5 of the Best Alternatives to Amazon for Selling Your Books
As a self-published author, you’re well aware of the advantages of supporting small businesses; selling your books on indie platforms gives smaller stores a fighting chance in a world dominated by megacorporations. Here are five indie platforms where you can support not only yourself, but also other indie authors and indie bookstores.
The Skinny on Selling Your Books on Amazon
There are a few extra fees you’ll have to pay if you’re selling self-published books on Amazon, including referral fees and additional fees for things like storage, listing, and refunds. If you want your book to appear on product pages, you’ll have to upgrade to a Professional Sales Plan.
Where to Sell Your Self-Published Book
Here are some of the best places to sell your self-published books online.
1. Blurb
Blurb was founded by Eileen Gitting, a business book author. The website has an easy-to-use interface for all experience levels and walks you through the entire self-publishing process. The one-time conversion fee is slightly higher than Amazon’s ($10 vs..15 per gigabyte).
2. Aerio
Aerio, like Blurb, is a simple-to-use resource for self-published authors, offering unlimited eBook uploads, a branded bookstore page, and more with a free account.
3. Ingram
Ingram is the world’s largest wholesale book distributor, and many bookstores rely on it to find and order books to sell. Self-published authors can offer wholesale prices to be added to the Ingram inventory, which will be closer to $25 for just eBooks.
4. Indie Bookstores
In the age of social disconnection, in-person book sales may be lower, but many indie bookstores have found success moving their sales online. Before pitching to bookstores that interest you, make sure your website and social media are up to date.
5. Your Author Site
Selling on your website gives you more control over the process and allows you to start an ongoing “conversation” with readers through emails, events, and other means.
Supporting the Survival of Indie Authors and Bookstores
Self-publishing books gives you more control over your sales and profits, but there are also more options for book sales and competition, so booksellers must consider a variety of formats and modes of distribution to stay ahead of the game. Learn how to publish your eBook in 5 simple steps.
What do bookstores sell?
A bookseller can stock shelves with a wide range of items that will benefit the reader in a variety of ways.
- Books. Of course, books are the most important part of a bookstore’s inventory.
- Reading Accessories.
- Journals and Writing Supplies.
- Other Media.
- Food Items.
Is reselling a book legal?
You (as an American) are free to sell or give away any book published in the United States without fear of violating the copyright law, which prohibits you from copying but not from reselling the copy you purchased from the publisher.
Where can I sell books I don’t want anymore?
Here are the top ten places to sell books for cash, whether you’re decluttering or just looking for a little extra cash to buy something you want or need.
- Amazon.com (as a Third-Party Seller)
- Sell Back Your Book.
- Bookstores.com.
- Yard Sales and Garage Sales.
- Half.com.
How much money can you make owning a bookstore?
Most independent bookstore owners, on the other hand, work as managers, which means the store could make enough money to pay a salary of $40,000 to $100,000.
How much does it cost to start up a bookstore?
The total cost of opening a physical book store can range from $8,250 to $18,950, while the cost of opening an online used book store is much lower, with inventory being the primary startup expense that can be tailored to a business owner’s budget.
Are second hand books illegal?
A basic understanding of Copyright Law may lead us to believe that reselling books is illegal and infringes on the author or publisher’s copyright; however, this is not the case; the “First Sale Doctrine” protects reselling of books.
Can I buy books and resell them?
It is generally not illegal to resell an item that you have purchased legally; once you have purchased something at retail, it is yours to do with as you wish. Your current business model (buying retail and then reselling) will result in two levels of sales tax.
Is it illegal to sell PDF books?
Is it illegal to sell PDF books? Yes, unless you signed a contract agreeing not to resell, in which case you may resell the original PDF document but not copies.
What can you do with unwanted books?
How to Recycle Your Old Books in 10 Easy Steps
- Bring your gently used books to your local library.
- Donate to a local charity.
- Make some gift tags.
- Recycle your unusable books.
- Sell or give them away online.
- Create a “Free Books” box.
How do I know if my book is worth money?
Fill out this form with enough information to generate a list of comparable copies. You don’t have to include every word of the title or author’s name.
Who pays the most for used books?
Where To Sell Used Books: 6 Of The Best Online (And In-Store) Options
- BookScouter.com is a good place to start.
- Half-Price Books.
- Amazon.
- 4. Powell’s Books.
- Online Buy Back Programs.
- Your local indie.
What are 4 general ways to increase sales?
There are only four ways to increase revenue in your business: increase the number of customers, increase the average transaction size, increase the frequency of transactions per customer, and raise your prices.
Are bookstores dying?
According to the American Booksellers Association, more than one independent bookstore has closed every week since the pandemic began, and 20% of independent bookstores across the country are in jeopardy of closing; however, Amazon spending this summer was up 60% over the same period last year.
How do you attract customers?
How to Bring in New Clients
- Discover Where Your Customer Lives.
- Know Your Business Inside and Out.
- Position Yourself as the Answer.
- Try Direct Response Marketing.
- Build Partnerships.
- Follow Up. Identify Your Ideal Client. It’s easier to find customers if you know the type of customers you’re looking for.