So how can you buy it? Let me break it down for you.
1) In ANY bookstore. Just because it's not in stock (on the shelves) doesn't mean you can't buy it. You can walk in and ask them to order it for you. Most bookstores are more than willing to do this, and you don't pay until the book comes in. Pros: This brings my book to their attention. If they get enough orders, maybe they'll stock it. Cons: You have to wait for the book to arrive.
2) On Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com. Of course. And they often give free shipping and handling if you buy enough things. Pros: The more sales I make through Amazon and B&N, the higher my rank goes, bringing me to the attention of other people that might not have seen my book otherwise. Cons: They REALLY rip off authors and publishers.
3) Through my website. I don't have a discounted price, but I do offer free shipping and handling. Pros: I'll sign it for you! Cons: These sales don't show up on bookscan.
4) At a book signing. You never know when I'll have one near you. And a crowd always draws a crowd. Pros: You get to meet me, take pictures, and I'll sign your book. Cons: You might have to wait awhile.
But in the end, whichever avenue you choose makes me happy. It's always a win-win for me.
13 comments:
I am so torn. I just can't decide!
I finished reading your book on my kindle this week. I really liked it.
yay, Carrie! I'm so glad!
I think with the increasingly popularity of Kindles (and other e-readers), more and more people will be discovering books online anyway. Bookstores are SO last century!
I should have mentioned my ebook. that's another way to buy it.
I too am a little disappointed by the distribution of first novels by small publishers! Only 3 copies of my book got sent to 7 locations of a regional chain. Most of them sold out within 3 weeks and they haven't restocked. I tell people that Amazon by far has the best price, but a lot of people won't order online and aren't patient enough to special order at a bookstore (my uncle waited 3 weeks for B&N to get it in and it never showed so he finally ordered on Amazon. It's tough until you sell a lot of books but it's hard to sell when it isn't visible!
No kidding, Michael. That's exactly how I feel. People want to buy my book, but where are they going to get it? I can sell locally all I want, but I want people outside of northwest Arkansas to buy my book! I do sometimes feel like it's little ole me against the almighty bookstore.
Oh wow!! I'll definitely check out these sites. If you ever come to Atlanta for a signing, I can help you out and bring people for an event!
P.S. I just read your first page and it is incredible! It takes so much skill to hook someone from the first chapter, let alone the first paragraph. V
Saumya--thanks!! Someday I hope to make it there!
I hope you have lots of wins, Tamara. And I like the Amazon route!
Those are all good options! Hope you're selling lots!! :)
These are awesome options! You never realize how much work goes into selling a book or making it work. Reading your blog lets a lot of us realize the battles you have to conquer once you're in the publishing author zone.
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