The Truth About Indie Bookstore Consignment: What Authors Should Know
For many small press and indie authors, seeing their books on the shelves of a bookstore feels like a dream come true. It offers legitimacy, visibility, and a sense of accomplishment. But beneath the surface, the reality of consignment programs at indie bookstores can be far more complicated—and not always in favor of the author.
If you’re considering consignment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Not all indie bookstores treat authors equally, and the experience can vary widely depending on how the store operates and how they view their consignment authors. While some bookstores are supportive, communicative, and fair, others make the process more difficult than it’s worth.
The Pay-to-Play Reality
From personal experience, I’ve seen how consignment can be more of a financial burden than a benefit. Despite selling books, I encountered poor communication and dismissive treatment, making it clear that not all bookstores value their consignment authors equally.
One of the biggest misconceptions about bookstore consignment is that it’s an opportunity where both the author and the store benefit equally. But the truth is, most consignment programs require authors to pay upfront fees just to have their books stocked. Unlike traditionally stocked books—where bookstores purchase copies from a distributor—consignment authors bear the financial risk themselves.
This means you’re paying to be on the shelf, with no guarantee of sales. The bookstore gets the benefit of carrying your book at no financial risk to them, and in many cases, they take a significant percentage of each sale (often 40–50%). When you add in printing costs, consignment fees, and the effort it takes to promote your book, many authors end up losing money rather than making it.
Communication: The Make-or-Break Factor
In my case, emails went unanswered for months, and when I did receive responses, they were often curt or unhelpful. Unfortunately, this lack of communication isn’t uncommon, and many authors find themselves struggling to get basic updates on their book sales.
One of the most frustrating aspects of consignment programs can be the lack of communication from bookstore staff. Ideally, stores should be responsive, professional, and transparent about how the program works, how often sales are tracked, and when payments are made. But that’s not always the case.
Many authors find themselves constantly chasing down responses, waiting weeks (or even months) for emails to be answered, and struggling to get clear information about their book sales. Worse, some stores fail to notify authors when books have sold out, leaving potential sales on the table.
It’s also worth noting that established authors—who don’t have to pay to have their books stocked—often receive far better treatment than those in the consignment program. The divide between consignment authors and traditionally stocked authors can be glaring, with the latter receiving marketing support, better placement in the store, and staff who are more engaged.
The Question of Respect: How Are You Treated?
Beyond communication, one of the biggest red flags to watch for is how the bookstore staff treats consignment authors. Some bookstores see indie authors as valuable contributors to the literary community. Others, unfortunately, view consignment as a cash grab—a way to make money off of hopeful authors without offering much in return.
If you’re constantly met with rude, dismissive, or unhelpful responses, it’s a sign that the bookstore doesn’t value your work the way they should. It’s frustrating when an author is paying to be part of a program but isn’t treated with the same professionalism and respect as authors who are traditionally stocked.
Is It Worth It? Weighing the Pros & Cons
At the end of the day, every author must decide if consignment is worth the effort and expense. While there are some benefits—such as having a local presence, being part of bookstore events, and potentially reaching new readers—the financial and emotional cost can outweigh the reward if the experience is negative.
Before agreeing to a consignment program, ask yourself:
• Does the bookstore communicate clearly and professionally?
• Do they have a good reputation among other indie authors?
• How much will I realistically make after fees and commissions?
• Will my book actually be visible and promoted, or will it just sit on a shelf?
• Am I okay with the fact that I’m paying to be in the store while traditionally stocked authors are not?
Final Thoughts
Indie bookstores are an important part of the literary world, and many do incredible work supporting authors. However, not all consignment programs are created equal. If you’re paying more to have your book stocked than you’re making in sales, it’s time to reconsider if the visibility is worth it.
Choose bookstores that respect indie authors, communicate well, and provide real value for your investment. If a bookstore treats consignment authors as an afterthought—or worse, as a burden—it’s perfectly okay to walk away and focus on selling your books elsewhere.
