As a self-published author it is so exciting to walk into a bookstore and see your book on the shelf for sale, next to other titles from authors you admire.
However, it can be hard for people to find your book if you are a new author and not a household name or a celebrity. This is why it is so important to be able to have time in bookstores to promote your book and meet your potential readers personally.
After all, there is no-one who can sell your book better than you! Only the author of an autobiographical book knows the story intimately, as they have lived it.
They can share with passion their deep knowledge of their topic, their feelings, thoughts and experiences, and the wisdom learned. Sharing this information with both the book seller and the customers.
Independent bookstore owners make great partners.
I am so grateful when a local bookstore owner is able to support me as an author. It makes it so much easier to have my books recognised by potential readers in my community when they can find them at a store they already know and trust.
It means a lot when an independent bookstore takes a chance on your book! It means they believe in your book and your message enough to take a risk that their customers will buy copies of it.
Independent bookstore owners can support you, not only by stocking your book, but also by allowing you to host book launch parties, meet the author events, and/or book-signing opportunities.
My next book-signing event is happening 29th October at Books@Stones.
The next opportunity to meet me and get your own signed copy of my latest book The Baby Dream – Learning to Live with Infertility and Loss is Saturday 29th October at Books@Stones.
I will have a table set up on the sidewalk from 10am until 1pm (longer if there are lots of people around interested in my book). I would love to meet you and share my story with you if you can make it!
There is no need to book, please just come along and say ‘Hi’ on the day. I look forward to meeting you!
If you are unable to make it on the specific day, please know you can always get your copy from me personally by visiting my website and I will even sign it for you if requested.
Other local bookstores where you can find my book.
If you are a local to Brisbane my book is also for sale at Avid Reader in West End and The Really Good Bookshop in Hillcrest. There are also copies for sale at the Queensland State Library Bookshop in South Bank.
If you would like to stock my book in your shop you can do this by buying copies from the distributor Brumby Sunstate or from me directly! Perhaps you already have a favourite bookstore where you shop. Simply ask them to order a copy in for you.
Working with distributors to market your book.
Fortunately my publisher supports me with distribution of my book. Distributors can list your book in their catalogues and sell your book to bookstores on your behalf, for a fee.
This has allowed me to have my books distributed to libraries, independent book-sellers, bookstore chains and online book-sellers. You can also buy my book directly from my publisher by visiting animaldreamingpublishing.com.