And Where Did It All Go?

Two major distributors, Ingram Book Group and Baker and Taylor, dominate the wholesale distribution system for the major publishing houses, feed the big book stores and consequently drive the business model. Click on their web sites to see what mammoth operations these two are. An old article by Christopher Dryer entitled "Why do Books cost so Much" provides additional insight into the issue, and a strong rationale for the increasing popularity of eBooks among readers.

And if you listen to the small publishers, these business models are designed to support the major publishers and to drive small publishing houses into the ground. Try to place a book with a major book seller and if your book is not listed with one of the big two, most likely you will be turned away, Cherish the book store that welcomes the small publisher. They are a dwindling breed.

Kremer lists many small distributors to investigate on his site.

The independent publisher is then often left with Internet, direct email and mail marketing, and the good old "out of the trunk of the car" sales process. Grisham and many other have gotten their books out in this manner, so don't laugh it off. Check out Dusty Rhodes's web site. His sales figures are astounding - pretty much all face-to-face personal marketing of great books.

If you sell books that require mailing, seriously consider using Stamps.com. Convenient postage and delivery confirmation can be arranged right at your computer, to include easy use of Media Mail for books.