Distribution

Now the fun begins. For a long time in the POD/indie world the term distribution was blurred to mean listing a title online in as many places as possible. That is really a fulfillment outlet or at best some sort of passive distribution. It sounds good, "World wide distribution," except it should read, "World wide listing."

The next learning curve. Distribution. Real distribution. The kind that has sales reps going places and shopping books to book buyers (retailer's buyers). I think many indie writers are chasing traditional publishing, but the thing to chase is distribution.

Once again, I'm faced with a list of company names (small press distributors) that I don't recognize. First cut, google each one with "+ complaint" to see what is out there about them that THEY didn't write. Lots of results to sift through and consider. Cut the list.

Smaller list. Now the process really begins - read every one of the remaining "candidate's" websites. Ignore the pitch words and look for facts. Too vague, crossed off the list. Homemade websites, questionable seriousness. Client lists and online and hard copy catalogues get noted. Up front "processing fees of a vague nature." Cut from the list. If they make the short list, those will be checked out further.

OMG! OMGosh, and this is just the beginning of the process. I want to get back to writing. I don't want to be a grown-up business person. Writers, write. *sigh*