on The Book Designer:

What we did

We adored the many display and co-op opportunities available at bookstores.

Too many times, authors will attempt to get their books into bookstores and onto the shelves of retailers and give up as soon as they receive their first “no thank you.”

When a store turns us away when we offer them a book for sale, that is not usually a solid “no.” It is an answer to our first question. Perhaps we are not asking the right question. We were asking them to give us money in exchange for our books before we have proven that our books will make them money in return.

What should we do instead?