For the first time my novel has been stocked in a book shop

Unbelievably, this is the first time since publishing my first book back 2013 that I’ve managed to get a physical copy of my book stocked in a book shop.

One Tree Books in Petersfield, Hampshire is that book store.

It’s a real honour for me.

I’ve been writing and publishing my stories for many years now. So why has it taken so long to get my book into a physical store?

Getting my novel stocked in a book shop

A change in mindset was key – be confident

A big part of it did come down to confidence. When you first start out as a writer, you (well I did anyway) doubt your ability. I think that’s just a normal trait to have. You wonder if you’re a good writer and whether your stories are worth telling and worth reading.

It’s only recently with experience of publishing and great reader reviews that I’ve learned that I am indeed worthy of having my novels stocked in book stores, and I have more confidence in myself and my books.

I haven’t tried to achieve this before, so the change in mindset was key as it pushed me to explore my options.

Making contact and following the process

By contacting the book shop, I explained that I’m a local author who has written a novel (called DECEPTION), which is based in the local area of a town nearby called Haslemere.  I mentioned that it would be a great opportunity for me, but also a nice proposition for them as a business to stock and sell a book by a local author.

They then came back and said they would like to stock the book. Then it was easy enough to complete the steps to make it happen.

So I ordered a bunch of copies, provided them with more information about the book and its RRP, went in to the book shop and dropped off the copies of DECEPTION.

Not every bookstore you approach is going to be a local one to you. But don’t disregard those small, independent book shops.

If you’re an author looking to get your book into a local bookstore, then most definitely approach your local book shops.

Nearly get run over

I’M JOKING, PLEASE DON’T! So this didn’t actually contribute to DECEPTION being stocked in One Tree Books, but I thought it was quite funny on reflection.

If you’re in the Surrey/Hampshire area of the UK any time soon, then why not drop into One Tree Books in Petersfield? You can grab a copy of DECEPTION and a coffee (they have a cafe)!