Bookstores' best gift to self published authors: Consignment Programs

When I decided to self publish, I bemoaned the fact that my book wouldn't be displayed on actual shelves in actual bookstores. That was always a dream of mine. Big time. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered there was such a thing called The Consignment Program. 

Oh. My. GOODNESS.

This is truly the best gift bookstores could ever give to self-published authors. A chance to sell their books in an actual bookstore. For so long, only those on the traditional publishing path could find themselves there. And for so long, with every rejection letter I received, I lost hope that I would ever see my book tangibly in stores. 

Somehow, however, someone decided to give local, self-published authors, a chance. The same chance traditional published authors have. Because now-a-days, both have become such popular pathways for writers to take. 

So. The Consignment Program. What is is it, per say? While each bookstore's program slightly varies, each pretty much does this: displays your book on a local author's wall; includes your book in an email blast; offers online sales of your book; and even allows you to partake in an author signing. Yes, payment is required to set up each program. However, you do receive a share of the sales. And if your books sell out, they'll ask you to restock. 

WIN. WIN. WINWINWINWINWINWINWINW. Am I right? 

If you're looking to self-publish, here's a (small) list of independent bookstores who offer consignment programs:

Vroman's Bookstore 

Flintridge Bookstore and Coffee House

Book Soup

Diesel, a bookstore