Any ideas on how to get indie paperbacks into high street bookshops? -

Post Reply

Thread Rating:

0 Votes - 0 Average
1
2
3
4
5

Streaky Steve Reading Gladiatrix by Linda Gruchy

26 Oct 2012, 12:50 PM | Post: #1

Reader and amateur publicist

Posts: 128
Joined: Sep 2012

Thanked 0 times

What I Read

Any ideas on how to get indie paperbacks into high street bookshops?

We're about to hit the button with feedaread to make Blackened Cottage available as a paperback. Ideas on how to get high street bookshops interested in an indie novel would be really appreciated.

Reader of books using paper, android and iPod (for unabridged audiobooks). Also helping to promote Blackened Cottage [Image: 41vCtqJM16L._SX115_.jpg]

Find

Thank (0)

Reply

Rosen Trevithick Reading

26 Oct 2012, 01:06 PM | Post: #2

Totally Splendid Hotshot Author

Posts: 2,697
Joined: Oct 2011

Thanked 42 times

What I Read

RE: Any ideas on how to get indie paperbacks into high street bookshops?

I went into three individual branches of Waterstones and asked, armed with a copy of the book and a A4 info sheet. They agreed to stock it but are reluctant to do events with me due to their low profit margins. They tend to only stock one or two copies, and it takes them about three weeks to order new stock from the wholesalers, so they are almost always sold out.

To get a book considered for stocking in Waterstones nationwide, you need to send a copy to Middlesex following the instructions in the link below:
http://www.waterstones.com...

I have not tried any other types of store.

Incidentally, I'm a big fan of FeedARead - I love working with them.

www.rosentrevithick.co.uk

Website Find

Thank (0)

Reply

Streaky Steve Reading Gladiatrix by Linda Gruchy

26 Oct 2012, 02:43 PM | Post: #3

Reader and amateur publicist

Posts: 128
Joined: Sep 2012

Thanked 0 times

What I Read

RE: Any ideas on how to get indie paperbacks into high street bookshops?

Thanks Rosen and Happy Birthday. Enjoy the Thai meal.

Steve

Reader of books using paper, android and iPod (for unabridged audiobooks). Also helping to promote Blackened Cottage [Image: 41vCtqJM16L._SX115_.jpg]

Find

Thank (0)

Reply

TresaC Reading The Cult of Me by Michael Brookes

26 Oct 2012, 03:04 PM | Post: #4

Accidental Agent!

Posts: 760
Joined: Sep 2011

Thanked 5 times

What I Read

RE: Any ideas on how to get indie paperbacks into high street bookshops?

As Rosen said, you need to go through the hoops to get it into Waterstones and unless it is on the Phoenix System, they will not even contemplate it at store level. If your book data is with Neilson it will feed through to Phoenix, eventually. They would also like a 60% discount off RRP! (You don't have to offer that.) If Feedaread don't have direct distribution, you will need to arrange deliveries etc too.

Walking the streets and into the stores at least makes the Waterstones managers/book buyers aware. I have had mixed results. Some have been very accommodating and keen, others, downright rude.

I have visited a lot of indie stores, again mixed results, left them copies, press packs, you name it. Again some are lovely and keen to support. Others gave comments such as 'Are you sure it will fit on the shelf?' Undecided

to 'Are you making a living out of your books?' with a withering look as if to say, 'Well if not, you are not a proper author!' Tantrum

So put on your armour and a thick skin and make the most of the lovely ones out there. (You will find some!)

All the best with your book.

FBS Publishing "Make reading an activity, not a time filler."

Website Find

Thank (0)

Reply

Rosen Trevithick Reading

26 Oct 2012, 03:22 PM | Post: #5

Totally Splendid Hotshot Author

Posts: 2,697
Joined: Oct 2011

Thanked 42 times

What I Read

RE: Any ideas on how to get indie paperbacks into high street bookshops?

If you're with FeedARead's premium distribution package then you will be on Waterstones computer system.

Waterstones get my books from the wholesalers. I don't know if there are any plans for the to deal with FeedARead direct in the future, but I believe they may be having discussions. Waterstone were not prepared to buy books directly from me, even though it would have improved their margin, because apparently it would generate too much admin.

www.rosentrevithick.co.uk

Website Find

Thank (0)

Reply

TresaC Reading The Cult of Me by Michael Brookes

26 Oct 2012, 03:29 PM | Post: #6

Accidental Agent!

Posts: 760
Joined: Sep 2011

Thanked 5 times

What I Read

RE: Any ideas on how to get indie paperbacks into high street bookshops?

(26 Oct 2012 03:22 PM)Rosen Trevithick Wrote: If you're with FeedARead's premium distribution package then you will be on Waterstones computer system.

Waterstones get my books from the wholesalers. I don't know if there are any plans for the to deal with FeedARead direct in the future, but I believe they may be having discussions. Waterstone were not prepared to buy books directly from me, even though it would have improved their margin, because apparently it would generate too much admin.

Their computer system (Phoenix) is their whole world but you can get listed on it even if you don't have distribution with Feedaread. But it has to be done their way and via Gardners. Scroll down this page and you will find the form. http://www.waterstones.com...

That will mean that anyone can order your book via Waterstones even if they don't stock it and it gets listed on their website. So sometimes worth doing the form filling.

FBS Publishing "Make reading an activity, not a time filler."

Website Find

Thank (0)

Reply

Subscribe to this thread Post Reply

Currently Reading:Gladiatrix by Linda Gruchy Last Book I Read:Pompomberry House by Rosen Trevithick Favourite Genres:Thriller, Humour

Currently Reading: Last Book I Read: Favourite Genres:Comedy; Crime, thrillers and mysteryFavourite eBooks:
See my recommendations

Currently Reading:The Cult of Me by Michael Brookes Last Book I Read:Conversations in the Abyss by Michael Brookes Favourite Genres:Thought provoking fiction/biographies of adventurous people