Wednesday, September 16 & Wednesday, September 23 • 11am-12:15pm PDT • ONLINE WEBINARS

Pitch Perfect: Sell Your Book to Bookstores & Libraries

If your goal is shelf space—in bookstores, libraries, or retail—you need more than a great book. You need a professional pitch and the right strategy.

From pitch to placement: How authors get books onto bookstore shelves and into library collections

Ideal For: Authors ready to expand beyond Amazon and reach readers through bookstores, libraries, and other retail channels.

If your goal is shelf space—in bookstores or libraries—you need more than a great book. You need a professional pitch, the right materials, and an understanding of how the book trade actually works.

In this two-session workshop, publishing and distribution expert Keri-Rae Barnum walks authors through the practical steps required to sell books into retail and library channels. Each session focuses on a different part of the market so authors understand how the systems work and how to approach buyers with confidence and professionalism.

Session 1: Selling to Bookstores and Retail

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • 11am-12:15pm PDT (2pm EST)

Bookstores operate within a specific supply chain and buying structure, and they expect books to meet certain professional standards before they will consider stocking them. In this session, we’ll look at how bookstore buying works and what authors must have in place before approaching store buyers.

  • How bookstores evaluate new titles

  • The role of wholesalers and distributors in retail placement

  • Why returnability, pricing, and metadata matter to retailers

  • Creating effective sell sheets and retail pitch materials

Session 2: Selling to Libraries

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • 11am-12:15pm PDT (2pm EST)

Libraries purchase books differently from bookstores, and understanding those differences is key to success. This session focuses on how authors can position their books for library buyers and the tools librarians use to discover new titles.

  • How library acquisition works and how librarians evaluate books

  • The key differences between bookstore and library purchasing

  • What materials librarians expect from authors and publishers

  • Real examples of pitches that helped books reach library shelves

This Workshop is Ideal for

Authors ready to expand beyond Amazon into bookstores and libraries

Indie and small-press authors who want to understand how retail and library buying works

Authors preparing to pitch their books directly to booksellers and librarians

Writers who want to strengthen their book’s professional positioning for wider distribution

This event will be held live on Zoom, and will be recorded. The recording is shared with registrants approximately 48 hours after the event.

Pitch Perfect: Sell Your Book to Bookstores & Libraries

Pitch Perfect: Sell Your Book to Bookstores & Libraries

$110.00

Wednesday, September 16 & Wednesday, September 23 • 11am-12:15pm PDT • ONLINE WEBINARS

You'll Walk Away With

A clear understanding of how bookstores and libraries discover, evaluate, and purchase books

Strategies for working with wholesalers, distributors, and retail supply chains

Stronger sell sheets, pitch materials, metadata, pricing, and other buyer-facing essentials

Practical strategies for approaching bookstore and library buyers with confidence and professionalism

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Keri-Rae Barnum

Keri-Rae Barnum is the owner and CEO of New Shelves Books, a full-service publishing consulting and book marketing agency. A leading expert in self-publishing and book marketing, she has helped hundreds of authors turn their writing into successful careers through strategic platform building, dynamic book launches, and innovative marketing campaigns.

With a deep understanding of what it truly takes to succeed in indie publishing, Keri is known for her no-nonsense approach to book marketing and author career growth. She works closely with both publishers and independent authors to enhance production, distribution, and visibility in bookstores, libraries, and digital platforms.

A sought-after international speaker, Keri shares her expertise at writing and publishing events, equipping authors with the tools they need to navigate the realities of self-publishing. Her passion for education and commitment to industry transparency make her an invaluable resource for writers who are ready to approach their publishing goals with strategy, persistence, and a business mindset.

Discover more about Keri and connect with her at www.NewShelves.com.

Ready to master the art of the pitch?

Sibyl Writing Craft Workshop FAQ

Yes! Most of our workshops are streamed live on Zoom, allowing you to learn in real time and interact with the instructor. If you can't make it, don’t worry—we will send you a link to watch or download the recording within 24 to 48 hours after the session ends.

Yes! If you can’t attend live (or want to revisit the material), you’ll receive a recording after the session. You can watch it on your own schedule.

Our webinars and workshops will have built in time for Q&A at the end. Some workshop instructors may respond to questions throughout the session, depending on the workshop format.

Many workshops include slides, worksheets, or resource lists that you can download and keep.

No preparation is required unless otherwise noted. Some instructors may offer optional prompts or materials to help you get even more out of the session.

Explore More Workshops and Webinars