Comments on: Why You Can’t Find Indies In Store

By: Mariann Regan

Mariann Regan — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:49:27 +0000

Thank you for being a valuable source of information for those of us publishing “indie” books. It is clear that the entire book marketing scene is in transition, and ten years from now we’ll know more about how things will shake out. Although I’ve published with University and commercial presses in the past, this time I went with AuthorHouse. They did a great job on the cover and layout of the soft cover, and they offer Kindle, Nook, listings on Amazon & BarnesandNoble, as well as a Social Media Consultant who introduced me to the Facebook-Twitter-BookBlog Nexus. Since my book is a family memoir, I get to be in a twitter community of many friendly and smart genealogists, some of whom are reviewing/have reviewed my book. I’m learning a lot and having fun. When I published scholarship for Cornell U. Press, I just had to wait (two years!) for the scholarly review mill to grind to its conclusion. This way is faster and more companionable.

By: Harriet Schultz

Harriet Schultz — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:47:32 +0000

While browsing in a JFK airport bookstore, I came across John Locke’s book and was blown away to see that it had his own imprint. I wondered how he was able to place a self-published book in a high traffic location like that. Thanks for the explanation of his distribution deal with S & S. The paperback of my self-published book is being sold in four local indie bookstores, but there’s little chance of placing it in stores outside my area. Frustrating! Thanks for the link to indiebound. I found my book there! http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781467910538

By: Patricia Goodwin

Patricia Goodwin — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:27:17 +0000

I wasn’t thrilled with the terms my local bookstore offered for consignment for independent authors. I put my CreateSpace paperback When Two Women Die in the local grocery store. I’m getting reasonable terms and great placement. Not to mention, I’m a Local Market Bestseller, as folks can pick up one of my books with their groceries instead of making an extra stop. I’m also in a local art gallery with great foot traffic. Also available on Amazon in Kindle format http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005D4U4HC and Paperback http://www.amazon.com/When-Two-Women-Die-Historical/dp/0615587240/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328455162&sr=1-3. I also gifted my book to libraries and other strategic individuals. Not ready to deal with remainders yet. I love the freedom of on demand publishing. Thanks for this article!

By: Terri Giuliano Long

Terri Giuliano Long — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:41:58 +0000

Thank you so very much, Molly! Your kindness and support mean a lot to me!

As you know, I truly believe in indie authors and the indie movement. I’m grateful to Amy Edelman for giving me the opportunity to get the word out!

By: Terri Giuliano Long

Terri Giuliano Long — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:36:02 +0000

Thank you so much for your kind words, Diana! I’m so glad you liked the piece and found it useful!

By: Terri Giuliano Long

Terri Giuliano Long — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:35:10 +0000

You make very good points, Ellen! I think we sometimes forget that if we want support we must give support.

I also understand your point about the difficulty in finding and selecting good books. With traditionally published books, you can rely on traditional media for reviews and so on; to date that has not been the case with indie published books. Fortunately, this is changing quickly. Prestigious awards – like the Indie Discovery Awards, whose judges are prominent in the publishing industry – along with reader sites like Goodreads and the reviews and recommendations of book bloggers will give stores – and readers – a guide to the best indie books.

While I’d love to see bookstores carry indie books, I very much hope for a healthy future for bookstores!

By: Terri Giuliano Long

Terri Giuliano Long — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:55:10 +0000

What a wonderful success story, Maryann! You give the rest of inspiration and hope!

By: Terri Giuliano Long

Terri Giuliano Long — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:53:51 +0000

Thank you so much for your kind words, Adam! I could not agree more – this is a very exciting time for writers and readers! I’m not sure if it’s the same in the UK, but US bookstores have begun to sell eBooks.

Here’s a link to bookstores that sell Google eBooks: http://www.indiebound.org/google-ebooks

Here’s info from the American Booksellers Association and IndieBound:

“ABA has partnered with Google because of its open and accessible platform so ABA member bookstores can provide an easy way for their customers to discover, read, and buy ebooks at competitive prices. Google eBooks work with myriad devices — tablets, smartphones, computers, even most e-ink devices.”

An exciting time indeed!!

By: Terri Giuliano Long

Terri Giuliano Long — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:47:53 +0000

Fantastic, Roasalie! IndieBound is a wonderful resource. Even if bookstores don’t stock our books, readers can order from – and support – their favorite store. In many cases, the books are available for shipment or pick up the next day. I’m glad you found your book!

By: Molly Greene

Molly Greene — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:18:06 +0000

Once again, Terri, you are keeping Indie authors informed about our options – and looking for solutions. We are fortunate to have you working on our side. On behalf of self-pubbers everywhere, I’d like to tell you how much I appreciate your hard work.