FAQs About RETAIL FOCUS
What does the Retail Focus guarantee?
Will my book be on display at these bookstores?
Will bookstore chains be contacted? (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, etc.)
What criteria are used to select bookstores?
How are the bookstores contacted?
Will my campaign be made nationwide?
Once a bookstore confirms that they will be testing my book, how soon will they order and stock it?
How many copies do bookstores usually order?
Will you be pitching the hardback version of my book?
Will you provide the name of the bookstore buyers?
What does the Retail Focus guarantee?
The Retail Focus campaign is a marketing program targeting independent bookstores. Your book will be pitched to 25 independent bookstores in the United States with a focus on your local area or state over a 90-day period.* Three progress reports are provided, and the final report will detail the locations that have agreed to test your book. At least two independent bookstores will agree to carry a copy for at least 2-3 weeks on a test basis.
*Other types of pitch campaigns targeting libraries and children’s bookstores are also available. Contact your Marketing Consultant for more information.
Will my book be on display at these bookstores?
No. When a bookstore agrees to stock the book, they are agreeing to put the book on the category shelf. Stores charge extra for in-store promotions. There is a chance, however, that the book will be displayed if it’s a new release, or if there is local interest in the book.
Will bookstore chains be contacted? (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, etc.)
Chain bookstores cannot make stocking decisions at the local level and require approval from their main offices. For that reason, some chain bookstores in your local area may be included in the Regional Bookstore Pitch Campaign, but we cannot guarantee stocking there.
What criteria are used to select bookstores?
Your location and book topic determine the 25 bookstores that are targeted during the 90-day period. Bookstores that specialize in your book’s topic are more likely to stock, as are bookstores in your area (as they are often interested in promoting local talent).
How are the bookstores contacted?
The contact begins with a direct phone call to the buyer-in-charge for each bookstore. The sell sheet about your book, a specially crafted cover letter, your pitch, and a sample copy is sent to the bookstore, and succeeding follow-ups are done via e-mail and/or phone. A call to confirm that your book is available in-store completes the pitch process.
Will my campaign be made nationwide?
Almost all of our pitch campaigns draw from a nationwide pool. Upon request, a Regional Bookstore Campaign may be confined to your local area only.
Once a bookstore confirms that they will be testing my book, how soon will they order and stock it?
Depending on the bookstore’s purchasing schedule, it may take a few weeks for your book to be stocked. Customer demand will determine the length of the test, and stocked copies may sell out quickly.
How many copies do bookstores usually order?
Bookstores will usually order 1-2 copies of the book.
Will you be pitching the hardback version of my book?
While some libraries may prefer to purchase the hardback version, the campaign will focus on pitching your book’s paperback version.
Will you provide the name of the bookstore buyers?
In the final report, AuthorHouse provides the addresses and phone numbers of those bookstores that have confirmed stocking. You may contact these stores to check if your title is still available, or if they would be interested in holding a book signing event for you. For tips on book signing, click here.