As a self-published author, I’ve experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to get my books into local bookstores. Despite the time, effort, and investment that go into independently publishing a book, many bookstores still refuse to stock self-published titles simply because they lack the backing of a traditional publisher. This bias not only limits opportunities for authors like me but also denies readers the chance to discover diverse, high-quality stories that might not fit into mainstream publishing molds.
What many people don’t realize is that self-published authors act as their own publishing house. We don’t just write the book—we invest our own money into professional editing, hire illustrators, design covers, and purchase ISBNs. We handle marketing, distribution, and everything a traditional publisher would normally do. The difference? We do it without the built-in support and recognition that a big-name publisher provides, and we shoulder all the financial risk ourselves.
Recently, I reached out to a few local bookstores in hopes of getting my middle-grade novel, Firedrake, on their shelves. I was met with polite but firm refusals. One bookstore told me they only carry books from “established publishers.” Another said they don’t work with indie authors unless they come through a distributor like Ingram, which, while an option, still doesn’t guarantee acceptance. Ironically, it is mostly local bookstores. the ones that pride themselves on supporting the community. that have rejected local authors like me. I even received two rejection emails regarding potential book launch events, and a local bookstore near my house outright snubbed me when they learned I was independently published.
This isn’t just my experience. Many self-published authors face the same roadblocks. Bookstores worry that indie books won’t sell, that they might not be professionally edited, or that the author lacks a marketing plan. While those concerns may have been valid in the early days of self-publishing, times have changed. Many of us invest in professional editing, cover design, and marketing strategies that rival those of traditionally published books. Some indie authors have even outperformed their traditionally published counterparts, proving that success isn’t dictated by a publisher’s logo on a book’s spine.
So, what can we do? For one, self-published authors need to keep pushing for visibility. Events like author signings, local book fairs, and independent bookstore partnerships can help build relationships with booksellers. Readers can also support indie authors by requesting their books at local stores and libraries. And bookstores, in turn, need to recognize that a publisher’s name isn’t the only indicator of quality—sometimes, the best stories come from those who took the road less traveled.
Have you experienced this kind of gatekeeping as a self-published author or reader? Share your thoughts in the comments!
