For most authors, there’s nothing quite like the moment you walk into a bookstore and see your book on the shelf. It feels like validation—not just that you wrote a book, but that it belongs in the world.
But getting there? It’s not as simple as it looks. Some authors approach a local manager only to be told, “All decisions come from New York.” Others drop off a sample and never hear back. And yet—plenty of authors do succeed in getting stocked locally.
So what makes the difference? While there's no single magic bullet, some of our Invite Ministries team (Stephen, Jessica, and me) got our heads together, and with decades of industry insider knowledge, came up with a list of what we’ve seen:
1. Managers Make the Call
Many bookstores used to have a single national buyer who decided what got stocked. Today, many chains (including Barnes & Noble) have shifted decisions to local or regional store managers. That means whether your book gets carried often comes down to the person behind the counter. Some will welcome your pitch, some will politely decline, and others may order just one copy to test the waters--or get you to go away.
2. Relationships Open Doors
As our editor and colleague Jessica Barber Brown point out, “It doesn’t matter what the topic is—it is the relationship that gets you in the door.”
That means:
Show up in your community—not with a sales pitch, but with authenticity.
Look for ways to help the bookstore be successful. Instead of using them, propose opportunities to increase their sales and presence.
Use your existing network—pastors, leaders, friends—to open opportunities.
Think long-term—building trust takes time, not one conversation.
3. Create Demand Before You Ask
Managers are far more likely to say yes if they see evidence your book will move. That can mean:
Friends and fans requesting your book in-store.
Speaking events or churches ordering multiple copies.
Even you buying a few copies locally to show momentum (yes, some authors do this--although be careful, because buying at scale is consider unethical).
4. Make Yourself Visible
Store managers notice when an author is active in the community—both in-person and online. Build your platform through:
Sharing short, helpful insights from your book on social media.
Using Canva or video to create repeatable, eye-catching posts.
Engaging with other voices in your space, not just promoting yourself.
5. Be Patient—and Persistent
There’s no guaranteed formula. Some managers will stock your book quickly, others won’t budge. But with consistency, relationships, and visibility, your chances rise.
At the end of the day, it’s less about a perfect pitch and more about presence—showing up faithfully until the right door opens.
originally posted at https://www.inviteministries.org/article-details/how-to-get-your-book-picked-up-by-a-local-bookstore