Marketing to Independent Bookstores

We all know the big name book vendors such as Barnes and Noble and Borders, but what about the thousands of independent bookstores around the country?

Major book vendors are a pretty closed shop to self published authors, however Independent bookstores are more likely to consider local authors or take a chance on an unknown book.

Independent bookstores are grouped into an organization called Book Sense - an arm of the American Booksellers Association (ABA). Book Sense bookstores are not restricted to buying books determined by large buying offices in New York.

Getting your book into these stores requires time and energy, but could be just the break you need to get your book sales rolling.

To develop a relationship with these stores:

1. Visit Independent stores in your area. Give them a free copy then follow-up to get a stocking order.
2. Offer to hold an author event in their store. Most will partner with you with some pre-event marketing and make it fun!
3. Check out the Book Sense Advance Access Program.

Be creative in your ideas for partnering with Independent Bookstores, it will pay off.

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