How do I get my self-published book into bookshops?

Bookshops can only take a few of the thousands of books published every year as stock, and while bookstores often love to stock your book, they have to think of their bottom line, too. So, how do you get your self-published book into a bookshop?

Published through Amazon only?

Bookshops do not get their stock from Amazon, as Amazon doesn't give authors the option to offer a wholesale discount. So, if your book is exclusively sold through Amazon (even on wide distribution), you can try to sell your book through bookshops on consignment instead.

Selling on consignment is when you bring a store some of your author copies. The bookshop will try to sell them for you, and when they do, they receive a cut. Make sure to sign a contract so all parties are aware of the terms and conditions of the arrangement. You can find a 'selling on consignment' template here that you can adjust as you see fit.

I'd recommend giving the shop a ring before showing up with books to enquire if they're interested first.

Published on multiple platforms?

If you've published your manuscript on platforms, like IngramSpark, that offer wholesale discounts and returns, you'll find that many (independent) bookshops are happy to stock one or two copies of your book initially to see if they sell.

You will have to reach out to the bookshop to see if they're happy to stock your book. There are just too many books available for them to stock, so they may not be aware your book exists until you point it out. I recommend giving them a ring or sending an email before showing up with a pile of books unsolicited, as they're likely tending to customers and want to do their homework first.

What to think about if you are approaching independent bookshops about stocking your book: 1. How much does your book retail at? Is this price competitive with other similar books? 2. What is your trade price? A margin of no less than 40% should be offered, in line with standard trade discount. 3. Does the format include a spine and a thirteen digit ISBN? 4. We [BookSpace Cardiff] purchase any books that we have in our shop, but they are generally on sale or return, so you must be able to reimburse us for any unsold returns after a period of time of our choosing. 5. What category would you put your book in? 6. Who is your target market? 7. Is there a local angle? 8. What press and media would you do to promote your book? 9. Is your book stocked with wholesaler Gardners at a standard discount with returns? We generally stock 1 copy of each title, and this makes re-ordering much easier. 10. Does the print quality and design of the book and its cover stand up to other books in our shop? (Source: BookSpace Cardiff – Independent Bookstore)

What other options do you have to get your book into a bookshop?

Word of mouth

If your book is available through a wholesaler, they may end up stocking your book if your marketing is top-notch. When customers come into a shop and ask the shopkeeper if they have it in stock, the store may look your book up and stock it – even one or two to start with.

Think viral TikTok videos (BookTok) and the special TikTok sections bookshops have nowadays showcasing these books to their customers.

Example of a BookTok display in a bookshop

Book signings & author events

Do you live near any (independent) bookshops? A lot of bookshops do author events and are happy to support local authors.

Author reading extract from their book at an author event in a local bookshop

Let us know how you get on with getting your book into bookshops. Did you find it easy or challenging? Let us know in the comments.

---

I provide beta reading, copyediting, proofreading, and formatting services to help authors of all levels perfect their work. Whether you’re seeking early feedback or professional editing, I'm here to assist you at every stage of your writing journey.