Prepare to approach a brick-and-mortar bookstore
Because I was going to the Catskills with the family for some spring break fun, and because I love visiting the Catskills, I decided to stop by a bookstore up there and see if I could interest the owners in my books. The only brick-and-mortar store I’ve ever approached is the Barnes and Noble a few miles from home, so meeting and greeting independent bookstore owners would mark yet another first for me.
Here's how it went and what you can do to set the stage for a successful bookstore introduction.
Prepare
Bring a small supply of paperback books. I brought four of each of my paperbacks on the trip. I planned to leave the store owners with the duology and some printed information. If they liked what they saw and wanted to buy a couple of books right away, I would have them on hand. I didn’t expect them to, but you never know.
I also brought the following:
• An info sheet that includes a quick summary of Book 1, a short bio about me, some quotes reviewers wrote about the book, and general info such as the ISBN number, my website address, my email address, and my phone number. At the bottom, I let them know I’m available to host an in-person event or book signing.
• Three copies of professional reviews. Because bookstore owners are familiar with traditional professional reviewers, I made copies of my BlueInk, BookLife, and Kirkus reviews. If you don’t have reviews from these places, copy three of the best reviews you have (even if they’re from bloggers or Goodreads reviewers). Do not use your Amazon reviews. Bookstores don’t like Amazon!
• A detailed page describing the in-person event I’m offering. Since I’m an editor and I’ve self-published twice now, I offer to host an “Ask the Editor” hour. This is geared toward anyone who wants to write a book, has written a book, or is in the process of self-publishing. Those who attend can ask me whatever questions they have. You might offer to do a talk on writing craft or something else that relates to the subject of your book. Or, you might just let them know you’d like to do a book signing. Bookstores and libraries are often looking for ways to get people to visit them, so don’t be surprised when they take you up on your offer.
I’ll admit I was nervous walking into the store with the motive of pitching my published books. I’m not technically “local” to the Catskills, though I’ve visited a few times, so I wasn’t sure if they’d take any interest at all. One of my goals for this year is to get over my fear of doing exactly this type of thing. I want to become fearless when it comes to talking about my books. As the publisher, I am also the company salesperson, and I’m determined to enhance my “selling” skills. I’m sure many of you want to hone these skills as well.
I walked in with my daughter. It was a beautiful bookstore, with several shoppers milling about and three employees. We found a pile of things to buy (easy to do at a bookstore), and I went up to the checkout counter, ready to discuss business in a very casual and friendly manner.
Well, I didn’t get very far. As the employee rang me up, I told her I was a self-published author and that I wanted to gift the store a copy of my duology. In hindsight, I wish that I had taken the books out to show her. At least she would have seen the covers and perhaps it would have sparked some interest. Instead, she said, “We don’t take gifted copies because they tend to get lost in the shuffle. But I’ll give you our buyer’s email address.”
While I was disappointed to be shut down, I was pretty happy to get the buyer’s email. I will send her a message with my covers and my reviews, and hopefully my pitch will intrigue her.
Remember: If at first you get a No, ask for the buyer's email address.
I’m confident that stores closer to home will be more open to seeing my books and reading the reviews that go with them. I also believe the library will be more than happy to host my “Ask the Editor” event. Of course I’ll report back to you when I have something more concrete to say.
In the meantime, I have what I need to make my next pitch. I’m ready to go.
Kim Catanzarite is the author of The Jovian Duology. Currently she is pitching her novels to local bookstores and libraries everywhere. Learn more about her and her books at www.AuthorKimCatanzarite.com.
