Selling Books Online and How to Open a Bookstore

Book selling is a BIG business. You can sell online, set up a brick-and-mortar bookstore, write and publish your own books, create and sell ebooks, open your own online store or sell through someone else’s website, like Amazon.com

There are many types of bookstores you can open: used bookstores, green bookstores, textbook bookstores, Christian bookstores – even bookstore cafes. Although it can be challenging to compete with huge companies like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, if you focus on a smaller niche market and offer hard-to-find items or a unique store atmosphere, you will have much less competition (and when you open your bookstore, it will be much more likely to succeed).

Books are not only read for pleasure – but business, education, purchased as gifts, for hobby enthusiasts of all sorts, given to children, even as coffee table decoration. There is no doubt a large market of book buyers – and a wide variety of potential markets you can reach

As you can see below, there are several ways that you can profit in the book-selling industry. You don’t have to even open a bookstore. Many people run successful small businesses from home selling or re-selling books on Amazon without having to invest lots of money in overhead or hire employees.

After working in the book-selling field, you may come to realize that it’s easier that you first though to write and publish your own books. In fact, self-publishing is becoming very popular with affordable online resources for book writers. Because there is such little risk involved, it makes it much easier for new writers to successfully launch their writing businesses.

How to Sell Books on Amazon

Whether you need to get rid of a few old books, or you want to start a full-time business selling books online, Amazon can be a great resource for making money. You may be surprised at the value held by the books collecting dust on your bookshelves. There are also bargains just waiting to be found at garage sales and thrift stores. You can literally buy unwanted books for pennies on the dollar – and resell them for profit to readers who really want them.

Selling books on Amazon can be a very low-cost business to operate, since you buy only as much inventory as you can afford, and you don’t have to set up a storefront or advertise, since the Amazon marketplace does that for you. You don’t even have to be present during customer purchases, so your business can truly operate 24 hours a day without you having to work non-stop.

Finding Books to Sell on Amazon

Getting Books, Supplies and Equipment for Your Store

In addition to connecting with wholesalers to get books and products to sell, think about other creative ways to build inventory and customer interaction, such as buy-back programs, trade-ins or donation programs. Creating a sort of “community” with your customers is an excellent way to build loyalty, increase referrals and gain customers for life.

Besides books, you can also buy business supplies, furniture, packaging and other store items through wholesalers online.

Make it as enjoyable as possible for your customers to pay you money. Employ friendly and helpful cashiers, establish an efficient check-out system, offer shipping and gift wrap services and accept as many forms of payment as you can. Merchant accounts are becoming more affordable and easier to set up, and they generally pay for themselves in the additional sales they help you generate.

Creating a Unique Storefront

The location of your bookstore should be in a high-traffic area. The interior should have ample store space, restrooms and other amenities that apply to your particular business needs. Give your bookstore a personality – with storefront and logo to match. If you make your shop attractive and intriguing from the outside, people will want to come in to see what it’s all about. Sound or music, lights and video can all grab attention! Take advantage of your storefront as more than just a space to house books.

People want to see what’s new. Hold music events, book readings, art shows, etc to build activity and interest in your store on an ongoing basis. Large, open spaces with reading areas will encourage people to “test out your goods” in a comfortable environment, which often leads to more sales. Create a special experience for your bookstore shoppers that will entice them to come back and visit you again and think about you often.

A Day in the Life of a Bookstore Owner

Writing and Selling Children’s Books
Children’s books will never go out of style, but as a professional author, you don’t want to regurgitate the same old stuff previous authors have put down on paper.

Think outside of the box by putting an interesting spin on an existing theme and using your creativity and humor to entertain your readers. Spending time around children can help you understand more about what they like. Here are some resources that can help you get started in this creative field.

Learn from children’s book experts Jeannie Harmon and Sheila Seifert, who give step-by-step instruction on how to write children’s books.

The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators shows you what editors are looking for, how to submit a manuscript and more: http://scbwi.org/

The Children’s Book Council is a nonprofit trade organization with answers to publishing questions and tips from professional authors and illustrators: http://www.cbcbooks.org/

The Ultimate Directory of Children’s Book Publishers Online can help you submit your manuscript to publishers: http://www.signaleader.com

You may have a great talent for writing entertaining stories for children – but how do you get your creation into print and your works published and into the hands of children? If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry – the booking writing and publishing business may be easier than you think.

How to Write a Children’s Book in 14 Days

Children’s Book Author Mel McIntyre has been a professional writer for past 20 years – and knows how to write, publish and sell books on Amazon (and more) because he’s done it. Now he’s got a course that shows you how to do the same – how to complete books in record time AND get a publishing deal.

* Designed for new authors.

How to Publish and Sell Your own Books

Why Should You Write a Book?

Have you ever wanted to write a book? You have a personal story, business idea or experience that someone could benefit from, right?

When you write a book, your author “status” earns you instant credibility with your prospects. You are viewed as an expert, and people are more willing to listen to you. Writing a book is a great way to promote your business or activities – you can receive lots of publicity through radio and television interviews, newspaper and magazine articles and more. (all free!)

The problem is – how do you get started writing? How do you stick to a writing schedule and actually complete a finished project?

As I always say, “Learn from someone who already knows”. And actually for book writing, publishing AND selling, there is one person I recommend: book publicist Arielle Ford. She has a free video and free newsletter you can get here: Tips on becoming a successful author

For more new business ideas for small and home-based companies, visit The New Business Idea. You can also get over 200 business start-up guides and download the Home Business Start-Up Checklist free from www.HomeBusinessCenter.com.