Fifteen years ago I wrote a book, which was published by an
international organization rather than a traditional publisher.  One
day, out of curiosity, I typed it into Amazon, and there it was.
  Recently, I decided to publish some books of special interest but I
did not like the prospect of dealing with traditional publishing
houses, mostly for reasons of design and packaging.  After lengthy
research, I decided to start a small publishing company of my own.  I
am an experienced businessperson and I took all the standard steps
needed to establish the company;  then I acquired ISBN "numbers" to
use on our books and a SARs number to identify us as a publisher to
distributors.  We published our first book last year.  The only step
we skipped -- an oversight -- was we did not send advance proofs for
review to Publisher's Weekly and its competitors.  Judging from the
junk mail and solicitations we receive, we are on the publishing
radar, but Amazon has not picked up our book in its data base, even to
say it can't get it.  Can you tell me what is going on behind the
scenes, and how to get this book on Amazon (you'll have to accept my
assertion that it is a worthwhile book)?  We are hesitant to commit to
more books than those already in our pipeline, as we are building our
sales strategy around amazon and bn (the latter lists the book, but
says it cannot obtain it).  Bonus $ for you if we are on Amazon due to
your assistance by July 10.

Hello brainiacamok,

I can indeed show you how to list and sell your book on Amazon!

Amazon.com has two programs that allow publishers and resellers to
sell their books online. The Advantage Program is geared towards
Publishers, and the Marketplace program is geared towards both
Publishers and Resellers.

Basically, once you sign up with the advantage program ($29.95 Annual
Fee) you can sell Books, Music and Videos that you publish and
Amazon.com will provide the customer with shipping and customer
service. Originally, Amazon.com will see how well your product does,
and then if they sell a few, they will preorder your products (just
like a bookstore would).

The detailed information about this program can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/partners/direct/advantage/home.html

In addition, Amazon.com will allow you to use their "marketplace" to
offer your books and then you do not even have to pay them a
commission if a customer chooses this route. You would be responsible
for shipping and customer service however.

The other way to get listed on Amazon.com would be to find an
distributor that will supply Amazon.com with your books (as well as
other stores). (You could ask Amazon.com who their distributors are,
and then attempt to sell your books with those distributors).

Amazon.com also allows you to do Paid Placements (promote your
products on their frontpage) and you can find more about this here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/misc/co-op/small-vendor-info.html/ref%3Dss%5Fpp%5F/104-3513742-4489509

You can find information on selling your books to Barnes and Noble
here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/help/pub_selling.asp

I hope this is the type of answer you were expecting! Please let me
know if you require clarification to this answer and I will get back
to you as soon as possible. Best of luck,

tisme-ga


Search Strategy:

sell books bn.com
amazon.com advantage

The perfect specimen of a five star answer.  Well done;  really
unclogged my arteries.