Distribution

WHAT DOES DISTRIBUTION ENTAIL?

Distribution includes accepting orders, billing, collecting payment and shipping the books to the buyers. Many self-publishers take this on themselves, at least until the job gets too big for them.

Hiring a Distributor
If you don't have the time, energy or knowledge to distribute your own books, you can hire a distributor who will charge a commission. An established distributor will give you credibility at bookstores because the bookstore owner will feel confident that there will be a stable supply of books.

Using a Trade Publisher for Distribution
Sometimes a trade publisher who was not able or willing to take a chance on publishing your book will agree to distribute it once they see the finished product. If the book fits with their other publications, they will include your book in their catalogue and their sales reps may help promote the book to bookstores. Trade publishers who are acting as distributors usually charge a commission.

Using a Print On Demand Service
Print On Demand services like IngramSpark or Amazon act as both printers and distributors. They accept orders through their website (and in the case of IngramSpark, through other bookselling websites), collect payment, then print and ship the requested copies. As the publisher, you receive a portion of the retail price.

Contact us at info@self-publish.ca for more information.