Small-press, indie, and self-published authors already work hard enough. You deserve partnerships that uplift, not diminish, your success.
If you’re considering consignment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Not all indie bookstores treat authors equally, and the experience can vary widely depending on how the store operates and how they view their consignment authors. While some bookstores are supportive, communicative, and fair, others make the process more difficult than it’s worth.
The Pay-to-Play Reality
From personal experience, I’ve seen how consignment can be more of a financial burden than a benefit. Despite selling books, I encountered poor communication and dismissive treatment, making it clear that not all bookstores value their consignment authors equally.
One of the biggest misconceptions about bookstore consignment is that it’s an opportunity where both the author and the store benefit equally. But the truth is, most consignment programs require authors to pay upfront fees just to have their books stocked. Unlike traditionally stocked books—where bookstores purchase copies from a distributor—consignment authors bear the financial risk themselves.
This means you’re paying to be on the shelf, with no guarantee of sales. The bookstore gets the benefit of carrying your book at no financial risk to them, and in many cases, they take a significant percentage of each sale (often 40–50%). When you add in printing costs, consignment fees, and the effort it takes to promote your book, many authors end up losing money rather than making it.
Communication: The Make-or-Break Factor
In my case, emails went unanswered for months, and when I did receive responses, they were often curt or unhelpful. Unfortunately, this lack of communication isn’t uncommon, and many authors find themselves struggling to get basic updates on their book sales.
One of the most frustrating aspects of consignment programs can be the lack of communication from bookstore staff. Ideally, stores should be responsive, professional, and transparent about how the program works, how often sales are tracked, and when payments are made. But that’s not always the case.
Many authors find themselves constantly chasing down responses, waiting weeks (or even months) for emails to be answered, and struggling to get clear information about their book sales. Worse, some stores fail to notify authors when books have sold out, leaving potential sales on the table.
It’s also worth noting that established authors—who don’t have to pay to have their books stocked—often receive far better treatment than those in the consignment program. The divide between consignment authors and traditionally stocked authors can be glaring, with the latter receiving marketing support, better placement in the store, and staff who are more engaged.
The Question of Respect: How Are You Treated?
Beyond communication, one of the biggest red flags to watch for is how the bookstore staff treats consignment authors. Some bookstores see indie authors as valuable contributors to the literary community. Others, unfortunately, view consignment as a cash grab—a way to make money off of hopeful authors without offering much in return.
If you’re constantly met with rude, dismissive, or unhelpful responses, it’s a sign that the bookstore doesn’t value your work the way they should. It’s frustrating when an author is paying to be part of a program but isn’t treated with the same professionalism and respect as authors who are traditionally stocked.
Is It Worth It? Weighing the Pros & Cons
At the end of the day, every author must decide if consignment is worth the effort and expense. While there are some benefits—such as having a local presence, being part of bookstore events, and potentially reaching new readers—the financial and emotional cost can outweigh the reward if the experience is negative.
Before agreeing to a consignment program, ask yourself:
• Does the bookstore communicate clearly and professionally?
• Do they have a good reputation among other indie authors?
• How much will I realistically make after fees and commissions?
• Will my book actually be visible and promoted, or will it just sit on a shelf?
• Am I okay with the fact that I’m paying to be in the store while traditionally stocked authors are not?
Final Thoughts
Indie bookstores are an important part of the literary world, and many do incredible work supporting authors. However, not all consignment programs are created equal. If you’re paying more to have your book stocked than you’re making in sales, it’s time to reconsider if the visibility is worth it.
Choose bookstores that respect indie authors, communicate well, and provide real value for your investment. If a bookstore treats consignment authors as an afterthought—or worse, as a burden—it’s perfectly okay to walk away and focus on selling your books elsewhere.
Small-press, indie, and self-published authors already work hard enough. You deserve partnerships that uplift, not diminish, your success.
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