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I am copying over from this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18364...

"I am from Pipe & Thimble Bookstore, an indie-only bookstore in Los Angeles, CA. We work on consignment, but we're looking to expand our children's book, MG section, and YA section with more diverse reads, in particular. We already offer a number of amazing children's books, but we'd love to feature more books from authors of color, different religions and cultural background, books that challenge the gender norm, books that feature the LGTBQ community, books about a varying abilities and differences including physical, mental, and learning, and more bilingual books as well.

"We are also looking for more books that talk about fantastical creatures, such as mermaids, unicorns, fairies, dragons, and elves.

"If you have a diverse book or a book featuring one or more of the fantastical creatures mentioned above and are interested in having your book in our store, please email us at [email protected]."

How awesome!

Thanks for sharing, Becky!

I just wrote to them. One of my children's books is available in English, Spanish, and French. We'll see if they are interested. Thanks for posting.

Thanks, Becky- thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing!

Hmm, maybe

Thanks Becky.

My pleasure!

I have received a note back from the bookshop together with their contract/terms and an offer to carry my books. We are in discussions now.

Glad to hear that, Ted!!

Sweet opportunity for many of those I see in this forum. I hope it pans out for some of you!

Carole wrote: "Glad to hear that, Ted!!"
We're still working out what books to kick off with and in what language(s).

Becky wrote: "My pleasure!"

I have written to them - fingers crossed!

I submitted a request, but I don't like the contract they sent: all the expenses seem to be on the author: buying and shipping, the author has to pay to have unsold books returned: are all indie bookstores like this? My printer (bookbaby) says that the bookstore could order the books from the distributors, ingram and Baker & Taylor, fully returnable. I asked if they would do this, and am waiting for an answer, but don't have much hope

Judy wrote: "I submitted a request, but I don't like the contract they sent: all the expenses seem to be on the author: buying and shipping, the author has to pay to have unsold books returned: are all indie bo..."

Based on my brief interaction with another bookstore (which happened to be about 50 miles from the house), this is pretty standard, though my books, if purchased on extended distribution from CS, are NOT returnable.

These bookstores put all of the risk on the indie authors, which, given the small margins they work with, is pretty much expected.

The fact is, it doesn't pay much, no matter how you slice it. Once you get done adding in shipping charges, even if all of your books are sold and you get a 70% payout, you can't make much more than a few bucks, at most, if you want to keep the retail price reasonable/competitive. (At least, that was the case with the books I was proposing to sell through them.) And as you say, if unsold books are returned, you're on the hook, and then, you'll probably go into the red. BTW, this assumes no books are stolen or damaged while in the bookstore.

The only reason I was thinking of working with this particular store (the one in California) was it might make a good place to sell the Spanish edition of my childrens book on bullying.

That said, while they did send me a contract, two subsequent e-mails to them regarding what books they'd like to begin with have gone unanswered. So, at this point, I have no idea regarding the path forward.

I have put the whole matter on the back burner.

It's common in the book retail trade. 60% and accept all unsold in ANY condition. I know people who think bookshops are generous allowing people to sit around reading and dropping food/coffee on books. Well they don't pay for it we do. Incidentally some retail chains want more than 60% and extended payment terms too. In the end it's a question of 1) do I think exposing my books will sell them and 2) what other marketing opportunities exist. As with everything I think one needs a mix and to get that I guess one needs to decide a budget and go from there.

Theodore wrote: "Judy wrote: "I submitted a request, but I don't like the contract they sent: all the expenses seem to be on the author: buying and shipping, the author has to pay to have unsold books returned: are..."

thanks for the info, Ted, I haven't heard back from them either. I wonder if it's worth all the work and expense; I would go into the red

Judy wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Judy wrote: "I submitted a request, but I don't like the contract they sent: all the expenses seem to be on the author: buying and shipping, the author has to pay to have unsold bo..."

Roger, that. As of this writing, total radio silence. Not a peep back.

I have had my books with Pipe & Thimble for awhile now. It's nice to be in a bookstore in Los Angeles where I grew up!

Christine wrote: "I have had my books with Pipe & Thimble for awhile now. It's nice to be in a bookstore in Los Angeles where I grew up!"

That's lovely to hear. I don't understand why the communications channel suddenly has gone silent for a week.

Theodore wrote: "Judy wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Judy wrote: "I submitted a request, but I don't like the contract they sent: all the expenses seem to be on the author: buying and shipping, the author has to pay to h..."

I think that these indie stores may be more profitable for writers if they are located nearby, like the one you mentioned, so you don't have to pay for shipping

Judy wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Judy wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Judy wrote: "I submitted a request, but I don't like the contract they sent: all the expenses seem to be on the author: buying and shipping, the autho..."

No question...if you can walk them in and they're printed close to you, works quite well. Mine usually are printed in SC, which means they'd have be shipped across the country.

Well, I finally received a response from the bookstore in LA, but it was identical to one I received more than a week ago. Basically we are back to Square One...no response to my other e-mails, which contained questions I had that would have helped to define better which books might be of interest to their readers.

I no longer am interested in participating in this opportunity.

Theodore wrote: "Well, I finally received a response from the bookstore in LA, but it was identical to one I received more than a week ago. Basically we are back to Square One...no response to my other e-mails, whi..."

uh oh, I have a message from them too, probably the same without answering my questions..I'm going to see if there's an indie store nearby, probably not!

Alex wrote: "That's disappointing, Ted. These opportunities are few and far between, this bookstore could have put themselves in a good position if they had handled it well. reply | flag *
"

I just received a contract from them. Before retiring I spent many years in International trade and with all respect to everyone I really don't see the problem. The contract is straightforward and asks for five books maximum of each title one chooses to work with. So it's (for me a simple question) Worst case - no one likes my books how much can I afford to lose - I'm not rich, but my net cost for twenty books in return for a new showcase is not a bad investment. I happen to think my books will do well and have to take the view that if I don't believe why should anyone else?

This is a bit like the old advice on gambling, stand in front of a toilet and get out a roll of notes. How many can you afford to flush? That's your gambling stake.

I hope others might re-consider, there are very few opportunities given by bookshops (A small chain I approached in London would not even talk to me) and these guys in LA deserve at least the same chance they offer me. I just signed.

Alex wrote: "The problem is not the terms that have been reported, at least to me, it's the fact that after initial communication they went silent for over a week and then only re-sent emails and information pr..."

They took a time to get back to me. They explained they'd been swamped with enquiries and were just getting things under control. I can understand and accept that. Personally I think it's an opportunity and I'm happy with it and them. Time will tell, but I remain confident and happy to accept that they are genuine people seeking to help Indie authors.

Theodore wrote: "Well, I finally received a response from the bookstore in LA, but it was identical to one I received more than a week ago. Basically we are back to Square One...no response to my other e-mails, whi..."

I finally received a "live" response, but it was to say that they only accept books by consignment from us indie authors (the burden is all on us), at this time, so I'm not interested

Evelyn wrote: "Alex wrote: "The problem is not the terms that have been reported, at least to me, it's the fact that after initial communication they went silent for over a week and then only re-sent emails and i..."

they may be honest people, but the cost of shipping my expensive books to them just is not profitable for me