Book Store SECRETS! How Publishers Distribute Books

[@GeorgeMiller-jy5je]

Thank you so much for this much needed explanation Alexa! Book Publishing and Distribution can be done through a variety of ways and methods. Which include book being placed in physical stores all over the world or being published on a plethora of different publishing platforms. I'd suggest someone who's new to this should speak to a experienced individual or a company to avoid any rookie mistakes. I got my book published and distributed through Writers Of The West they're based out of Houston and were pretty affordable too!

[@helloworld1249]

Alexa, there's always at least one copy of Brightly Burning in my local bookstore, which is where I got mine. You're still on shelves - at least in Norway! They replaced the one I bought, too!😊😊

[@JennaStreety]

PSA from a B&N employee: we hardly keep up with what books we need to send back to the publisher. Unless we happen to scan it for whatever reason and see that it's supposed to be sent back, it stays shelved until the rare occasion we scan an entire section (this almost never happens). So you'd be surprised how long a book with a short life span will still end up on the shelves for a year or more, especially if we have a small quantity of the title. A book is almost never sent back as soon as the publisher wants it returned. And if a bookseller likes your book, they'll ignore the request for it to be returned and may even short list your title that's run is supposed to already be done. This is why my store currently has Kim Chance's Keeper & Alexa's Brightly Burning. So don't let Alexa freak you out about this too bad X'P It's not as drastic as it seems. If you also let booksellers know your book is in their store & that you're a local author (maybe offer to do a signing), it will automatically lengthen your shelf life. (They're also SUPER unlikely to ever return a signed copy, just FYI.) (So yes Alexa, at least one B&N still has your book lol)

[@AlexaDonne]

You and The Grove, who stupidly had me sign a ton of copies :P

[@JennaStreety]

@@AlexaDonne Lol smart move on your part tho X'D When the sequel comes out just come to the Montclair store and sign a bunch too

[@zvw444x3zefa]

Good info, thanks.

[@JeanetHenning]

I work for a bookstore and though it's not in US, something that I found very interesting was how there were certain books that the publishers were super excited for and that they hyped up to us as booksellers and then you see the actual sales of the book and even though it's not bad, it's not as good as you might expect, but what they've managed to create is false hype because multiple bookstores in city had that book on display for at least a month so it sold a lot better just because people "believed" it would sell. Not to say the book wasn't good on its own merits but to start with the quality of the book holds very little sway. I feel like I'm stating the obvious but still wanted to mention it.

[@DalCecilRuno]

As usual, taking notes and saving this video for the future. Thank you, Alexa. Your videos are always so helpful.

[@audreyhenley8920]

Distribution is the biggest reason I would like to be traditionally published. It's huge. Thanks for addressing :)

[@authoralysmarchand4737]

I tagged you on Instagram. I found three new copies of your book on the shelf at Powell's, which is one of the world's largest bookstores.

[@lindacobo1744]

B.Dalton was my favorite bookstore growing up. Bless you for remembering them. Lol. We are not old we are vintage like great wine. Thanks for this info

[@SquareSpeaks]

I learned a lot of this as a baby publishing intern and was literally like 😱😱😱 so it’s interesting to see it from an authors perspective rather than a publisher.

[@augabachoo]

Fascinating topic I didn't even know I wanted to learn about. Thank you!

[@ruthapollonia6722]

Alexa, I've always been curious about the "New & Used" books available on Amazon: Do you know where the used books come from? Are they from smaller bookstores that no longer want to stock the book or books? It amazes me how quickly "used" books can pop up after the release of a title.

[@hollyseymour2029]

Just wanted to thank you for spending your time to help other writers who have absolutely no idea where to start in the actual publishing world.

[@hollyseymour2029]

I just wish i would have done more research before putting my own works out there through self publishing.

[@LindsayPuckett]

you're still at my local B&N! :) Thanks for this video. So enlightening! Momma Alexa at it again!

