https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/en-USTelligent Community 10https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/8475/how-to-bank-preorders-on-retailers-before-your-book-launchesWed, 25 Mar 2026 20:16:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:cb1910c7-9fd0-422d-9ca4-66abebdc592dRussell NoheltyRetailer preorders are one of the most challenging yet impactful elements of book marketing. In this comprehensive session, USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty breaks down actionable strategies to help you get preorders on retailers, even if you don’t have a large audience or many connections. Discover how to overcome reader hesitation by reframing preorders as unique opportunities, build momentum through promo stacking and ambassador mobilization, and leverage psychological triggers to turn casual interest into action. Packed with insights on metrics tracking, creative messaging, and collaboration, this session offers a complete roadmap to create a high-impact preorder campaign that grows your audience, boosts visibility, and sets the stage for long-term success. Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Handout_5F00_Preorders_5F00_Nohelty.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowtoBankPreordersonRetailersBeforeYourBookLaunches.mp4 About the Presenter: Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author, and speaker. He runs Wannabe Press (www.wannabepress.com) and is the Co-founder of Writer MBA and The Future of Publishing. Russell is also the host of The Author Ecosystem and Kickstart Your Book Sales podcasts. He is the author of many novels and graphic novels including 'The Godsverse Chronicles', 'The Obsidian Spindle Saga', and 'Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter'. Russell is the Editor of The Author Stack, an online magazine, and has exhibited at over 150 events during his career.fictionNonfictionSubscriberRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/7983/advice-for-getting-books-placed-in-brick-and-mortar-storesThu, 17 Apr 2025 12:35:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:275b2088-dcbf-4050-a93b-d67459b2da03Beth Kallman WernerGetting books placed on the shelves in brick and mortar retail stores is challenging for all authors. The marketplace is more competitive than ever due to the amount of books being released and dwindling shelf space. Book buyers are very particular for these reasons and are looking for the safe bet, which is often books published by the larger publishing houses. Book marketing advisor and Author Connections President Beth Kallman Werner recommends that authors start locally to build credibility and increase their chances for getting placement in the national chains. You need to build a buzz locally or regionally to create momentum. Every in-store opportunity adds to your sales and discoverability. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AdviceforGettingBooksPlacedinBrickandMortarStores.mp4fictionNonfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/libraries/7658/how-to-get-your-book-into-public-libraries-and-why-it-mattersMon, 13 Jan 2025 16:18:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:e288534b-1f23-46d7-8cfe-cef02974079cAuthor Learning CenterIn 2019, visiting the public library was one of Americans’ top cultural activities, according to Gallup . Adults reported visiting a library 10.5 times per year – more than they went to the movies, live sporting events, museums, zoos, or theme parks. Clearly, there is an audience to be reached in libraries. While you may not make money each time someone checks out your book, there are still advantages to getting your book onto library shelves. Read on to find out why and how you should get your books into public libraries. Why should I try to get my book in libraries? By extending your book’s reach beyond bookstores, you’re making your work accessible to as many people as possible. Public libraries will often display their newest arrivals in a prominent place. If you’re a local author or if your book is about a relevant and timely topic, it may get featured as well. Plus, you may see the book promoted on the library’s website and social media. You know people are looking for books at libraries. They are an excellent place to market your work. If you host a book signing or lecture at the library, people will start looking for your book, and the first place they’ll check is the library shelves. What does my book need? Acquiring all of the data listed below is not required, but is recommended. It will make your book more appealing to librarians because it gives legitimacy to your work and eases the intake process for them. The less work they have to do to bring your book in, the more likely they are to consider it for their collection. • An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) : ISBNs are assigned by a certain agency in each country. An ISBN identifies the title to which it is assigned, along with who should be contacted for ordering purposes. This means that for every title or edition of a title, the ISBN is unique and allows a librarian to quickly