Getting books into all the needed retail channels is one of the most important considerations for self-published authors. Therefore, at launch time, wholesalers and distributors have a role to play along with book marketing services professionals. Nearly all large retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online, generally purchase inventory from wholesalers who provide a range of titles. In other words, it’s unlikely a chain store or sizeable online retailer would take a direct shipment of books from an author. As a result, making connections with a wholesaler or distributor before your book launch is essential for sales.
Wholesalers have established relationships with retailers, and getting your book onto their lists makes it available to stores. But they tend to go no rather than warehousing and shipping, which means there is no one making a pitch for you to stores or large online sellers. If you already have a way to promote your work and make it known to retail buyers, you may only need a wholesaler to facilitate sales. But if you’re a first-time author and need more push, you may want to work with a distributor who will do more. It’s helpful to understand the way wholesalers work versus what a distributor will do for you.
Distributors take a more active role on your book’s behalf and place it with distributors and retailers. They employ sales forces that meet with buyers and encourage them to carry your book. It’s a proactive approach that can help first-time, self-published authors get their work into stores and major online retailers. Some wholesalers also may need encouragement to add your book to their lists, and the distributors’ sales force’s encouragement helps. Much has to do with where you hope to sell books and your expectations about the quantities – having a distributor will figure in with higher expectations.
Supporting your launch with a well-planned book marketing program also makes a good impression on everyone you encourage to carry your book. Sales happen when people have heard about your work and come across it in a store or online. Achieving meaningful sales depends on many factors, but all agree a marketing campaign is a help. It’s another reason why having a publicist make pitches to media for coverage can give your campaign a boost. If you are interviewed or mentioned in prominent media, it provides stature to you and your work. You’ll see the benefits in improved sales over the long haul.
Business Name:- Smith Publicity, Inc.
Address:- 1415 Marlton Pike East Suite 402, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Phone:- 856-489-8654
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