Selling books can be a challenging endeavor. It’s easier to write a book than sell it.
But what if you could sell your books in bulk?
It is possible, but there are different strategies for different genres.
I’ll use my fantasy chapter book “Walking Through Walls” as an example for the first few points. It’s a fantasy chapter book set in sixteenth-century China. While it’s fiction, there are elements of historical facts in it.
The first step in selling your book in bulk to nonretail buyers is to identify appropriate markets and channels.
POTENTIAL BULK BUYERS
1. Educational Institutions Schools and universities often look for culturally rich materials for their curricula. “Walking Through Walls” could be a valuable addition to a grammar school classroom or library. Or there may be history or literature programs focusing on Chinese culture that would be interested in the book.
2. Libraries and Cultural Centers Institutions like the Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University, which houses over 35,000 Chinese children's books, may be interested in acquiring unique titles to enhance their collections.
3. Museums and Historical Societies Organizations focused on preserving and educating about Chinese history might consider purchasing my book for their gift shops or educational programs.
4. Nonprofit Organizations Nonprofits focusing on cultural education or literacy programs may distribute my book as part of their initiatives.
ONLINE AND INTERNATIONAL PLATFORMS TO CONNECT WITH BUYERS
-Dangdang: A prominent Chinese e-commerce platform with a strong presence in the book market. It can help you reach a vast Chinese audience. -Taobao: China's largest online marketplace, offering a wide range of products, including books. It can be a good platform to introduce your work to a broad audience. -Amazon: A global e-commerce giant with a vast customer base, including Amazon.cn for the Chinese market. -Alibaba: A well-known B2B marketplace where you might connect with retailers and wholesalers. -Made-In-China.com: Another B2B platform that can connect you with suppliers and possibly bulk buyers.
You will need to target your research on your particular book. Even with basic details, you’ll get plenty of information online to get started.
COMPANIES THAT BUY NEW CHILDREN’S BOOKS IN BULK
-BooksRun: Buys books in bulk and offers competitive quotes. It takes care of shipping.
-BookPal: Offers bulk discounts and resources for educators and others buying books for young readers.
-Bulk Bookstore: A leading distributor of children's books in bulk with a minimum order quantity of 25 copies of the same title.
-Book Depot: Offers wholesale children's fiction and nonfiction books.
You might also research other bulk book sales platforms and services.
STRATEGIES TO INCREASE YOUR BOOK’S APPEAL
-Know Who You’re Targeting: Research the organization to tailor your pitch effectively.
-Highlight Cultural Significance: Emphasize the historical and cultural aspects of your book; emphasize its educational value.
-Highlight the Benefits: Show how your book adds value to and aligns with the company’s goals.
-Provide Educational Resources: Include discussion questions or lesson plans to make the book enticing to educational institutions. I have reading comprehension questions and information on the period and the Chinese dragon in the back matter of “Walking Through Walls.”
-Offer Customization: You might provide options for bulk buyers to add their logos or messages, making the books suitable for events or programs. I’m not sure if this is doable with print-on-demand (POD) books.
PUTTING IT INTO ACTION
-Create a Presentation: Create a professional and persuasive pitch that incorporates visual materials to highlight your book's unique features.
-Reach Out to Potential Buyers: Use personalized messages to contact the institutions and platforms you’ve researched. Think locally also. Organizations, such as Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions, are known for charitable and community work. You might request to speak at one of their events and then see if they’ll purchase your book in bulk to donate to schools, libraries, and possibly hospitals.
-Attend Book Fairs and Trade Shows: Participate in in-person and online events specific to your book to network with potential buyers.
-Take Advantage of Social Media: Engage with groups and forums related to children's books, the specific topic, culture, or background related to your book, to promote it.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
According to Hubpages, “be cautious of extended payment periods,” take into consideration shipping costs and your sales tax responsibility.
SUMMING IT UP
By putting in the work, targeting the right audiences, and presenting your book's unique value, you can sell it in bulk to nonretail buyers interested in your book’s topic. Give it a try.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