locate the specific book a patron may want. By securing an ISBN, your book is listed in Bowker Books in Print, meaning it will be discoverable by all major search engines and most libraries. Using ISBNs also allows you to better manage your book's metadata , and ensure maximum discoverability. You will need to acquire a unique ISBN for each format of your book – hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook. All retailers and libraries will require an ISBN if you want them to carry your book. • A Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) : The LCCN is the control number for the record the Library of Congress assigns to titles it may acquire, and that librarians use to catalog books. Publishers and self-published authors in the United States can submit an LCCN request by creating an account in PrePub Book Link , through the Preassigned Control Number (PCN) Program. Authors and publishers outside the United States cannot obtain a LCCN. You must have an ISBN to acquire an LCCN, but unlike an ISBN, you only need one LCCN number to cover a title. Once assigned, this number should be placed on the book’s copyright page. Libraries might accept books without LCCNs, but it requires more work on their part. • Cataloging-in-publication (CIP) data block : Separate from the PCN program, CIP is where the Library of Congress creates a bibliographic record of your book in advance of publication, and these records are sent weekly to libraries as a way “to alert the library community to forthcoming publications and to facilitate acquisition,” according to the LOC’s website. These data blocks provide overall information about your book that will be helpful to librarians when deciding whether or not they will bring your book into the library, such as the genre and subject matter. Self-published authors cannot currently acquire a CIP data block from the Library of Congress, but if you are working with a larger traditional publisher, they can submit your book . Smaller publishers or self-publishers can create their own data block called publisher’s cataloging-in-publication (PCIP). PCIPs should only be created by a professionally trained cataloger who understands the required format and controlled vocabulary used by the library community. The CIP or PCIP is typically placed on the copyright page of a book. Libraries might accept books without CIP or PCIP data blocks, but it requires more work on their part. What do I need to do for my print book? • Make sure you’re signed up with a major wholesaler . This makes the book buying process seamless for librarians. They can simply purchase the book from your wholesaler, who then pays you (or your publisher, if you have one). Librarians prefer to work with wholesalers because they simplify the process and librarians know that your book will look professional, with sturdy binding and an appealing cover. Two of the top wholesalers in the industry are Ingram and Baker & Taylor . • Not only does your book need to have sturdy binding, but the spine itself should contain some key elements including the book’s title and author name in a legible font. Whether it’s a paperback or hardcover, your book will likely be sitting on a bookshelf with only the spine facing out. • Garner reviews . Librarians will look for independent reviews of your book to help them decide if they will purchase the book for their shelves. Securing a review on sites like BookList , Kirkus , or Library Journal will give credibility to your book and help librarians make the right decision. • When contacting libraries through email, include the sell sheet and marketing plan for your book. Your sell sheet provides general details about the book so the librarian can quickly assess if it’s of interest to the library. Your marketing plan shows the librarian what you are doing to drive demand for your book – a thorough marketing plan means you’re increasing interest in your book, and more people are likely to request and look for it at the library. • Offer to create content for the library and include their website in your promotional materials. You may write a blog post for the library’s website or create social media posts (which means website visitors and social media followers will learn about you and your book as a result). When you create ads for your book, direct readers to the library to find it. You could also take this a step further and host an event at the library, like a lecture or book signing. Librarians are always on the lookout for events that enrich the community and bring people in – come up with a worthwhile event where you’ll be able to promote your book and drum up excitement among library visitors and readers. What do I need to do for my eBook or audiobook? • For your eBook or audiobook , be available on the right platforms. Print books are still the popular choice over eBooks and audiobooks, but there is a growing demand for books that library patrons can access on their devices. Almost all libraries loan out eBooks and audiobooks, with OverDrive being the most popular platform. It’s not enough for your eBook or audiobook to just be available on Amazon – there is