The number of indie authors who are deciding to self-publish their books is gradually increasing. However, it is not always easy to market a book and one of the difficulties that self-published authors face is the task of breaking into the traditional bookstore market. However, all they need is an actionable plan and patience. The following are steps they can take to get their books into bookstores.

Start promoting a book before taking it to stores

It is much easier for indie authors to get bookstores to take their books if they have been promoting the books. They should create websites or blogs for their books to get the word out. They should also create press releases and send them to local bookstores and newspapers. Advertising in other local publications is also a good idea. Authors should also contact radio and TV stations for interviews. They could also create flyers with information about their books.

Ask stores to order your books

Self-published authors usually work directly with their distributors. They print many copies of their books and deliver them to people who later distribute them to various selling outlets. Authors should ask bookstores to order their books directly from their distributors. They can offer some incentives to the bookstores if they wish.

Don’t stick with print copies only

Sometimes bookstores might be reluctant to stock your book because it is difficult to sell print copies. If this is the case, you can ask if they are willing to sell eBook versions of your book. If they still decline your offer; you could always go to online publishers to sell your books. However, many traditional bookstores are now selling e-readers as well as digital copies of books.

Identify the contact person for the bookstore

When you are selling books yourself, you can call bookstores and find out who handles the purchase of books from local authors. These are usually sold on consignment basis where a bookstore only pays the author after selling the book. However, it is easier to talk with the person who handles such purchases to increase the chance of your offer being accepted.

Be polite and professional

When you meet a representative of a local bookstore, avoid being pushy. Sometimes people who self-publish are so eager to sell their books that they are perceived to be too pushy by bookstore contacts. This usually doesn’t end well. As a self-published author, gently convince the bookstore contact why your book is worth stocking. You should be willing to leave an evaluation copy with the manager even if you are not successful the first time.

Follow up

Once you have made a deal with a bookstore, periodically check in to see if the bookstore ordered your books and how well they are doing. You should try to help the bookstore manager figure out how to sell more of your books but avoid being too assertive. Make it as if you are giving suggestions rather than orders. You should follow up every 6-8 weeks.

Even if you successfully market books to local bookstores, don’t stop there. Go to bookstores further from where you operate from and also consider other places where you can market the book.