Support for Indie Authors discussion

I did a $25 dollar fee once for a small bookstore where I used to live. I didn't sell anything and they said if I didn't pick up the books that didn't sell they were going to throw them out. I would like to try something, but you are right selling the two books it almost wouldn't if not cover the fee. It is almost one hand I want to help the indie book stores, but the fee doesn't help the author either.

Everybodies experience isgoing to be different. I personally don't see the point, so I'll let the market decide where it goes.

Any bookstore that relies on renting their shelf space to Indie authors and not on book sales, for their profit, is simply taking advantage of Indie authors.

Sounds like how things are done across retail. Every brand name product on the shelves in your grocery store is there because the manufacturer paid some sort of fee to get on those shelves, whether they're paying for the space directly, or they promise the grocer promotional dollars for store specific sales. Unfortunately shelf space is limited in any business and a retailer has more people wanting a product on their shelves than they have space for. And just like the item on that shelf, the shelf itself has become a commodity.

I tried doing consignment sales with a local game store, and was turned down. All I wanted was enough to cover the cost of the books; making fans and getting exposure meant more to me than short-term profits. But the store wanted more money, I guess. Strange economics when someone would rather make $0 than a "measly" $3-4/book.

I had not heard of this before. I am based out of Salt Lake City, and have gotten my book in four local book stores, and bought through catalog by a couple of Barnes and Nobles where I have done signings, I submitted for it to be carried in Seagull's books and about five other regional stores and none of them offered or proposed a contract for a stocking fee. I had a couple ask what my return policy was, and were content when I assured them that I would pick up any merchandise that did not sell if they wanted more room on their shelves. I have seen some sites online that offer "shelf rental' to indie authors, but with bizarre fee agreements like 80/20 split on online sales, and 70/30 on paperback and not returning books that do not sell, and the author has to pay for the shelf space monthly...

It is one thing to agree to contribute to marketing efforts in the store like flyers, and another to pay to have your products on the shelf. I have not heard of any stores charging distributors to put their products on their shelves, and I spent 10 years in retail management. This must be a relatively new trend that hasn't caught on out here yet.

I managed a chain bookstore for a couple years. There was never any stocking fee.

The chains corporate buyers would send a weekly order and a pick list of books to un-shelve. They would be returned or the cover torn off a tossed. We arranged the store any way we wanted.

I've put my books in several indie stores and chain stores on consignment and never have I been presented with a consignment fee. It's usually a 60/40 split me/them, yes, but I've never not seen a benefit to doing it.

John wrote: "Ben wrote: "I've put my books in several indie stores and chain stores on consignment and never have I been presented with a consignment fee. It's usually a 60/40 split me/them, yes, but I've never..."

John,

We understand that bookstores need to make money too. We are not faulting them for making money. Nobody is objecting to a 60/40 split, which is common for the industry. But traditional publishers do not pay a "stocking fee". Yes, some stores offer you a premium position (Face out in a front row) for a fee, or will ask you to contribute to their weekly newsletter to receive placement.

But asking someone to pay you more than they could make to put their products on your shelves, AND asking to get a percentage of sales is getting a bit ridiculous. It is taking advantage of desperate people. That is not business, that is fraud.

John wrote: "Heidi wrote: "John wrote: "Ben wrote: "I've put my books in several indie stores and chain stores on consignment and never have I been presented with a consignment fee. It's usually a 60/40 split m..."

John,

I am not, which is why I would never agree to such an arrangement. However, some authors must be, as I have seen more and more of these online stores popping up.

Like you, I have found success in meeting store owners face-to face.

It is really nice that you also encourage the bookstores to carry your friends' books!

From my experience Game Theory works best when applied to bookstores. Let's assume everyone is selfish when it comes to big and small businesses, and not individual people. Everyone wants to make a profit.

If the store gets its profit from renting space, or more generally - the author. Then it has no incentive to sell. The author pays, and the store earns.

The only way I found that works with stores is when they have actual incentive to sell. As in, when the profit comes from sales, not the author.

Since the world is a free economy, I found it best not to sign any agreements which feature bad math, or work against me as an author.

No responsibility for book condition? No thank you.
Pay you for shelf space? Just no.

There are other stores and avenues to sell books which are not exploitative. In the end, if you don't rent the space, they will change tactics.

I am a new self published author and doing everything for the first time. My book has not officially launched yet but is listed on Amazon for sale. Right now I'm trying to get a little buzz and some blog reviews.

My book is a children's picture book and I think consignment will likely (hopefully) be a viable avenue. Question. How many books do you usually leave with the store owner ? (I'm thinking 5?). When do you get paid by store owner (how often do you check in)? Finally, do you have an official consignment contract or just trust the process?

Since I'm a total newbie anyone feel free to take me under your wing. I have lots of ideas and am very excited and I am open to all suggestions from all of you who have had success.

Thank you!
Please check out www.mysuperherograndpa.com

Best, Michele.

I wish I could Favorite this statement! Well said RC!

Michele wrote: "I am a new self published author and doing everything for the first time. My book has not officially launched yet but is listed on Amazon for sale. Right now I'm trying to get a little buzz and som..."
I don't think anyone has replied to Michele's question. I sell from my website and at Amazon. I approach only independent booksellers to place books on consignment. In this area the book store takes 40% of each sale, the rest is for you but you need to contact them to see if any have sold and collect the cheque. They
rarely contact you so they have your earnings as long as possible.
I try to manage contact every 5-6 months.
I leave what they'll take (3-5 books) and give them the top page of my numbered invoice book, signed by them and me. Bookkeeping is the worst part but needs to be done.

This is a great discussion and I thank all of you for your informative responses. As someone who has just put a suspense novel on the market through Amazon, this is wonderful input. I have a local bookstore, and I have been asked to bring some books over. I have been mulling over how to handle this wonderful offer. You have helped greatly. Thank you.