What is distribution?

The role of distribution is to make your book available to potential readers. The role of promotion is to spread the word letting potential readers know how it will benefit them. 

The book industry has traditionally been almost a consignment model, with books returnable if not sold. Books are "purchased" by booksellers and then returned if not sold or moving too slowly. You have seen bins of "remainder" books at steep discounts as a result of this ship and return model. 

Full-service distributors develop a niche and actively promote titles to their network. Wholesalers carry most books and fill orders. You could compare the level of service as similar to that of a discounter (Costco) and that of a boutique (your specialty shop). PageMaster does not have the volume, margins or narrow focus required to market effectively directly to resellers. Our premium distribution option is in line with other self-publishing services available in expensive packages.

POD option for print

Most of our self-publishing competition offers print on demand (POD) printing through Lightning Source. You are listed in the catalogues and are led to believe your books will find their way into bookstore shelves. This is unlikely, and their fees can be significant. We do want our authors to have their books as available as possible, but we also want to ensure it works financially. 

So, as well as the listings we have been doing since 2012, we have partnered with Lightning Source to increase availability. With this option, your book is available to over 39,000 outlets through (POD) technology. In this model, a book is printed when it is ordered saving the risk of overruns and saving inventory and shipping costs. Through technology, setup costs have been reduced and since many books can come from the same manufacturer ordering and shipping are efficient for the retailers. For Amazon sales we are also leveraging their direct printing services to increase sales.   

E-books 

Worldwide E-book distribution is Included in our premium package is through the major e-book stores: Amazon, iBooks and Kobo in our premium package.  You may also opt out and manage individual or all platforms. 

Our basic package includes direct downloads for both Kindle and Kobo/Nook platforms on our on-line store. We do have you covered so you can focus on writing and life.