bookgirl71
Registered
The preference was that the author ordered the books for a signing from the publisher rather than having the book store ordering them as that would cut down on returns. If a bookstore ordered too many and returned them that became a big issue for them which is why the preference was the author provide them for signings.
What do agents have to do with getting books on shelves? They are not the publisher's marketers. Yes, even the biggest publisher cannot guarantee your book on every shelf, but your chances are astronomically better with them than with a POD having no distribution and marketing at all.
I think it sounds pretty cool, another outlet for authors looking for another bridge to get their books in the public spotlight. Ok, so the books are not on the shelves, they're in a little ATM. But still . . . just a little elbow grease with advertising to get your title out there and people will look your book up. Not to mention, people will certainly be intrigued and begin to browse which is what they do when they walk up and down an aisle any way. I've found alot of amazing books perusing Barnes & Noble.com and these books were not found on the shelf. It didn't stop me from ordering them.
I think if this takes off, it could end up being successful.
I thought I'd mention something that I haven't seen brought up. This is a new agreement, but I think it addresses the issue being discussed. I recently received this e-mail from WRP. I doubt they'd mind me sharing this because this is great news for writers with WRP and those considering them.
****
We've just signed an agreement with Lightning Source Inc to include all of our print titles in their new Espresso Book Machine sales channel.
"Lightning Source is pleased to announce the launch the Espresso Book Machine (EBM) Channel officially at BookExpo America starting this Friday. The EBM, an ATM for books, is located in bookstores, libraries and other sites. The Espresso Book Machine is the latest pioneering distribution channel to join the Lightning Source family of publisher-to- market pathways.
The Lightning Source Espresso Book Machine Channel will give publishers the option to make available the books they have stored in the Lightning Source digital library, and have those titles printed, bound, and delivered at point of sale, on demand, in minutes."
To learn more, go to http://www.lightnin gsource.com/ ebm.aspx
****
I'm excited about it... looks to me like this is the ticket into bookstores and libraries.
Doralynn
My other question here would be exactly how many bookstores have actually signed up to have one of these machines?
I saw a demonstration of the Espresso at BEA (tres cool--it's actually very compact, maybe 6' or 7' long by 3' wide by 5' high, and as easy to use as a copier), and asked this very question. According to the rep, the Espresso is in 15 locations at present (mostly bookstores, some libraries) and expects that to rise to more than 100 locations in the next couple of years.
Impressive for brand-new technology--but, at present and probably for the near future, hardly an alternative to bricks-and-mortar distribution.
- Victoria
How very cool that you saw a demonstration, Victoria! I haven't yet, aside from the online video, but there is a machine stationed at a university book store (Hamilton, McMaster) less than an hour from me and I can't wait to get there and check it out.
Canada actually houses four out of the fifteen machines, Two in Ontario, one in Alberta and another in Quebec--we're EXTREMELY environmental here--so I hope we keep acquiring machines. But as others have said, book sale-wise, I don't think this compares to having cover frontage on a mainstream retail shelf.