BookPros is an independent publishing firm offering design, publishing, printing, distribution and publicity services to authors and publishers. For more than a decade, BookPros has provided clients with the services, organization, guidance and industry experience necessary to present their book to the world. Each service is carefully executed by an experienced staff dedicated to every author's vision, while authors retain 100% of their royalties and retain full artistic control of their book. For a free analysis of your sales and media potential, tell us about your book.

Why is distribution so important, and why does BookPros offer different options?

Most authors understand the important role distribution plays in the availability of their book to consumers. However, many do not understand the difference between distribution options or know what questions to ask when working with a publisher. Through its three publishing imprints, BookPros offers access to many distribution options, including direct in-store distribution through its corporate partnerships with National Book Network and Midpoint Trade Books.

The differences between a distributor and a wholesale distributor (a.k.a. wholesaler) are subtle but very important. Distributors like Midpoint actively employ a sales staff that calls book buyers at wholesalers, national chains, regional chains and independent bookstores in a proactive effort to promote sales. A wholesaler operates on more of a reactive mode, like a warehouse or fulfillment site, simply making books available for purchase.

Book Distributors

The following companies are prominent national distributors.

• Midpoint Trade Books
• National Book Network
• Independent Publishers Group

The distributors listed above employ a sales force to sell books to national retailers including:

• Barnes & Noble
• Borders
• Powell's Books
• Books-A-Million

Additionally, a book distributor's sales force may also sell to wholesalers. Some well-known wholesalers include:

• Ingram Book Group
• Baker and Taylor

Book Wholesalers

As mentioned previously, wholesalers take a less aggressive approach, but still play an important role in the distribution process.

Typically, wholesalers will sell their books to:

• Online sites such as Amazon.com and B&N.com
• Other online book retail sites
• Special order for brick and mortar book stores

Ingram Book Group primarily handles retail, while Baker and Taylor concentrates on libraries and educational institutions.