Authors: Stop Blaming Indie Bookstores

There’s a surprising amount of antipathy toward independent booksellers and it comes from an unexpected source: indie authors.

You might think small press and self-published authors would see locally-owned bookshops as natural partners in serving the book-buying public — we’re both little guys fighting the big guys, right? But a recent thread on a Facebook author’s group reveals raw feelings. I’d shared an article on why we should spend more of our money at indie bookstores. Here’s some reaction, most notably from the admin:

Until Indie bookstores quit relying strictly on Trad publishers, they are doomed. They might be doomed anyway, but that isn’t helping.

A defender replied: Some indie shops will add self-pubbed books on consignment. Worth looking into.

Then this, from another group member: screw indie bookstores

The missing period and capitalization on that last comment hint at what’s really going on here. One bookshop owner told me she wants to stock books by local authors but the quality varies, which is why she insists authors submit a review copy first. She didn’t want to be identified for this article but her main complaint is typical among her colleagues:

“Why would I subject my customers to something that screams for a proper edit? Books from mainstream publishers aren’t always perfect but some indies are just painful to read.”

I realize most writers can’t afford a professional editor who may charge more than a grand for their services. But you can get a solid proofread from a college English student. Many juniors and seniors are looking for intern opportunities, especially those that pay. I’ve invested a very reasonable $250 for this service and was pleased with the result. The last person I hired also offered content advice which I gladly accepted.

Content issues affect many books released by non-traditional and even some small presses. These include plot developments that seem forced and character actions that defy logic when compared to their previous behavior. Such inconsistencies are often best resolved using beta readers. One or two experienced, trusted bookworms can also flag over-usage of certain words or phrases.

Authors aiming for an agent usually workshop their manuscript. Here, three or four peer writers carefully examine a participant’s latest draft. Serious writers value this kind of feedback. The only downside, if there is one, is that you’re expected to reciprocate. Still, many authors prefer reading a fellow writer’s words while waiting, sometimes months, for a reply to their query.

If you’ve lost patience and think you can edit your own book, think again. Badly-written books hurt all of us. If every author did their due diligence, indie bookshops — and even chain stores — would accept our novels or memoirs without question. There’s a reason why the words “indie author” have far less caché than “indie bookstore.” It’s up to us to improve our reputation.

Help them help us. Give your local bookshop something they’ll be proud to display in their front window. Indie bookstores are a critical part of our business, and we owe them our very best. After all, we’re serving the same customers.