Bookstore Pitch Generator
Pitch your book to indie bookshops
Independent bookshops can stock self-published books, but they hear a lot of pitches and have thin margins. A good pitch respects their business: it shows the book fits their shelves, explains the trade terms, and gives them a reason local readers will buy. Describe your book and get a pitch that opens the door.
Can bookshops stock self-published books?
Yes, and many independents do, especially for local authors. The practical requirement is that your book is available to them at standard trade terms with the option of returns, which usually means distributing print through IngramSpark with a wholesale discount and returns enabled. Without that, most shops cannot easily order you.
What do bookshops need from an author pitch?
They need to know the book will sell to their customers, that they can order it easily at a normal discount, and that you will help draw people in, through a local event, a signing, or your own promotion. A pitch that only talks about the book, and not about their business, tends not to land.
How do I set up trade distribution?
Distribute your print edition through IngramSpark, set a wholesale discount bookshops accept, usually around 55%, and enable returns, which many shops require before they will stock a title. This makes your book orderable through the same system shops already use for every other book.
Frequently asked questions
Can bookstores stock self-published books?
Yes, especially local independents, as long as your book is available at trade terms with returns, usually via IngramSpark.
What do bookshops want in a pitch?
Evidence it will sell to their customers, easy ordering at a normal discount, and your help drawing people in through events or promotion.
How do I make my book orderable by shops?
Distribute print through IngramSpark with a wholesale discount and returns enabled, so shops can order it through their normal system.
Is this free?
Yes, with a daily limit for guests.