[@Morgan_le_they]

I actually have a self published book that I found on a shelf at a Barnes and Noble near my grandmother’s in Oceanside California, even though I live in Scottsdale Arizona. That was a pretty cool moment for me

[@FeeBee3001]

My local bookstore is run by family friends :) They hold book events and get authors in which I need to pay attention to more often. I was there the other day when they held a book launch for a local author but had to leave before it began due to other commitments. And would like to launch there myself if I ever get to the point of publishing. You have very useful information as always. Enjoy listening.

[@annac6098]

Heyo! I saw a customer holding Brightly Burning at a Barnes and Noble in San Jose recently!!

[@LiselleSambury]

This was awesome!! I'm definitely unfamiliar with the details of how bookselling and distribution works so this was great to learn about!

[@AlexaDonne]

I'm so glad it helped! And congrats on your deal!!!!

[@LiselleSambury]

@@AlexaDonne all your videos are always super helpful! And thank you!!!

[@thelibrarianofalexandria6200]

I just started working in a bookstore(here in norway) and was suprised to discover that we only have the newest books on the shelf. 2019 and 2018 books, all older books are in storage. So when people come to the store asking if we have book X published in 2013 I have to look in the storage which usually takes time. It is different with childrens books, a least in my store, because we have lesser space but sell less of it in comparison to adult books, so the childrens section holds more 2014 books than the rest of the store.

[@kaymcbride3321]

Hi Alexa! I’ve been following your videos for awhile now. I used to own a Christian book & gift store and I must say I’ve learned some things from you here! You’re a remarkably smart gal! So now, I’m working on my debut novel and you’re my go-to for everything I need to know!!! I watch many others but you’re superior across the board! If I may ask, Are you doing work as an editor and/or agent? Thx so much for all of your video’s!! Sincerely, Kay

[@wimpykitten7994]

Me who lives in the UK, realising America is under the tyrannical grip of a one book store monopoly: *I sure am glad that’s not us* /s

[@affey]

Whew, haven't heard B. Dalton in a loooong time. Thanks for the video!

[@Saidencloud2]

Thank you Alexa!

[@cadengrace5466]

Great video, now you need to add a new segment to this series - how to contract with your local stores. Since you had fear in doing so, tell us those and how they were or weren't founded. Then explain how you come to provide those books, how long they stay on the shelves and if you personally do a buy back. I am sure there are other ins and outs of that little process, but self-published and traditionally published authors should be doing this so this segment will speak to everyone. As always, love what you do.

[@AlexaDonne]

Well I think that would need to come from a self-pub author? I've never had to manage my own stock with bookstores. I've just said hi to the YA staff and/or owners, and set up some events. My publisher took care of stocking and buy backs.

[@cadengrace5466]

@@AlexaDonne Oh woe is me. I am such a fan-boy. There are several other really good sites to get rich information from, but when I hear something from you, it is like being on Mount Olympus, which is odd when I picture that because I always see as the metal bra, horned helmet, pigtails, brandishing a spear and a shield in the other while yelling out the author-world truth, sort of champion. I wasn't actually referencing all bookstores, just one or two "home" stores in your neighborhood or small town. My city of 50,000 has one principle bookstore and it is the largest city in my state. I just thought you might have a road map on how to structure a business relationship with such an outlet, because it is going to be so atypical of anything else in the publishing world. You have all the other answers - heh heh - why not that one? Bless you. A fan forever.

[@bookwormlife1278]

Alexa I enjoyed brightly burning. that got a 5/5 stars. you're stunning. keep it up. can't wait for the ya thriller. how's it going.

[@tohrurikku]

I am a bit disappointed with my local big box bookstore because their books in the fantasy/sci-fi section are limited to the classics or reprinted books with a new cover. I have those books already and I went there to see what is new. Even asking an employee which ones are new, as I am sure that there should be something there, they could not point anything out themselves. Sometimes there is something that might be, but it just happens to be like the eighth book in the series and any of the preceding books need to be ordered online. Your explanation does account as to why it is so limited, but if they were not so limited I would be buying more books from this store. I actually have a wider selection of books in my personal library. The main reason I want to get something published is to help get a wider selection on the shelves, yet as you say the chance of me getting one of my books on there is unlikely. Which is a bit of a downer.

