Some people will tell you that if you self-publish a book or publish your book through a small, independent publisher that you'll never see your book on the shelves of a bookstore. It's simply not true.
Granted that without the sales and marketing clout of a large publisher, getting into bookstores can be challenging. But if your work is bookstore quality and you're willing to put some effort into your marketing plan, you can see your title on the shelf.
Where do you start? Start locally with independent book sellers. Many like to feature titles by local authors and will either order your books from your wholesaler (if you're working with one) or may agree to buy a few copies from you on consignment. As you start to create more demand for your book you can approach more and more retailers and maybe even make a deal with a larger chain.
How do you find independent bookstores in your area? One great source is Indie Bound. Just enter your zip code and you'll get a list of independent sellers in in your area. Be prepared to offer review copies and provide samples of your marketing material, and start to contact your targeted stores (by the way, this is a great research assignment for your VA or publishing assistant).
Independent bookstores supporting independently published books - it's a wonderful thing!
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