Pitch Perfect: Sell Your Book to Bookstores & Libraries with Keri-Rae Barnum
4/22/2026 & 4/29/2026
If your goal is shelf space—in bookstores, libraries, or retail—you need more than a great book. You need a professional pitch and the right strategy.
From pitch to placement: How authors get books onto bookstore shelves and into library collections
Ideal For: Authors ready to expand beyond Amazon and reach readers through bookstores, libraries, and other retail channels.
If your goal is shelf space—in bookstores or libraries—you need more than a great book. You need a professional pitch, the right materials, and an understanding of how the book trade actually works.
In this two-session workshop, publishing and distribution expert Keri-Rae Barnum walks authors through the practical steps required to sell books into retail and library channels. Each session focuses on a different part of the market so authors understand how the systems work and how to approach buyers with confidence and professionalism.
Session 1: Selling to Bookstores and Retail
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
11:00am-12:30pm PST (2pm EST)
Bookstores operate within a specific supply chain and buying structure, and they expect books to meet certain professional standards before they will consider stocking them. In this session, we’ll look at how bookstore buying works and what authors must have in place before approaching store buyers.
-
How bookstores evaluate new titles
-
The role of wholesalers and distributors in retail placement
-
Why returnability, pricing, and metadata matter to retailers
-
Creating effective sell sheets and retail pitch materials
Session 2:
Selling to Libraries
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
11:00am-12:30pm PST (2pm EST)
Libraries purchase books differently from bookstores, and understanding those differences is key to success. This session focuses on how authors can position their books for library buyers and the tools librarians use to discover new titles.
-
How library acquisition works and how librarians evaluate books
-
The key differences between bookstore and library purchasing
-
What materials librarians expect from authors and publishers
-
Real examples of pitches that helped books reach library shelves
Ready to master the art of the pitch?
Reserve your spot and learn how to navigate the book trade with confidence, create effective pitch materials, and approach bookstores and libraries the right way.
Meet Your Instructor
Keri-Rae Barnum
Keri-Rae Barnum is the owner and CEO of New Shelves Books, a full-service publishing consulting and book marketing agency. A leading expert in self-publishing and book marketing, she has helped hundreds of authors turn their writing into successful careers through strategic platform building, dynamic book launches, and innovative marketing campaigns.
Get Keri Rae-Barnum's Tough Love for Indie Authors
Bonus 25% Discount on Sibyl Writing Craft Books!
Take your writing further—students enrolled in any course receive 25% off all Sibyl Writing Craft books, designed to spark creativity and support your journey.
Discount code will be sent with course enrollment confirmation
