For the Independently Published Author, Book Distribution can be a major issue. But, I have found several resources that will help you keep the books flying out the door, without breaking your bank!
One of the areas you want to look at is how many books you might be selling. Some of the distributors give you better rates the higher volume you process. Others base the distribution rates on the length of the contract.
You’ll want to be sure they base their service price on a consistent amount so you can keep track of your expenses. I found several that are very reasonable, just email me for the list and it’s yours.
Just be sure to stay away for Print on Demand (POD) companies that have a direct relationship with Amazon or Barnes and Noble. You’ll end up giving up all your profit if you use Lightning Source or any other POD connected to the on line bookstores.
Also, one of the biggest disadvantages of being in bookstores is a well kept secret. Imagine three years after selling an average of 20,000 books a year you get a phone call from Barnes and Noble demanding a refund of $10 per book that would require you to send a check for $600,000 within 72 hours for the return shipment.
It happens, and it happens more often than not. According to expert John Kremer, the average bookstore rotates books three to four times each year. The likelihood your book would fall into the rotation is too great to ignore.
Be absolutely sure that you have a “no buy back” clause in your agreement, or do not agree to the terms.