Self-publishing help: books on consignment

Being a self-published author is a double-edged sword. There are the good parts, the complete creative control over content, cover, and title, the higher royalties, and the speed, but there are also a lot of disadvantages when a big publishing company doesn't have your back. For me, the bit that I didn't like the most was that I wasn't going to be able to see copies in big name bookstores. But, if you're a self-published author, there are other ways to achieve that dream of seeing people flipping through your title on an actual, non-virtual shelf.

You've probably heard success stories like Amanda Hocking's books or the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon. Shelf space is money to big book stores, so they have to be confident your book will sell before they will stock it. The bigger you grow your platform, the more likely they are to respond positively to a pitch. 

Until then, there's consignment. A lot of independent bookstores will be willing to take books on consignment (this means that they will keep a few copies on shelves for a certain period of time in the local author section, but you don't get paid unless they sell the books. You are also completely responsible for collecting payment and picking up remaining books. The profits are usually split 60/40 in favor of the author, but read through the consignment contract carefully and make sure they give you a copy). Today I brought five copies to a local bookstore with a super cool name (Pegasus books) and gave them my little pitch, and they agreed to take three copies, and it they sell, the store might request more copies. 

I spent the rest of my time pawing through the fantasy/sci-fi used book section waiting for my books to be shelved, but they were pretty busy and it didn't seem like that was happening anytime soon. 

Anyways... I'm off to try and get The Essence of Aptitude on more shelves. Hope this helps!

-Esha