Bookstores: Your Golden Ticket to Success or a Pipe Dream?

As few as ten years ago having your books carried in bookstores was considered the golden ticket in publishing. But is that still the case?

In this interview, Tara R. Alemany talks with Keri-Rae Barnum, the owner and CEO of New Shelves Books, about the intricacies of the ever-evolving bookstore landscape. Join us as we explore the significance of bookstore sales to an author's journey, debunk common misconceptions, and uncover key strategies for navigating this dynamic realm.

We'll be discussing the role bookstores play in an author's success, as well as the nuances of book selection, discovering which titles are most likely to thrive on bookstore shelves. Keri offers invaluable insights into common myths surrounding bookstore placement and empowers writers to chart a more effective course toward securing a spot by understanding the preferences of retail stores regarding publishing models and the top three essential factors for pitching to retailers.

Listen in to learn where to begin when pitching your book to stores, explore tips for earning coveted spots on their shelves, and gain a deeper understanding of the strategic considerations for utilizing local bookstores in your publishing journey.