The so called “big news” in bookland this month was all about Barnes & Noble: it has actually made a competitive move that could leave Amazon in the dust (there are 640 BN stores … Amazon has only 3) … but will it?
With over 600 brick and mortar stores—at least one in every state—B & N is dangling a carrot to the self-published arena. It, too, can have a shot at its reverend bookshelves. Really? Did you know that you ALWAYS had a shot at their bookshelves? That you just needed to know what you needed to show “them” to get their attention? That you could be a welcomed author in their sacred walls?
The news release sounded like the siren call from author heaven when first looked at:
“…authors have the opportunity to sell their print books at Barnes & Noble stores across the country… participate at in-store events including book signings and discussions, where they will be able to sell their print books and meet fans.”
Just what many authors want … even think they need. But, there is always a “but”… sure thing. Of course there are strings attached.
1. You need to be a Nook Press author. B&N defines as: the program is for “eligible” NOOK Press authors, defined as “those print book authors whose eBook sales [of a single title] have reached 1,000 units in the past year.” The in-store promotion is for “those print book authors whose eBook sales [of a single title] have reached 500 units in the past year.” Is that you or your book?
2. If you are eligible, your next hurdle is to submit to B&N’s Small Press Department. The buyer for your category also has to sign off.
3. To do instore events, the local store manager needs to give your book a thumbs up.
Here’s the truth … YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO SUBMIT TO B&N. And yes, you do it via the Small Press Department. What you need is a PLAN … as in MARKETING PLAN. In other words, they want to believe that you are going to do all your thinking, breathing, and bankbook effort you can to drive people to their bookstores to order your book. That’s it.
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 35 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors and Writers was published last year.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2017, the dates are June 22-24th. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching … call in to Judith’s Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 … have your questions ready–there’s a full hour to ask and listen.
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