no way for the librarian to access your book from there. Other platforms that can make your digital formats accessible to libraries and their patrons include Smashwords , Draft2Digital , and Book Baby . Library requirements and processes can differ, so start by contacting each location directly to see exactly how to get your book on the shelves. You may end up talking to whomever does collection development. Even if you’ve followed all these steps and included the proper components, this doesn’t guarantee your book will make it into the library. Librarians have budgets to adhere to and patrons to please, so they are very particular with their selections. In this case, you can always offer to donate a copy of your book. Some readers check out books to decide if they will later make a purchase – it doesn’t hurt to get your book out there in as many places as possible! Also keep in mind that libraries listen to patron requests; if you are out in the community and actively marketing your book, this increases the chance of patrons asking for your book at the library. The process may feel overwhelming, but it’s worth looking beyond bookstores and into public libraries! For even more information about the process, visit the ALC’s Libraries section.articlefictionNonfictionhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/print-on-demand/8011/the-importance-of-distributing-books-outside-of-amazon-through-ingram?CommentId=46d82493-caae-46ef-ba07-2b5f3c5709a3Fri, 23 Aug 2024 03:57:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:46d82493-caae-46ef-ba07-2b5f3c5709a3Aedipus InkIngram Spark has been reported to the Better Business Bureau increasingly since on/or about June 2024, and as recently as the end of July 2024. There are serious issues with a failure to pay royalties to authors.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/print-on-demand/6423/your-book-your-rules-exploring-the-benefits-of-print-on-demand---recorded-webinar?CommentId=bc00da7c-eb6d-4d3b-a156-495b99f8d11fThu, 30 May 2024 19:25:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:bc00da7c-eb6d-4d3b-a156-495b99f8d11fKaren Lynne KlinkThank you for all this great information.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/libraries/6214/how-to-utilize-libraries-and-bookstores-for-promotion-and-selling---recorded-webinar?CommentId=e8242481-9a3b-4a8e-80ab-c20e5dae1206Sun, 31 Mar 2024 12:15:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:e8242481-9a3b-4a8e-80ab-c20e5dae1206Keith OgorekGlad you found it helpful. No one has more expert advice for authors than we offer our members. Just type in a topic in the search bar at the top of the page and you will likely find information on a topic you have interest in.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/libraries/6214/how-to-utilize-libraries-and-bookstores-for-promotion-and-selling---recorded-webinar?CommentId=85408365-e3de-4640-96ec-066c44631c44Sat, 30 Mar 2024 20:32:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:85408365-e3de-4640-96ec-066c44631c44Marylee MartinTONS OF INFORMATIION! Getting to these seminars a little behind schedule. Am impressed with the wealth of information provided. Now I have some work to do translating what I've heard to something I understand,https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/7151/the-differences-between-book-wholesalers-and-distributors?CommentId=8a7fb431-293c-43c3-b8db-2e764647a41aTue, 26 Mar 2024 20:04:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:8a7fb431-293c-43c3-b8db-2e764647a41aMarylee MartinExcellent information!!!https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/8066/retail-sales-how-to-get-indie-bookstores-to-stock-your-book-on-their-shelves?CommentId=df664991-5dcf-41cf-862e-9f653b3b0d4bTue, 26 Mar 2024 15:28:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:df664991-5dcf-41cf-862e-9f653b3b0d4bKeith OgorekGlad you found it helpful. She has other recorded webinars you can watch as a member. Just type her name in the search bar and you will see the other great advice she has shared.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/8066/retail-sales-how-to-get-indie-bookstores-to-stock-your-book-on-their-shelves?CommentId=6cb920ca-3808-4d55-af80-51e58151a0c5Sun, 24 Mar 2024 18:03:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:6cb920ca-3808-4d55-af80-51e58151a0c5Bruce J. MaltzmanGREAT INFORMATION!!!! Thank you Keri-Raehttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/3774/realistic-expectations-for-book-sales---video?CommentId=baf1f442-2a22-4fe3-9928-80908c4b8d8fSat, 23 Mar 2024 14:42:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:baf1f442-2a22-4fe3-9928-80908c4b8d8fEarl EdmondsMarie Williamson :What new idea did you learn about fiction and non - fiction book?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/royalties/2833/what-authors-earn-amazon-book-royalties-and-publishing-costs---article?CommentId=5242a236-99e6-4c01-b639-9fc3bcfaa29eThu, 14 Dec 2023 13:49:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:5242a236-99e6-4c01-b639-9fc3bcfaa29eAuthor Learning CenterHello, have you claimed your Author Profile on Amazon Author Central? This is where you can find that information for Amazon specific sales and royalties. https://author.amazon.com/claim/join If you have used assisted self-publishing and are looking for your sales and royalty information, please contact your publishing consultant directly. Thank you.