As an author, one of the most common questions you may ask yourself is whether or not you should have books on hand. Whether you are an established author with a long list of published works or a new author with just one book under your belt, having books on hand can be an important part of your marketing strategy.
There are several reasons why authors might choose to have books on hand. For one, if you plan to speak or host events where you could sell your books in person, having books on hand is the best way to deliver them to your readers. You can use them as giveaways at book signings or other events, or you can sell them directly in person and from your website. Having books on hand can create a sense of urgency for readers who are on the fence about purchasing your book. If they know that you have a limited number of books available, they may be more likely to buy a copy before they run out. Readers love signed copies and having them on hand allows you to personalize each one.
Another reason why authors might choose to have books on hand is for personal reasons. Having physical copies of your work can be a great way to feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in your work. When you have books on hand, you can easily share your work with friends and family who may not be able to access it digitally.
Of course, there are also some downsides to having books on hand. For one, it can be expensive to print and store physical copies of your work. Additionally, if you have a large number of books on hand, you may need to find a way to store them in a location that is safe, physically book-friendly (no musty basements), and accessible. Finally, having books on hand can also be time-consuming, as you will need to keep track of inventory and fulfill orders as they come in.
Ultimately, whether or not you should have books on hand as an author is a personal decision that will depend on your circumstances and goals. If you want to promote your work and create a sense of urgency for readers, having books on hand can be a viable strategy. However, if you are concerned about the cost and logistics of printing and storing physical copies of your work, you may want to focus on digital distribution instead. Allowing distributors like Kindle Direct Publishing to handle your printing and distribution is much simpler. Plus, you are in the world’s largest online bookstore!
After you decide you want books on hand, the next question is always, how many? Stay tuned for the next blog post as we continue this conversation. In the meantime, let us know in the comments if you have books on hand.
