Comments on: How To Sell Your Book

By: Anne-Mhairi Simpson

Anne-Mhairi Simpson — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:55:11 +0000

Go here: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/pages/independent-publishers/1931/

and scroll down to where it says “Submitting your book for consideration”. I believe you have to register it with Gardners, one of the big UK book wholesalers, at a minimum 60% discount in order to make it likely to be considered. All the info can be found at that link above I’ve been checking out the possibility too

Considering the % discount they require, I’m not sure you’d make any money at it, but it might be a good way to spread the word. Emphasis on “might”.

By: Shelagh McHardy

Shelagh McHardy — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 10:14:02 +0000

I have just completed my first book and have it up for sale on Amazon in paperback and Ebook. I was distributing leaflets yesterday and someone asked where they could buy it, claiming that not everyone is on the internet, which is true. I also have an article about my book being published in the Scottish Sunday Post next Sunday, and the same question was asked. I was shocked to read your blog, but can you let me know if these book sellers will order the book in if a customer goes in and requests it? Thanks!

By: Anne-Mhairi Simpson

Anne-Mhairi Simpson — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:10:46 +0000

I disagree. I think talent will always rise. It’s just that now, authors have to promote their books outside the bookshop so that when a prospective reader goes in, they ask for that particular book. Word-of-mouth promotion trumps all.

By: Alison

Alison — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:29:16 +0000

Unfortunately there is nothing new in this. And it doesn’t just apply to books either, but music and DVDs. Did you know that before Woolworths went bust a couple of years ago, the ‘majors’ would pay £200 million a year for X amount of shelf space for their discs? So regardless of whatever crap they chose to sell, there it was in top position for all to see. How is an independent publisher or person supposed to compete with that? If you think ‘talent’ will get it there, forget it.

By: Anne-Mhairi Simpson

Anne-Mhairi Simpson — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 11:27:17 +0000

I had no idea this went on – it’s horrific!! No wonder publishers are focusing their promotional efforts on the big name authors at the expense of the little folk. Absolutely outrageous. Now I’m wondering if bookshop staff actually read at all! I know the ones in my local Waterstones do because they rave about various books, but in general, when money controls placement, you have to wonder…

By: John Brown

John Brown — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 11:48:57 +0000

How sad that the publishing industry should come to this. Although I have to add, if you are determined and have a degree of talent there are still places to be had within high street shops. In particular, the attention now given by Waterstone’s to local authors is a positive step.

You can also find quality free advice, inc’ a list of agents, publishers and a beginners guide at websites such as bookopedia.co.uk and reversecv.co.uk – who will give you a 3 months listing free of charge.

As a point of interest – we managed to place my latest book – North of Watford Gap in nearly 200 Waterstones – hard work, but it can be done.

So you see – it’s not all bad – keep scribbling and don’t let them grind you down.

John B.

By: Sue Edwards

Sue Edwards — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:10:34 +0000

Very interesting since I have just self-published my first book. I was disappointed however to see that the title “How to sell your book” although it catches the eye, tells you simply how expensive it is to sell through book shops, rather than offering ideas.

However, I have a wesite with online payment and am on Facebook and yes it’s hard work to sell, like everything else. I’m organising my own book launch (this eve) and am confident that I will sell a good deal, judging by the interest I’ve had so far, but of course we’ll see.

Good luck to everyone out there trying to do the same.

By: Tom Langdale

Tom Langdale — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:33:18 +0000

I have just puplished me first book and trying to sell it, I find your comments quite distressing,that new authors are given such little chance to sell their work along side established authors.To have a closed shop envirenment, means the world is forced to miss out on what could be better quality books but for the sake of a ransom. What can be done about it