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 realize that their book must be made available in the retail market to give the end consumer an opportunity to purchase it. 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 the majority of 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 on book buyers for 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 to purchase. The best opportunity for authors to see their book in-stores is by securing distribution through a national distribution company.

Book Distributors

The following companies are prominent national distributors.

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

These companies employ a sales force to sell books to national retailers including the following companies:

• Barnes and Noble
• Borders
• Book People
• Crown Books
• Books-A-Million

Additionally, book distributors' 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, but still important role in the distribution process. Some better-known wholesalers include:

• Ingram Book Group
• Baker and Taylor

Typically, wholesalers will sell their books to online companies such as:

• Amazon.com
• 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.