I was able to get “Baker’s Dozen” into a few bookstores with help from friends and family. Bookstores don’t tend to carry self-published book because they get money back for books they don’t sell from publishers but if your book doesn’t fly off the shelves, they’re stuck with them.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. I had a terrific reading at Gatsby Books in Long Beach that was a lot of fun and well attended—thanks to the wonderful Luccas and to great friends.
It’s worth calling your local bookstores and asking about their policy regarding local authors.
Bookstores are trying to figure out if they should host readings with self-published authors and carry their books. They don’t want to piss off publishers because they need their books so it’s tricky.
My mother also asked her local bookstore, Florey’s Book Co. in Pacifica, to carry my book and they agreed.
Vroman’s is one of the biggest independent bookstores in Pasadena. They only carry self-published books if you pay them on consignment. Once you pay and sign an agreement, they place your book with other “Local Writers.” I wouldn’t do it again, but it was exciting to see my book at one of my favorite bookstores.