner a low-stakes way to say yes to a self-publishing author.

InstantPublisher offers self-publishing authors all the tools they need to prepare books for bookstore shelves. Their book publishing services include interior book design, hardcover book printing, spiral-bound bookbinding, custom book covers, and more. Visit InstantPublisher’s website today to learn more.