YOU CAN GET THERE FROM HERE
an article on understanding distribution from Brian Jud
(reprinted w/ permission from Books Just Books)
...Distributors warehouse, sell, ship, handle returns and bill for your books. In addition, they have sales representatives to whom they must pay commissions. Generally speaking, distributors (including IPG, Midpoint Trade and Biblio Distribution) discount your title by up to 70%. They may sell directly to bookstores or through wholesalers who perform additional functions. In this case, wholesalers (such as Ingram, Koen, Baker & Taylor) may request a discount of up to 55% and bookstores another 40% depending upon quantities ordered and other considerations. If you choose to utilize the services of these distribution partners, you will typically wait 90 to 120 days to be paid.
This paragraph describes an underlying infrastructure thought to be sacrosanct by most independent publishers. However, at least three of these concepts are inaccurate. The first myth is that each channel member receives the revenue from the discount described above. This obviously cannot be true since 70% + 55% + 40% add up to more than 100%. Second is the fallacy that you will receive payment for the difference between their deductions and your list price in 90 to 120 days. Bankruptcies and slow-paying companies notwithstanding, there are returns and other aspects of doing business that could delay payment. And the third misconception is that distributors will sell your title... READ MORE....
DISCLAIMER: This information is the opinion of Pneuma Books and is presented as informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of legal, financial, or other professional counsel. Individuals should consult an attorney, accountant, and additional publishing consultants for specific applications to their individual publishing or writing ventures. Individuals should always gather and consider more than one source of information in order to make well-informed decisions.
© 2007 Pneuma Books / Tel: (410) 658-8911 /
Email: gettingstarted@pneumabooks.com / Fax: (410) 658-8912
Pneuma Books is not a Publisher, Subsidy Publisher or Vanity Press.
Pneuma Books is a Book Producer. Pneuma Books does not issue ISBNs.
