As Large Bookstores Drop Like Flies . . .

As Large Bookstores drop like flies and theories are thrown around as to why this is happening, please keep in mind that a theory is just that but the facts remain what they are.

Fact 1: Large bookstores are outlets for the books large publishers continually spew out. They don't and never have cared one thing about small publishers that now, thanks to technology, make up the largest part of the publishing market.

Fact 2: Thus the "Industry Standard" return policy put in place during the depression (first by Simon & Shuster) to save these bookstores doesn't work for small publishers as they weren't around during the depression to be considered.

Fact 3: In spite of Fact 2, small publishers are forced to sign on to that "Industry Standard" return policy in order to have their books placed on the shelves of any large bookstore which actually rarely happens as large bookstores only cater to large publishers. Because after all, that's who they serve.

Fact 4: If anyone still believes that e-books are the reason for the demise of the large bookstores then they're simply ignoring the facts. Get a grip!

As I've stated before, I've asked my publisher to make my books non-returnable according to that "Industry Standard" return policy as it will successfully take any small publisher down, eventually. I've been with two publishers who met their demise because of it.

This of course means that B&N and other large bookstores won't order my books for their store and therefore won't humor any book event (which actually means very little to me.) B&N used to do consignment for local and small publishers who don't sign on to that "outdated" return policy but they no longer even do that. I do find it interesting that the very publishers who saved their bookstores back in the day are currently throwing their bookstores under the train.

At any rate and for the record, you may purchase my Black Bed Sheet published books anywhere in the world from any bookstore in the world as you can ANY author who has an ISBNumber. I just want you to keep in mind that this means the BEST books out there will NEVER be on the shelf of a large bookstore. I wonder how long it will take for large bookstores to realize that there will be no rescue for them this time as large publishers cut and run. ;)

I'd like to feel sorry for them but I simply can't bring myself to. Not unless they change the way they operate which is to humor a return policy that actually works for ALL publishers large and small. But if they did that, I wouldn't have to feel sorry for them because they wouldn't be going anywhere. Such a simple solution.