Self Published
Selling Self-Published Books On Consignment
Consignment is an excellent way to get more books into the hands of readers.
Distribution is a huge part of the success for any writer and a special challenge for Self-Published authors, simply because they have to do all of the work on their own. Distribution of books is a big deal because if you have no way of getting them before the public, you have no way of selling them. So, one way for an author without a distribution contract to sell books is to sell them through consignment deals with independent bookstores. Independent booksellers can be found right down the block, or on the Internet.
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Here is an excerpt from Noah Lukeman’s free e-book, Ask a Literary Agent. He answers this exact question from the perspective of a literary agent (because he is one):
“Understandably, authors worry that self-publishing their book with a print on demand (POD)
service could end up hurting them in the long run. They worry that an assigned ISBN could track
their book’s sales, and that if sales are weak, a future publisher will reject future books based on their track record.
But there is nothing to fear. Publishers are sophisticated enough to differentiate whether an author’s
prior books sold poorly as a result of being published in a POD format or as a result of being
published by a major publisher. If an author’s books were published by a major publisher and sold
poorly, then yes, this would be a major problem for a future acquiring editor. But if the poor sales
were the result of a POD edition, then all is forgiven, and the author is treated as if he had never been published at all. And if the sales were strong, the POD edition can become an asset.
This has been my experience as a literary agent. I also discussed this question with an editor at a
major publishing house, and he concurred.”
Does self-publishing a book hurt your chances of getting published by a company?
I’m participating in National Novel Writing Month, and if I win, I can get my book published by CreateSpace for free. It would be self-published, not by a real publishing company. Does anyone know if self-publishing this book would hurt my chances of getting an agent and getting my book published?
How do self published authors arrange book signings?
I read on a self publishing website that self published authors can arrange book signings. But where and how do they do that? I hear that most walk in book stores; especially big ones like borders and barnes and noble only like traditionally published books at there stores. So once my book is well known, I want to do a book signing somewhere. But where can I do it and how do I arrange it? I hear as a self published author, you have to arrange certain promotions like interviews and book signings by yourself.
What would you say is the best self-published publishing company?
I self-published a book that came out in October. It has done extremely well but now I am having difficulties getting the company to pay me the royalties that I have coming. Do you know of any other self-publishing companies that actually do what they say they are going to do? If you know of one please tell me about them and why you chose to deal with them. Thanks so much!
The book signing I did for my book was in a book store and was a fairly small event. It was an independent book store and they contacted me. The book store did the hosting as a way to get more people in the door. I only sold 25 copies in that hour, but the store said they had about 3 times as many people come through as they normally would, so they were happy with the exposure.
Most websites with forums, chats, etc. have rules forbidding self-promotion, including self-published books. Depending on whether anyone reports spam, you can lose your posting privileges or account.
Self-published books do poorly on ebay, the publisher’s website, and the author’s own website.
Marketing a pay-to-publish book is damned difficult. Many of the avenues open to traditionally published authors are not available. Chain bookstores won’t host signings or carry copies (although some will order them for customers).
Newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio don’t want your press releases and won’t do interviews.
The library system won’t accept free copies.
Writing- or book-related conventions won’t let you set up a sales or autograph table, don’t want you on their author panels, and forbid you giving away promotional material.
About the only marketing I’ve seen have any effect for self-published authors is active participation at forums and chats and real-life organizations dealing with the subject of your book. Naturally, this applies far better to non-fiction. Find your niche market and determine where online they hang out. Some sites may allow you to discuss your book *if someone asks about it* (but will ban you for bringing it up more than once). Some may allow a link to a point of sale in your profile, or to your blog or web-page which in turn links to a point of sale.
You’ll sell a few more copies than you might have, but overall, like most self-published books, regardless of quality, total sales will probably remain below 100 copies, probably closer to 50. More often, the number hovers somewhere around 2/3 to 3/4 of your total number of friends and family members.
That’s why self-publishing is a waste of your time, effort, talent, and money. Consider it an expensive lesson learned and write another book that you can get published in the ‘real’ way.
Get this book!
The Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print, and Sell Your Own Book, by Dan Poynter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1568600887/002-4107020-2559212?v=glance&n=283155
His book is *helpful* and *truthful*. Do not shy away from it simply because it’s put out by a publishing company. Dan Poynter used to self publish; and he has come to my university MANY times to give seminars on self-publishing. He is very informative and does not leave out pertinant details.
His advice is AFFECTIVE; and that’s what’s important, right? As you can see, he has a rating of 5 stars based on 156 customer reviews. Not shabby. You’ll also notice that there are detailed reviews from satisfied customers. So don’t just take my word for it; see what they have to say!
There are used copies from only $15.
Good luck! ^__^ ~Holly Maria
Hi. My friend published with XLIBRIS and never had any problems up to now. So far, I mean. The people who have worked with her and still WITH her and yes, the royalties come quarterly so the author would be expecting a check every three months.
How does one market a self published book?
I have written and self published this great NASCAR fan guide, I’ve sold a few copies and everyone says it’s awesome. So why can’t I sell more, especially at the larger book retailers who are not interested in my book at all?
What is the best way to promote a self published book?
I have previously self published, But Promoting is not as easy as I thought it would be. Got any information on the subject?