So You Wrote a Book, Congrats! Now, How to Get it on Walmart Shelves (Without Actually Being There)
Ever dreamt of seeing your book nestled between the latest John Grisham and a box of bulk gummy worms at Walmart? The good news is, you don't need to rent a tuxedo and serenade the store manager with a rendition of "Freebird" (although, points for creativity). Here's the down-low on getting your masterpiece onto Walmart's virtual shelves, because let's face it, who leaves the house these days if they can avoid it?
Step 1: Embrace the Power of Self-Publishing
Unless you're the next J.K. Rowling, the traditional publishing route might be a bit of an uphill battle. But fear not, brave author! Self-publishing is your friend. Platforms like Kobo Writing Life and IngramSpark allow you to format your book, design a killer cover (think "eye-catching," not "eyesore"), and set your own price (because who knows your book's worth better than you?).
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Step 2: Befriend an Aggregator (Unless You're a Social Butterfly)
Now, you could technically contact Walmart directly and try to negotiate a spot on their digital shelves. But unless you have the social skills of a celebrity publicist, this might be like trying to explain the plot of Inception to your goldfish. This is where aggregators come in. These companies act as middlemen, distributing your book to a wide range of retailers, including the holy grail: Walmart.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
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| How To Sell Your Book On Walmart |
Popular aggregator options include:
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
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- IngramSpark: They're practically the FedEx of the book world, delivering your masterpiece to a vast network of retailers.
- PublishDrive: They not only distribute your book, but also offer marketing tools to help you spread the word (because nobody wants a book nobody knows about).
- Draft2Digital: This user-friendly platform makes the whole process painless, even for tech-phobic authors.
Step 3: Wait (But Not Too Patiently)
QuickTip: Break down long paragraphs into main ideas.
Once you've chosen your path (aggregator or solo warrior), it's time to sit back, relax, and maybe write another book. The approval process can take a while, so don't F5 your browser every five minutes. Patience, grasshopper, patience.
Bonus Tip: Market Like a Ninja
While you wait for your book to hit the digital shelves, don't just twiddle your thumbs. Spread the word! Tell your friends, family, and even that weird neighbor who always waters your plants when you're on vacation. You can also try:
- Social media: Share snippets of your book, run contests, and engage with potential readers.
- Book blogs and websites: Reach out to reviewers and see if they'd be interested in taking a peek at your masterpiece.
- Email marketing: Build an email list and keep your fans updated on your book's journey (because who doesn't love a good origin story?).
Remember, getting your book on Walmart is just the beginning. The real challenge is convincing people to choose your book over the latest self-help guide on how to fold a fitted sheet. But with a little planning, perseverance, and maybe a sprinkle of good luck, you might just see your book nestled amongst the gummy worms after all. Just don't blame us if you get a sudden craving for a sugary snack while you're celebrating.
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