How to Get Your Book Into Bookstores (Including Indie Bookstores, Barnes & Noble, and Books-a-Million)

🏬 Why Bookstores Still Matter (Yes, Even Now)

We know—most books are sold online. But bookstores are still powerful for:

• Discoverability (especially among readers who don't already know you)
• Credibility (nothing screams “real author” like a front-table display)
• Pre-sales and launch traction
• Back-of-room sales for events
• Growing relationships with local literary communities
• Booksellers hand-sell and share titles they love 💕

Best of all? Many bookstores will stock your book if you approach them the right way.

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🏪 Bookstore Resurgence Fueled by BookTok

Bookstores aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving. 📈

Thanks to BookTok (yes, TikTok’s book-loving little corner), a new generation of readers is falling in love with physical books—and where to find them. Barnes & Noble, once in decline, is now expanding again in a big way. According to Barnes & Noble, the chain plans to open 60 new stores in 2025, building on the explosive success of 2024.

But it’s not just the big guys. Independent bookstores are also seeing a major revival, embraced by Gen Z as cozy, aesthetic “third spaces” to hang out, discover new stories, and share finds with their friends and followers.

Whether you're an indie or traditionally published author, this bookstore renaissance is a huge opportunity. Readers are browsing again. They’re asking for books by name. And they’re falling in love with stories that go viral—then running straight to the nearest store to grab a copy.

😜 TL;DR: BookTok is doing what no one expected—bringing bookstores back in style. 🎉 And your book deserves a front-row seat on the shelf.

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🛒 How Do You Ask Bookstores to Carry Your Book?

This is the million-dollar question. And the answer is: not by walking in and handing them a copy while explaining how much your mom loved it.

Instead, here’s what you’ll need:

• A professional sell sheet with your book’s metadata (ISBN, price, distributor info, etc)
• A short pitch tailored to their audience
• Clear returnability and wholesale terms (ideally via Ingram)
• Reviews, endorsements, or media mentions
• BONUS: An offer to do a local event (author talks help move copies!)

Want help with that first pitch? Our Bookstore Email Marketing Service can help you skip the awkward ask and get your book directly in front of thousands of U.S. bookstore buyers.

🛍️ Check out the Bookstore Email Marketing Service

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💸 How Much Do Bookstores Pay for Books?

Great question. Most bookstores expect:

• 40–55% wholesale discount off your retail price. ➡️ 55% is standard.
• Returnability (aka, if the book doesn’t sell, they can send it back.) This is also standard with traditional publishing, so bookstores expect it.
• To order via Ingram or Baker & Taylor, not directly from you 

If you're using Amazon KDP for print, most bookstores won’t carry your book because KDP doesn’t offer industry-standard wholesale terms or returns.

But when you distribute via IngramSpark, your book is listed in the same catalog as traditional publishers—making it easy for bookstores to find and order it.

Pro tip: IngramSpark is free to set up and distribute your title—but may charge for post-publication changes after 60 days.

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🏪 How Do You Get Your Book in a Bookshop?

There are three main paths:

1. Distribute through IngramSpark. This is your golden ticket. Make sure you enable returns and a 55% discount.
2. Pitch local bookstores directly. Especially indie bookstores that support local authors.
3. Use our Bookstore Email Marketing Service. We pitch your book professionally to bookstore buyers and managers nationwide—no awkward cold emails required.

This is your backstage pass. 🎟️

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💬 Will Bookstores Buy Books from You?

Short answer: Yes, if you make it easy for them to do so.

Bookstores want:

• Professionally designed covers and interiors
• A compelling title and subtitle
• Industry-standard pricing and discounts
• Solid metadata and ISBNs
• Distribution via Ingram

If you check all those boxes, you’re already ahead of 90% of indie authors who try to get into bookstores.

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🧲 Bookstore Marketing That Works

Don’t just rely on a single email or pitch.

Authors who get bookstore traction usually:

• Offer events, workshops, or local tie-ins
• Build relationships with booksellers—indie and national
• Use book promotion services like ours to scale their reach
• Promote across social media and email
• Send follow-up emails and restock reminders

Our Bookstore Email Marketing Service includes:

• A custom pitch delivered directly to 1,900 indie stores, Barnes & Noble buyers, Books-a-Million decision-makers, and CRM reps
• Add-on options like follow-up campaigns and multi-blast bundles for bigger reach or multiple books

✨ View all Bookstore Email Marketing options

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🎯 Indie or Traditional—This Applies to You

This isn’t just an indie author hustle.

Even traditionally published authors often have to handle their own bookstore marketing—especially for backlist books or titles without a major push from their publisher.

If your goal is:

• Long-term shelf presence
• New fans and foot traffic
• Opportunities for events and signings

...then bookstore visibility needs to be part of your plan.

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📬 Want Your Book in Stores? Start Here.

Getting into bookstores is all about getting in front of the right people—and that’s exactly what we help you do.

Our Bookstore Email Marketing Service sends your professionally formatted pitch to:

• 🏪 Independent bookstores across the U.S.
• 🏢 Buyers and CRM reps at Barnes & Noble
• 🏬 Regional managers and buyers at Books-A-Million

Your email includes:

• Book metadata (ISBN, price, distributor info)
• Your cover and pitch
• Buy links or ordering instructions
• Optional follow-up and bundle packages

📦 Get your book in bookstores now

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💬 Final Thoughts From Your Book Coach

Bookstores aren’t a relic—they’re your next big opportunity.

Don’t let fear, overwhelm, or old-school publishing gatekeeping stop you from walking into a store and seeing your book on the shelf.

📣 Want to fast-track your bookstore pitch?
💥 Book your bookstore email blast package and I’ll help you get started.

You’ve got the book—now let’s get it in the window display.✨

— Lisa