Self-publishing may be a different beast than traditional publishing, but both need to think about book returns. First let’s go over what self-publishing is. SELF-PUBLISHING: Self-publishing refers to the process of publishing a book independently, without involving a traditional publishing house. In self-publishing, the author takes on the responsibility of producing, marketing, and distributing their book. Here's how self-publishing generally works: a. Production: As a self-published author, you have full control over the production process. If it feels overwhelming, you can hire professionals or use self-publishing platforms to help with editing, formatting, cover design, and other aspects of book production. b. Distribution: Self-published authors often leverage online platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Smashwords, or Ingram Spark to distribute their books in digital formats (eBooks) or print-on-demand (POD) paperbacks. These platforms provide wide distribution channels to reach readers worldwide. c. Marketing: Book marketing plays a crucial role in self-publishing. Authors need to promote their books through various channels, including social media, author websites, email newsletters, book reviews, and collaborations with other authors or influencers. Building an audience and engaging with readers is essential for success. Now, it’s on to whether you should allow book returns. BOOK RETURNS: Book returns is the process of returning unsold books from the bookstores to the publishers. This practice allows bookstores to manage their inventory and helps publishers assess the demand for a particular book. Returns can occur due to various reasons, such as overstocking, book returns from customers, slow sales, or the release of a new edition. In traditional publishing, bookstores are allowed to return unsold books to the publisher for a refund. However, in self-publishing, the concept of book returns works a little differently: a. Print-on-Demand (POD): When self-publishing through POD services like Amazon KDP's paperback option, books are typically printed and shipped to customers on-demand. This usually eliminates the need for returns since books are not pre-printed or stocked in physical bookstores. Each order is produced individually, reducing costs and eliminating the return process. But even with POD, if you’re distributing your book through a service like IngramSpark (IS), resellers such as bookstores, Amazon, Target, Walmart, and other venues will buy in bulk from IS, especially if you offer a discount. It’s a no-brainer that you’ll want to sell to these venues, so you’ll need to consider allowing book returns. The reason is brick and mortar retailers expect returns to be allowed. If returns aren’t allowed, they wouldn’t buy the book. Now, though, sites like Amazon are shying away from selling physical books that don’t allow book returns. The same goes for other retailers. They won’t take on your book if they can’t return it if a customer returns it to them or if the books they ordered aren’t sold. No one wants to be left holding the bag – the returned or unsellable book. What does this mean for you, the author of the book? You’ll have to think seriously about making good on the sale by allowing returns. Keep in mind that you may lose a little money on the sale of a returned book because IS will charge you for the wholesale price, not the amount you’re actually paid. You’ll be responsible for the difference (printing fee and any other fees they add on). But if you check off “Destroy” in the Returns section when uploading your book for publication in IS or another aggregator, you won’t pay for shipping the book to you. Again, you may be losing a bit of money, but with returns allowed more distributors and retailers will be willing to sell your book - this will mean more sales. Just remember to keep sales money for at least six months. IngramSpark allows that long for a reseller to return a book. But always check to make sure. b. eBook Sales: For self-published eBooks, returns are handled differently by various platforms. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing allow readers to request a refund within a specific time frame (usually up to 7 days). However, excessive returns may lead to consequences such as account suspension or limited privileges. Other platforms may have different return policies, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with each platform's terms and conditions. But since it’s dealing with a digital product, it doesn’t affect your bottom line. Note: In late 2020, I published my nonfiction book, HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK, through IS and allowed for returns. I make sales every month and just recently had my first book returned. So, I wouldn’t be overly concerned about this issue. And since it seems to be coming down to whether resellers and retailers will stock your book if you don’t allow returns, again, it’s becoming a no-brainer.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, editor, 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. Or maybe you’d rather do-it-yourself. Check out FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN Self-Guided Course and Mentoring Program. If your children’s manuscript is done and you need help self-publishing, check out WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS. You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834---6700. (Please leave a message- I'll get back to you as soon as I can.)
