Retail Focus FAQ

What do the Retail Focus & Library Focus packages guarantee?

Retail Focus is a marketing program targeting libraries or independent bookstores. Depending on the package you purchase, your book will be pitched to 25 libraries and/or 25 independent bookstores in the United States over a 90-day period.

Three progress reports are provided, and the final report will detail the locations that have agreed to test your book. For the Library Focus package, at least two libraries will agree to carry a copy. For the Retail Focus package, it will be two independent bookstores. For the Retail Focus for Children’s Books package, it will be two independent children’s bookstores. This test stocking period will last 2-3 weeks.

Will my book be on display at the bookstores?

No. When a bookstore agrees to test the book, they are agreeing to put the book on the category shelf. Stores charge extra for in-store promotions. There is a chance, however, that the book will be displayed if it's a new release, or if there is local interest in the book.

Will bookstore chains be contacted? (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, etc.)

No, chain bookstores cannot make decisions at the local level and require approval from their main offices.

What criteria are used to select bookstores?

Your location and book topic determine the 25 independent bookstores that are targeted during the 90-day period. Bookstores that specialize in your book's topic are more likely to agree to a test, as are bookstores in your area (as they are often interested in promoting local talent).

How are the bookstores contacted?

The contact begins with a direct phone call or email to the buyer-in-charge for each bookstore. The sell sheet about your book, a specially crafted cover letter, your pitch, and a specially created online order page is sent to the bookstore, and succeeding follow-ups are done via e-mail and/or phone. A call to confirm that a test copy of your book is available in-store completes the pitch process.

For how long will a test copy of my book be available in the bookstore?

If unsold, bookstores typically keep a test copy for 2-3 weeks.

Your final report will contain the names of the bookstores that have agreed to carry a test copy of your book. However, some books may sell faster than others and your book may have already been sold by the time you receive the third report.

How many copies do bookstores usually carry as a test?

Bookstores will usually carry 1-2 test copies of a book.

Will you be pitching the hardback version of my book?

While some libraries may prefer to purchase the hardback version, the campaign will focus on pitching your book's paperback version.

Will you provide the name of the bookstore buyers?

In the final report, Westbow Press provides the addresses and phone numbers of those bookstores that have agreed to test your book. Make sure to read some helpful tips appended to your third report, before contacting these bookstores.