The Hierarchy of Bookstores
The objective of every author is to get their book seen by as many people as possible because the more people who see it, the more people are likely to buy it.
For this reason every author wants the most visible location. The problem comes from the fact that the book seller only has so much physical space and they want to fill that space with the books that sell the most, the fastest.
Because of the tremendous volume of books available, book sellers have divided their display and exposure of books and other related information products into a hierarchy of store types and display methods.
1. Airport bookstores
2. Brick and mortar bookstore
3. Virtual Bookstore
The bottom Line:
For this reason every author wants the most visible location. The problem comes from the fact that the book seller only has so much physical space and they want to fill that space with the books that sell the most, the fastest.
Because of the tremendous volume of books available, book sellers have divided their display and exposure of books and other related information products into a hierarchy of store types and display methods.
1. Airport bookstores
- Physically stocked; Author/publisher printed paper book – - displayed at cash register
- Physically stocked; Author/publisher printed paper book – displayed on shelves
2. Brick and mortar bookstore
- Physically stocked; Author/publisher printed paper book – displayed at cash register
- Physically stocked; Author/publisher printed paper book – displayed on shelves
- Non-Stocked author/publisher printed paper book – listed in brick and mortar printed catalog for patrons to order
- Non-Stocked Author/publisher printed paper book – listed in store electronic catalog for patrons to order
- Non-Stocked author/publisher printed paper book – listed in on-line catalog for patrons to order
3. Virtual Bookstore
- Author/publisher created, e-book download – listed in on-line catalog for patrons to order and receive electronically
- Author/publisher created, electronic print-on-demand paper book – listed in on-line catalog for patrons to order
The bottom Line:
- Each author and book has the possibility of being offered in one or more of the sales areas listed.
- Don't be discouraged if you don't see your book next to the cash register or in an airport bookstore.
- There are lots of financially successful authors who have NEVER had their books in those locations.