[@OmegaTheSillyWolf]

I'm still writing the first draft of my first book! I'm far away from publishing but I like watching videos like this because I'm still learning as I go. I like to at least be somewhat prepared for whatever I do with my book and listen to my choices. I still have no idea which way I should go with publication, I'm not even sure which way would best suit my book either, but I've got some time to think while I work on my story lol. I'm glad I found your channel to help me learn more about traditional publishing so that it IS a possibility I can consider, instead of before where I thought self publishing was my only choice! Hopefully by watching your videos, other authortubers, help from authors I personally know and a majority of other people who'll be there to help me, I'll be as prepared as I can be as I go through the process. Thank you for showing the side for traditional publishing and not making it as scary as it sounded!

[@bic.550]

Good luck! I've got around 60K left to write...

I feel lucky that's I've always had a quite realistic perspective on this sort of thing. It never even occurred to me that my book would get a feature spot except perhaps in a few stores as a "local authors" display (at least not the first time!) That said, I have a little ritual every time I go into a Barnes and Noble: I find wherever my book would be displayed among those generic, anonymous fiction shelves, and I push apart the authors before and after me alphabetically. Just leave a little gap big enough for one copy ;)

[@lillyandrews8879]

Thank you for always being so insightful Alexa!!

[@ketrakrelek2347]

in the uk waterstones is the barnes and noble equivalent... i also remember when there used to be other chains lol, like books etc and we also had borders over here for a while, there's also blackwell's which is smaller and has an academic bent

[@Alexandretta]

My local chain bookstore in Idaho still had the hardcover of Brightly Burning in January of 2020. Until I bought it, anyway.

[@AlexaDonne]

So cool!

[@skymccloud]

What if you can prove that you can sell a certain amount of books on your own and have a marketing plan as a indie will that make it easier to get a big publisher to represent you?

[@angelsrollingcafe8116]

I saw ur book last week at half price books on a display near the register and was all “dang girl! You doing good”✨

[@KatharineFrancis]

Can you do a video on publishers working with editors. My friend was recently traditionally published and they screwed her over on editing. It was like they didn’t really edit it at all. How can that happen with the traditional publishing process? Or let me know if you already talked about that. I feel so bad for her and still plan on reviewing the book on my channel to help her out but I can’t help but feel pissed for her that they did such a bad job. All I really know is that it’s a smaller traditional press in New York and she didn’t need to get an agent to get it published through them. She also didn’t have to pay anything to them so I don’t think that would be a vanity press.

[@thaliaschannel917]

Do you know anything about getting into a bookstore by self publishing?

[@ThePrettyTomboy]

Fun fact: Brightly Burning is still on the shelf at my local Books-a-Million! It's even turned out.

[@cifge_404]

I remember our local second-hand bookstore. It was so sad when she had to close. We were good friends with her. 😭

[@zvw444x3zefa]

Thanks for this good information.

[@arianaannachi2254]

A note on Target - some books get there by being the free offer! I only know because I was asked if I wanted to be that freebie for press purposes. I was like wut.

[@rocketaxxonu]

Love this behind the scenes info! Curious about the library distributions video, I didn't see a link in the description. I'd love to hear more about how this all works with library chains too.

[@MACdollMel]

Hi 🥰 may I ask what are some smaller trusted distributors

[@bluebaby700]

I self published my book on Amazon Oct 26 in Kindle unlimited so how does that work after 90 days can put my book on other platforms now that the 90 days is up?

[@yelloworangered]

topic idea: you, Alexa, decided go leave trad pub and go indie. What will you do to protect your brand as you make the change? How will you promote yourself? What changes do you see to your expectations?

[@musicalneptunian]

You could do a second video on digital distribution. I only buy things in pdf. I will NEVER use a Kindle because then my pdf books can be taken away at any time. TLDR: I live far away from the US so shipping costs and times don't thrill me. An example of screwing the pooch is Image Comics; I used to buy pdf comics from them. But now they don't sell pdfs. So I don't buy anymore. I was enjoying Birthright, a wonderful high farce where the hero went on Quixotic missions that ended in silly outcomes. Oh well Image Comics, it was nice knowing you.

