Even though books are being sold in all types of retail outlets, bookstores are still an essential part of the book marketing strategy of new authors. There are an estimated 63,000 new titles released each year in the market. And there are also backlist titles still vying for shelf space. Books are sold in mass merchandise stores, grocery stores, toy stores, sporting goods stores and other places. However, over 50% of books are still sold in bookstores, making it essential to get your books on bookstore shelves.
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Don't lose hear because of the competition. Do your homework and not only can you get your book on bookstore shelves, but you can also promote your books through book signings and other events held in the stores. Here's how!
1) Do Your Research
Identify the bookstores you want to target and do research on them. Major bookstore chains dominate the market, but individual locations still have book marketing and promotion autonomy. Determine the book promotion policies for the chain locations you have targeted. Don't forget the independent bookstores. Through the Internet you can get a national listing of these by market. Independent bookstores are important because by working directly with the store's owner, you have more flexibility in determining how your book can be promoted. Understand the bookstore landscape of your local market and the other markets you have targeted.
2) Personal Contact
Introduce yourself to local bookstore management and other personnel. Capitalize on being a local writer. Tell them about your book and about your local connection. Most stores are generally happy to work with local authors. Some stores have a special section for books by local authors and are seeking new books to keep those sections fresh. Follow up the initial contact with a personal note. Contact with stores in other markets you have targeted can be done via email, telephone, and direct mail.
Source: Kevin L. Mitchell is the co-owner of MKM Book Services, a book consulting firm. For information about The New Author's Book Marketing eCourse go to http://www.mkmbookservices.com or send an email to: Kevin@mkmbookservices.com
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