What is a distributor? What do they actually do?
A distributor supplies book details and availability status to various outlets; they are an information hub for publishers, retailers and printers. Ingram has a huge database of information called ipage® through which retailers get their information and can order books.
Without distributors, retailers would have to keep in touch with all the hundreds of thousands of world-wide printers and publishers who are constantly putting out new books – it would be an impossible task. Instead, all the printers and publishers simply notify the same source, the distributor, so that they only have to go to one source to get all the updated information about books.
Who are the domestic and overseas distributors for AuthorCrossing?
AuthorCrossing's domestic distributors are Ingram and Baker & Taylor. Our overseas distributors are Bertrams and Gardners.
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How many retailers will be able to access a book through AuthorCrossing with channel distribution?
AuthorCrossing titles are available to order through over 25,000 bookstores in the US. Our titles are also available through most online booksellers including www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and www.target.com .
How long does it take before my book is available through retailers?
New titles take about 30-60 days to become available through most bookstores, and about 14-21 days to become available through most online retailers.
If Retail Channel Distribution is purchased for a book, will it actually be on the shelves in book stores?
It is possible that your book will be in book stores, but we cannot guarantee it. It is up to the individual retailer and store if they actually purchase copies of your book to place on the shelves in their store.
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