Independent Bookstore Day and Your Time to Audit Your Book Distribution
Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader,
This coming weekend is Independent Bookstore Day in Canada while in the United States was celebrated on March 31st.
Whether you caught the U.S. date or not, this time of year offers something more valuable than a calendar reminder.
It is an opportunity to pause and take an audit of your book and its current distribution channels.
If part of your publishing strategy includes building relationships with independent bookstores, this is an excellent time of year to reach out, introduce yourself, or explore collaboration opportunities such as signings, readings, or featured placements.
But before you do that, there is something important to check.
Many authors publish exclusively through Amazon KDP as their print on demand service provider. While KDP works well for online distribution, independent bookstores are often reluctant to order books printed solely through KDP.
Here are a few reasons why:
No wholesale bulk discount structure that aligns with bookstore margins
No standard returnability option
Competitive tension between Amazon and independent retailers
Independent bookstores typically operate on a wholesale model that includes standard industry discounts and the ability to return unsold inventory. If those conditions are not available, bookstores assume higher financial risk, and many simply do not always have the buying power to risk Amazon’s terms and order your book.
Most independent bookstores prefer to order through Ingram’s distribution network, which is considered the industry standard for bookstore supply. When your book is properly listed and set up within the Ingram system with appropriate wholesale discount and return settings, it becomes far easier for bookstores to say yes.
Here is a simple audit you can run on your own book:
Ask a local bookstore if they can locate it through Ingram to see if they are able to order it.
Check to see if you have your book also be distributed through IngramSparks.
Confirm whether your book is marked as returnable.
Confirm the wholesale discount is set at an industry standard level.
Ask a local bookstore directly if they would feel comfortable ordering your current edition.
If your book is not setup for bookstore ordering, that does not mean you need to republish entirely. It may simply require adjusting your distribution strategy or adding an additional format through Ingram.
We regularly help authors ensure their books are positioned correctly within the Ingram distribution system, whether through a paperback or hardcover edition that meets bookstore standards.
If independent bookstore placement is part of your vision and your book is currently published exclusively through KDP, reply to this email to inquire about adding an IngramSpark edition or hardcover format.
We will provide the scope of work and investment required to structure your book properly for bookstore distribution. Should you wish to discuss strategy in more depth, we can then arrange a call.
Independent bookstores are community anchors. They can become meaningful partners in your author journey.
