Distribution Restrictions

[Patrick]

I published my first paperback through Lulu. When I tried to get it on store shelves, including stores other than B&N, they told me they couldn't because of 3 restrictions:

1. Pre-paid orders only
2. No additional discounts, and
3. No returns.

Now I am considering re-publishing my book through IngramSpark. Will this correct the situation? Any other recommendations?

[Ken]

Getting any print-on-demand book into bookstores is a tough sell. I believe Spark allows returns and setting discounts for retailers, but that doesn't remove the other objections that stores may have.

[D.C.]

As a general rule of thumb most retailers are not going to stock print indie authors (they don't stock small press POD print either for the most part). Some local independent bookstores will make an exception for local authors.

Personally, I tend to think indies and hybrids are much better off concentrating on e-book sales, but for print sales, you might have better luck selling through your own website, or through community events.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

And try for book signing events at local bookstores, campus and public libraries, book fairs, etc. I get all my indie reads via ebook unless I'm attending one of those events (admittedly, I don't read a lot of indie books).

[Patrick]

So that brings to mind the next big question, Most authors out there say it is best if one purchases their own ISBN instead of having a free one assigned to you through your POD. Both Lulu and CreateSpace do this, but IngramSpark doesn't. If there are such restrictions placed on a book's distribution anyway, then what could the "advantages" possibly be if it doesn't make a difference?

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

The "free" one assigned to you has digits specific to that POD publisher ("publisher identifier"). If you ever switched publishers, you cannot keep their isbn numbers. If you buy your own, you get to keep it on that edition of the book no matter where distributed or published. Unless selling directly from your own or publisher's website, you do need separate isbn for ebook edition and for every format/binding of print books.

A good article (linking just because publicly available and pretty clearcut with links to download additional free isbn help but not meaning anything insulting by the "dummies" title) is at http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content...

[J.]

D.A.-bully wrote: "And try for book signing events at local bookstores, campus and public libraries, book fairs, etc...."

Has anyone had much success in getting indy book signings set up with local bookstores? Some near me won't promote signings other than providing a space and time; you have to provide your own "throng" of fans. Okay, I did that once; now what?

I tried several out-of-area bookstores and they won't even permit signings unless you're a local resident with, again, your own crowd.