[@MekareP]

I wonder how the bookstores determine stock for a local author. For example, I live in a mid-size city, but if I were publishing a book I can imagine the local Barnes and Noble and BAM would stock it. I've seen them do it for a couple of other local authors and their books weren't big books publishing wise. 🤔

[@ra2863]

Barnes & Noble Book Club isn’t a box, it’s more of a traditional book club. Each month is a different title and employees volunteer to run book club discussions that month (at least that’s how our location is). However, I don’t know how or what compensation goes into the process of selecting the books. We’re told which books are each month’s selection to help promote it to customers. Titles seem to be newer publications that have come out in the last few months from what I’ve seen. Also thank you for this! I love how informative your videos are. They are extremely helpful!!

[@SylvainDementi]

I bought your book yesterday at Indigo and there was 3 more copies on the shelf. Yay! I think the return policy may differ in Canada but I found your video super interesting (as always). Also, I've been working in an indie french canadian bookstore for years and books in french is an entire different matter. That have been said, I agree that a writer should friendly introduce themself at local bookstores BUT there are a LOT of don'ts. If you are interested, I can list them out for you, it would be a pleasure to help you tip your viewers about that cause more than often, writers do big mistakes that leave a bad impression and make sellers put the book on the return list even more quickly. We all want good relationships but some authors, though well intentioned, ends up on the black list...

[@AlexaDonne]

Sure, I'd love to hear more! I can include some in a future video. I bet I'll know some of them (I think bookstores like me b/c I'm not and never presuming haha) :D

[@tessa3474]

This is fascinating actually. I'm excited for the library video! I had no idea it was so intricate o_o. On another note I know I picked your book up from a bookstore here in...June? So that's about a year after publishing! I was stoked for you!

[@AlexaDonne]

Yay! What store was it? It really varies widely. So local to me, I know the B&N still has copies (b/c I signed way too many of them lol), and I believe Vromans does too. But I know one of the smaller indies weeded me really quickly--they have copies in the back but not on display, womp. There was one who never stocked me (that was a fun trip ha). I haven't checked the others--LA has a lot of bookstores! But the two where I did signings? Still have copies! Establishing a relationship I think helps.

[@tessa3474]

@@AlexaDonne It was known as Hastings but I think it was bought out so now it's called Entertainmart now. Pretty sure it's some kind of chain but it's like half bookstore half nerd haven (which is rad). *Gasp* rude little indie! But the fact that you were/are in B&N is INSANELY COOL. After this video and you explaining the weeding process I think it's even more impressive that your books are still on shelves. Go you! You definitely must have made an impression locally. I am taking NOTES ;)

[@887frodo]

As someone who has a membership with B&N and takes advantage of Amazon Prime student, I can't wait to see both of them go out of business due to how heavily and aggressively they monopolize the industry.

[@linus1703]

Anyone interested in how retail stores sell books, an old boss of mine who was the regional manager for Target explained that they generally make no profit or even a loss on their book titles. This is in Australia so might be different but the books are more as a loss lead with the idea that if someone comes in to buy a book they will make other purchases. So the main logic to being stocked there is how popular it is and if someone will come in specifically for it rather than buy it on impulse.

[@davidwarmflash5329]

Thanks! That was really informative, plus I think I was at the right point on the learning curve to have heard it. They have 3-6 copies of my book in all barnes & noble but my local indie bookstore is Powells, which still is not stocking the book, and there is no way to talk with their buyers. Im doing better at indie stores in other parts of the country. The Strand in NYC has it for half price & a big indie store in Austin, TX made a display for it with some other space books, but the usual amount of copies in indie stores where i find it is 1.

[@AschKris]

How do authors live while they're not selling books? Do most authors have other jobs?

[@gregwsuperiorcattlesale1863]

:N

[@katerinalongoria9750]

It’s sort of a no brainer that publishers pay for positions on end caps and display tables. publishers aren’t the only ones that do that.

[@Beefcakes1288]

Alexa! Why are you a genius. Your videos are truly the best, thank you so much for your investment ♥️ First question ever lol..wondering if you know..might a book store temp restock the first, or 2nd, book when the next book in the series is released? Do they do that kind of marketing?

