Bookstore Distribution for Indie Authors

Most self-published authors these days know they can distribute their work digitally through platforms like Amazon or via aggregators such as Draft2Digital and PublishDrive.

Many are also aware they might need to invest significantly in marketing and distribution channels like BookBub.

What often remains unclear, however, is how to get their books into brick-and-mortar bookstores.

This uncertainty has led independent booksellers to field a flood of unsolicited distribution requests—many for books that don’t meet quality or production standards. While some stores offer consignment programs, these add extra administrative work to already full plates. Most stores, however, do not offer this option.

On the author side, not everyone is up to speed on how to professionally produce high-quality digital and print editions.

Currently, authors can explore programs like DartFrog Books’ “book to shelf” initiative, which connects vetted self-published books with a growing network of indie bookstores. Booksellers trust DartFrog’s curation, knowing only top-quality titles make the cut. Still, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Each indie bookshop has its own criteria for accepting self-published titles, and shelf space is always at a premium.

If you have questions about book distribution, feel free to email me—I’m happy to help.