Everything about the book business is changing; but to the surprise of some, brick and mortar stores are creating new and innovative ways to reach their customers…both online and in their stores. During February’s Tools of Change for Publishing in NYC, we had a chance to learn from Oren Teicher, CEO of the American Booksellers Association. Oren (pictured here) has been a long time advocate for independently owned retailers. Here are some inspiring points for authors:
- Forty-three independent book stores opened in 2012 and 2013 is showing strong indications of a Renaissance of indie book shops.
- Sales for independent booksellers have been increasing every year since 2010. Last year, sales increased by 8%.
- Through a partnership with Kobo, indie bookstores now offer e-readers and accessories for readers who prefer e-books. Kobo was a sound choice for ABA in that it’s an open platform not locked into one service or device like Kindle or Nook.
The Independent Bookstore Advantage for Authors
Independent booksellers have been making themselves an essential catalyst to book sales by offering what the Internet has so far failed to do; provide intimate discoverability. Your friendly indie bookstore still offers readers the singular experience of cruising the aisles and discovering something new… an appealing book cover that beckons, a new author, a local author, a recommendation from the trusted bookshop owner. Most indies now offer in-store pickup so readers can order online and pick up books the same day, or readers can take advantage of the new Kobo partnership if e-books are their thing.
For authors, whether traditionally published or indie, reaching out to independent booksellers offers you vast opportunities:
Independent booksellers are open to author readings and signings and have the flexibility to host special events for readers and writers- Indie book shops encourage meet-up groups for both writers and readers
- Independents communicate with other independents via their own networking through the ABA and regional groups – one can be helpful in recommending your book to others!
They also make “official” recommendations through the Indie Next List which offers “Great reads from booksellers you trust” and they report books that are selling in their stores to the Indie Bestsellers List, which is the most current snapshot of what’s selling in indie bookstores nationwide. This lets everyone (other bookstores, media and readers) know what independent booksellers are recommending—and what independent customers are buying.
Looking to reach out to indies in your area? Visit the ABA’s Bookseller Member Directory to search for an independent bookseller near you. Now, tell us how you’re reaching out to the independent booksellers with your book, and be sure to share this good news with other writers!
Good article, but I have yet to find an independent bookstore that will carry Indie books. I have tried @ 30 of them so far, and have been told that they don’t carry Indie authors. The books I am trying to get in the stores are rated highly on Goodreads and all sites where reviews are posted, and I am offering the books through Ingram at 40% discount, and, they are returnable. Any suggestions on what else to try?
Fantastic question and one we’re currently researching. There’s not yet a clear-cut answer since independent booksellers are just that: independent. What some may do others won’t; what some like others won’t. It often depends too on the author, their location, geographical setting of the book, etc., etc. There’s a firm we’re looking at that may be a viable solution (we’ll be blogging on them soon) at http://indiereaderselects.com/faq.htm – Though don’t know enough to officially recommend them yet – the price is high for authors ($499) but not if they’re really penetrating the indie bookseller market… stay tuned!
Also, there’s a great article at http://skipjackpublishing.com/getting-your-baby-on-the-shelves-of-bookstores/ about getting into the indies and we agree – consignment seems to be what works best for the indie. Author beware though – we’ve actually heard of bookstores who sell the authors’ books, then try to pay them in store credits! Shameful, but true, so make sure you have a clear understanding of the relationship (in writing).
Okay, ignore what I said about indiereaderselects as though the site appeared it was in beta, it actually no longer exists! An email back from Amy there offered this info: Looks like you stumbled upon a bit of outdated info re: IR as our Selects program is no longer active.
However, we are in the process of launching a new service, Rabble, via Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/204835627/rabble-reads-death-to-the-sock-puppets ), that will greatly empower indie authors. You can read about it in Forbes here (The Trouble With Finding Books Online – And A Few Solutions”… http://onforb.es/XGaeSq ).
We’ll keep an eye out for them…
Wonderful reminder that indie bookstores are not dead, and can be a tremendous help to an indie author.
It IS! We were so excited to hear all the great news coming out of the ABA, and confess it made me nostalgic for those days as a kid when I spent every weekend in the local bookstore (outside Chicago in Glen Ellyn, IL – same bookshop where author Jeffrey Deaver and his YA author sister Julie Reece Deaver used to spend their time, too!).
Ahh… couldn’t wait for Saturday mornings when I could take my dollar allowance and turn it in for another Bobbsey Twins, Boxcar Children or Nancy Drew mystery to add to my collection… The store owner knew our names and always knew what we’d come looking for… Creating that “Cheers” (where everybody knows your name) atmosphere really is key to building a voracious community of readers…
And, one need look no further than Water for Elephants to see the huge role indies and book clubs played in that great book’s success!