How to Approach Indie Bookstores
People ask me how to approach bookstores. This is something that many authors do, because they really, really, really want to see their books on bookstore shelves. Newbie authors make lots of mistakes in this respect, and the biggest one is how they present themselves-- unprofessionally, like a dog-and-pony show.
Here's some useful advice from author Julie Dawson on how to approach a bookstore and look like a real publisher, rather than a self-pubber.
The difference between a self-publisher and a publisher is merely one of worldview. The self-publisher is very focused on himself. "my book" "my story" "my my my." A publisher is focused on the business of distributing and selling. There are hundreds of boutique presses where the publisher is also an author (I'm one of them!). It is no secret that Bards and Sages Publishing is my imprint. And I don't hide the fact that I am the owner when I design promotional material. It is merely a matter in HOW I present the material. For example, there is a difference between:
I just self-published my book, The Doom Guardian, under my own imprint, Bards and Sages. My book...
and
Bards and Sages Publishing announces the release of The Doom Guardian. Written by founder Julie Ann Dawson...
Both sentences say the same thing. To the casual writer, there is no difference. To a bookstore, there is a huge difference in terms of worldview. The first query is writer-focused (I, my, my, my). The second is consumer focused.
Learning to refer to yourself in the plural or third person is actually a good thing psychologically. Constantly focusing on the self can lead a writer to take rejection personally and internalize it. Divesting yourself of the personal attachment to the work, as hard as it is, allows you more freedom and objectivity. It also forces you to consider what your potential customer actually wants to hear, instead of what you what them to believe.
You can find out more about Julie, independent publishing, and her books at Bards and Sages Publishing. The other articles on her website, including some on marketing and promotion, are very useful to new authors and those who wish to self-publish.
Here's some useful advice from author Julie Dawson on how to approach a bookstore and look like a real publisher, rather than a self-pubber.
The difference between a self-publisher and a publisher is merely one of worldview. The self-publisher is very focused on himself. "my book" "my story" "my my my." A publisher is focused on the business of distributing and selling. There are hundreds of boutique presses where the publisher is also an author (I'm one of them!). It is no secret that Bards and Sages Publishing is my imprint. And I don't hide the fact that I am the owner when I design promotional material. It is merely a matter in HOW I present the material. For example, there is a difference between:
I just self-published my book, The Doom Guardian, under my own imprint, Bards and Sages. My book...
and
Bards and Sages Publishing announces the release of The Doom Guardian. Written by founder Julie Ann Dawson...
Both sentences say the same thing. To the casual writer, there is no difference. To a bookstore, there is a huge difference in terms of worldview. The first query is writer-focused (I, my, my, my). The second is consumer focused.
Learning to refer to yourself in the plural or third person is actually a good thing psychologically. Constantly focusing on the self can lead a writer to take rejection personally and internalize it. Divesting yourself of the personal attachment to the work, as hard as it is, allows you more freedom and objectivity. It also forces you to consider what your potential customer actually wants to hear, instead of what you what them to believe.
You can find out more about Julie, independent publishing, and her books at Bards and Sages Publishing. The other articles on her website, including some on marketing and promotion, are very useful to new authors and those who wish to self-publish.
