Retail Focus

Extend your promotional reach to independent bookstores across the United States through Pantheon Books Publisher’s Retail Focus.

Despite the rise of self-published titles in the digital market, getting a self-published book into major brick and mortar bookstores continues to be a challenge. Literary content, sales potential, and returnability are just a few of the elements that bookstores will take into account before considering a self-published title.

A strong marketing platform, great PR skills, and a lot of tenacity have landed self-published titles onto store shelves of independent bookstores on a test basis but not every author has the time or contacts to accomplish this task.

Pantheon Books Publisher’ Retail Focus helps published authors like you promote your book to independent bookstores across the country through a strategic combination of print ads on two publications well-known to booksellers and a focused pitch to bookstores across the country to encourage these stores to carry a test copy.

This service includes:

• Your book, pitched to 25 independent bookstores across the US (with focus on a specific area or state) over the span of three months, using a customized sales kit
• A single-slot print ad in Ingram’s Advance Print Catalog (1 out of 8 slots)
• A single-slot print ad in the quarterly publication of ForeWord Magazine (1 out of 10 slots)
• The Bookstore Returnability Program for 12 months
• A guarantee that at least 2 of the bookstores/retailers will agree to test your book

Advance Catalog

For over 20 years, Ingram Advance Catalog has been highlighting the best and forthcoming titles through its monthly buying guide. This publication is read by over 7,000 retailers, librarians, and international customers via print and 29,000 international and domestic booksellers and librarians in digital format. Along with title listing, it also leads in editorial content, including author interviews, merchandising tips, and products news.

Foreword Magazine

One of the most reputable publications in the industry, ForeWord is a bimonthly magazine with a readership of more than 30,000 librarians and booksellers — including 1,100 American Bookseller Association members—all of whom make buying decisions and reader recommendations that affect the reading habits of millions of patrons and consumers. It is carried in all Books-A-Million bookstores, select Barnes & Noble stores, and independent bookstores across the country. Founded in 1998, it is still the only magazine showcasing critical reviews and title trends exclusively from the expanding independent publishing market.

*You also have the option to extend your campaign by adding 25 more independent bookstores.

Important Note:

In order for us to guarantee that at least two bookstores/retailers will test your book, we may recommend that you allow our professional designers to make your book cover more acceptable to retailers at no extra cost.

The official publication date must not be more than two (2) years ago or you or your book must have received recognition in any form (an award, a 5-star review, or media coverage) in the last 24 months. If your book falls outside these criteria, we cannot guarantee the bookstore/book retailer stocking a test copy.

Please take note that your book must already be available for sale before the campaign starts.

Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Other restrictions may also apply.