AuroraAoD Posted December 5, 2008 Report Posted December 5, 2008 Here is a list of Acceptance Criteria that Barnes and Nobles looks at when considering carrying a published work by a new Author... All books will be considered for store placement based on subject matter and salability. Please consider the following points when publishing and presenting your book. 1. Does your book have an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) ? We use the ISBN to track inventory and sales information. An ISBN is a ten-digit or thirteen-digit number that specifically identifies your title. ISBN's are furnished by: ISBN Agency 630 Central Avenue New Providence, New Jersey 07974 877-310-7333 908-219-0188 (fax) The website for the ISBN agency is www.ISBN.org Processing takes 10 working days. An extra fee brings 72 priority handling. If your book has already been printed, you can sticker your books with the ISBN once it is assigned. The ISBN and price should appear on the back cover of the book. 2. Does your book have a bar code? Bar codes help our store handle books more efficiently. The bar code which incorporates your ISBN, is scanned at the time of purchase, thus recording accurately the sale of your book. The book industry uses the Bookland EAN barcode, not the UPC. If your book is already printed, you can have pressure sensitive labels produced for placement on the back cover. For a list of commercial Bar Code suppliers, visit the BISG website: www.bisg.org/barcoding.bc_suppliers.html 3. What sort of binding (saddle stich, staple, perfect, plastic comb, ring) does your book have? Perfect binding is the more expensive, but perfect bound books have the potential for a longer shelf life and better sales since the name of the book can be printed on the spine. Since most of the titles in our stores are placed on the shelves spine out, stapled or saddled stitched books essentially disappear. If your book is plastic comb-bound or perfect bound, the title and other pertinent information should be printed on the spine. Otabind is another type of perfect binding which allows a paperback to lie flat. 4. Is your book available through a wholesaler? Your willingness to place your book with a book wholesaler may determine whether or not we carry it. Wholesalers normally expect 50%-55% discount, pay in 60-90 days, and expect books to be returnable. Some expect free freight. Placing your book with a wholesaler will simplify your billing (one invoice to one location). It also allows B&N to consider placing larger orders, and putting the book on automatic replenishment. Wholesalers are used by many segments of the book industry: publishers, libraries, and booksellers. Other bookstores order from the same wholesalers Barnes and Noble uses. We can help put you in touch with an appropriate wholesaler. 5. Is your book priced competitively with other titles of a similar topic and quality? Customers care about cost. Price can be a determining factor for a customer when looking at books similar in content, presentation and format. Look at the pricing of similar books in the category, and try to price yours competitively. 6. Why should Barnes and Noble place your title on its shelves? Tell us what makes your book unique and special. What is your marketing plan? Send us your publicity and promotional plans, along with any reviews or articles that may have been written about your book(s). 7. Where can you find more information on the topic of book writing, publishing, and marketing? The reference shelf in your favorite bookstore or local library features a wide variety of titles about writing books and the business of publishing. 8. If you would like your title to be considered for store placement, please submit a finished copy (NO manuscripts please) of the book along with marketing and promotion plans, trade reviews, and a note describing how the book meets the competition (what makes it unique) to: The Small Press Department Barnes & Noble, Inc 122 Fifth Ave New York, NY 10011 212-633-3388 general information 212-463-5677 fax The information must include the ISBN and the suggested retail price. The review process takes about 6 weeks, the Small Press Department responds to all submissions in writing. Part of the process includes having your title entered in Bowker Books in Print. Use www.bowkerlink.com to submit information. Hope this information helps anyone who is interested in getting their works published and out in retail stores.
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