[@blabbinglobster]

Terrific videos Alexa. thank you. Tina

[@sapphyreviolet]

I just picked up your book in store, it was on a shelf, in the Canadian prairies!

[@mealynn7869]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@stevevondoom4140]

i've heard barnes is on its 5th new ceo in about as many years??

[@mariealice4850]

Somebody should come up with a '' Buy a book in a Indie Bookstore day " (maybe it already exist in the USA??) !! Buying at Indie Bookstores is so super, duper, extra important. It helps create good jobs, and it helps the local business's. AND, I find there's more diversity in Indie Bookstore. p.s: Yep, I did worked in a Indie Bookstore, for almost five years. Yep, it broke my heart when it went under.

[@davewilco822]

More diversity in an Indie bookstore? Wow, that is amazing they must be massive?

[@sjbenson5618]

Hello I need help of how to write my novel,Can I send you a sample of work to see if what are the issues that need to be work on? Thanks

[@helloworld1249]

Sounds like what you want is developmental edits? That's something critique partners do! Don't be afraid to get some, they're awesome.

[@sjbenson5618]

@@helloworld1249 Yes that's what i think I want, How do I get them? Thankyou

[@helloworld1249]

@@sjbenson5618 There are lots of ways. Alexa does have several videos on critique partners, and why you should get them. I got mine on reddit though that's not for everyone. There's lots of places to get them!

[@sjbenson5618]

@@helloworld1249 ok so their called critique partners, thanks I'll check them out :) this will help me out alot and structure my material and have it be develop perfectly. :) Your the best

[@sophcass2974]

This is completely irrelevant but should I use a pen name? My surname is Cassinelli. Is it too difficult to spell?

[@andreaelizabeth837]

Soph Cass I think you’re good seems easy to spell and pronounce to me 🤷‍♀️

[@dellez942]

Alexa, is Fulton Books publishing agreement legit?

[@elizalagonia1049]

Where do School book fairs come in for children's, middle grade and YA title?

[@AlexaDonne]

Separate team, falls under School & Library markets.

[@BionAvastar3000]

Yeah as an indie going through Ingram, there are SO many horror stories about opting for returns...

[@AlexaDonne]

I'd be very curious to hear how it works for indies! I bet there's a lot of nuance.

[@Hxarh]

Hello. I really appreciate your videos. Sorry if this comes across as blunt, but Are there any news about AuthorMentorMatch round 7? My manuscript is finally reaching the point where I could submit it, and I'm cautiously hyped! Thank you.

[@AlexaDonne]

Spring 2020!

[@Hxarh]

@@AlexaDonne Thanks for the reply! 😚

[@yelloworangered]

How long was the shelf life for each of your books? Are these typical shelf-lives for YA?

[@isabel2589]

This is so interesting. It would be so cool to watch a video series about the new book- how you wrote it, how is the publisher promoting it, etc.Thanks!

[@AlexaDonne]

I vlogged my experiences writing and editing book two, which you can find on the channel! I think I called it the Persuasion in Space playlist.

[@isabel2589]

@@AlexaDonne Yes, thank you, I think I watched most of them :) big fan here. Sorry, I was referring more to the how-to of the publication process (arcs, marketing strategy, events, interviews, etc.). I know you have general videos about them, but it would nice to see your own experience. But then again, you might not want to explain everything now, it would ruin the fun. So, yeah, never mind me :) good luck with your new book!

[@CDLMoney]

I’m a self published author of 3 books I want a distribution deal. You can fine me Ivan Romance

[@justscrollingthroughthecom8698]

I’m 15 would any publisher even bother to look at my book?

[@AlexaDonne]

When you query, just don't mention your age! Your work should speak for itself, and then if an agent is interested, you can tell them your age. If you're under aged, they'll need to get parental waivers and such. That said, don't stress too much about publication. Write the books you want to, and if you feel your ready to query agents, you can take a try, but it's not something you have to do!

[@justscrollingthroughthecom8698]

Alexa Donne tysm for replying

[@UKnowMeIMURDaddy]

I am ashamed of myself. I saw the image of this video and thought she was really attractive. And then I clicked. And she is covering a subject I am curious about. I have no self control.