local author Inventory Consideration

As an independent bookstore, we are enthusiastic supporters of our local authors and our community. However, we have limited space and are not able to carry every book. This is true for well-known and award-winning writers as well as lesser-known, emerging talents. Our purchasing decisions are based on many factors, including—but not limited to—budgetary considerations, customer interest, overall business needs, and space available. If we are unable to carry your book, please understand that this is not a personal rejection of you or your work.

Our Conditions: In order for us to consider carrying your book in our store, please note the following requirements:

• We do not take books on consignment. Please do not leave copies of your book at the store unless you intend them to be free courtesy copies.  
• We only order books that are available through our primary distributor, Ingram.  

Your book must:

• Be discounted at our standard wholesale rate through Ingram  
• Have an ISBN clearly visible  
• Be returnable through Ingram  
• Have the title and author clearly visible on the spine  

If you would like your book to be distributed through Ingram, you may wish to explore IngramSpark as a paperback distribution option. 

When we purchase through wholesale, there is a standard discount of 40-55% (typical is around 43%) Our wholesaler, Ingram, labels these books as a regular/standard wholesale rate item. Anything less is labeled as a short discount. For our business model, and all other indie book retailers, if we purchase at a "short" we would be losing money on the book, as the profit margin doesn't cover the cost of operations. The book industry is one of the lowest margin industries in retail, as we do not set the prices of our goods (books), the publishers do. Typical retailers can adjust the prices of their goods to keep up with rising costs of operations (Rent, Utilities, Salaries etc.). Bookstores can not, and that is why we can not discount books. Big-box retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart sell books at a loss, using them as loss leaders to draw customers in for higher-margin purchases. This strategy threatens the existence of independent bookstores - another reminder that this is why it is so important to shop small and support independent bookstores!