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/royalties/2833/what-authors-earn-amazon-book-royalties-and-publishing-costs---article?CommentId=af25f88e-5ed1-4c50-8d78-def68b5aec7dMon, 11 Dec 2023 19:23:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:af25f88e-5ed1-4c50-8d78-def68b5aec7dEdward Smith, M.Ed., Ph.D.Still cant find my sales and royalties!https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/2860/book-sales-pricing-considerations-for-an-ebook---article?CommentId=933642f3-7344-44cc-8453-a69c5841c944Tue, 13 Jun 2023 23:09:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:933642f3-7344-44cc-8453-a69c5841c944Teresa StaalCowleyThank you. The information is valuable for first time authors.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/print-on-demand/8217/printing-and-pricing-considerations-when-publishing-a-bookMon, 03 Apr 2023 13:46:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:35438dd4-d117-4e10-a00b-62d30a1d79ccKeith OgorekPrinting costs must always be factored in when setting a retail price for a book. ALC President Keith Ogorek's latest nonfiction book will be printed in color, so the pricing and printing options are very important considerations in the publishing process since color is more expensive. There are two main printing options for authors: 1) print on demand, and 2) offset printing. The advantage of print on demand, used by platforms such as Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark, is that books are printed only as they are ordered. The print cost per book is much higher, especially for a color book, but the author doesn't have to pay up front for a large quantity of books or figure out how to warehouse the inventory. When using offset printing, you typically have to order and pay for 1,500+ books at a time, but your cost per book will be much lower. The path you choose for printing will greatly affect how much you make per book, so it's important to keep this in mind when setting your retail price. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../PrintingandPricingConsiderationsWhenPublishingaBook.mp4fictionNonfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/2173/book-sales-how-to-overcome-a-fear-of-selling---article?CommentId=f7af5328-5351-4177-bffc-f415504d262fThu, 02 Mar 2023 12:42:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:f7af5328-5351-4177-bffc-f415504d262fKeith OgorekFear is a liar.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/2173/book-sales-how-to-overcome-a-fear-of-selling---article?CommentId=7ab790da-8664-41f1-b53d-d14e7de05e57Sat, 25 Feb 2023 00:18:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:7ab790da-8664-41f1-b53d-d14e7de05e57Lisa VeachGood points on overcoming fear.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/2237/think-outside-of-the-bookstore---article?CommentId=621d1570-f2f7-4868-b44c-f9de337f8624Sun, 19 Feb 2023 23:18:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:621d1570-f2f7-4868-b44c-f9de337f8624Greg DunnAll good advice. I also suggest letting others know of your novel as you make other announcements of positive life events (i.e., births, retirements, etc.). Obviously steering away from marketing your novel at funerals, wakes, etc. I'm also working on a memoir and contacting family-friends-acquaintances for this endeavor is good chance to remind them of avalabliity of my debut novel (2 birds with one stone so to speak).https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/8129/distribution-advice-for-authors-selling-short-story-collectionsTue, 25 Oct 2022 13:53:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:6509d0fa-cfee-4432-9fa8-24df4e2d6cf6Chrome OxideAuthor Chrome Oxide primarily uses Amazon to distribute and sell his short story collections, but says it can be challenging to get your work noticed on Amazon because of the amount of books being sold through this channel. He knows other science fiction and fantasy authors that have successfully used crowdfunding to raise money and sell books, such as Brandon Sanderson, but that is not an avenue he has explored yet. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../DistributionAdviceforAuthorsSellingShortStoryCollections.mp4fictionShort StoriesSubscribervideoScience Fiction & Fantasyhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/distribution-sales/w/booksellers/7890/how-online-publishing-platforms-help-indie-authors-expand-their-distribution?CommentId=bc566ccd-ac9d-48bb-91e2-c81fdd6e3d87Sat, 03 Sep 2022 12:51:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:bc566ccd-ac9d-48bb-91e2-c81fdd6e3d87Keith OgorekIndie is short for independent. It means as an author you are publishing without using a traditional publisher which means you control the content of the book, timing for when the book is launched and yuu retain all the rights. Let me know if that answers your question sufficiently