SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS
Riverbend Books supports Australian small publishers and self-published authors by offering the opportunity for their books to be placed on consignment in store.
What does consignment mean?
Selling titles on a consignment basis means small publishers and self-published authors can leave a quantity of books with us for an agreed period to sell on their behalf. At the beginning of every month, we assess the sales of the previous month and pay for any copies sold. Books are held for a minimum of 3 months, after which unsold copies can be collected or posted back at your expense. With regular sales we will request additional copies and keep the consignment ongoing.
When does Riverbend Books accept books on consignment?
We can look at applications to stock books between February 1st and September 30th. Outside of these times is our busy holiday period where we are overstocked with books and won't have the time to consider applications.
Is your book a good fit for Riverbend Books’ shelves?
Riverbend Books prides itself on a curated selection of high quality books that interest our customers. We also have a strong local focus and prioritise authors local to Brisbane and the surrounding area. Our Consignment Buyer considers many factors including subject matter, author profile, book design, and similar books in the market. This is the same criteria we use when presented with titles from major publishers. Riverbend Books will not accept books produced using AI generated images and content.
What should I do to help get my book selected?
You've written the book and think everyone needs to read it. We recommend looking at other books in your similar market and see how it sits amongst them. They say "don't judge a book by it's cover" but when it is on a shelf next to hundreds of other books, a strong jacket is important. Likewise, be considerate of price - the standard minimum margin on books is 40% excluding any GST. For example, if you require your wholesale price to be $30.00 ex GST to cover your expenses and printing costs, our in store price needs to be $55.00 inc GST. If it's a paperback fiction title, this would be a lot more than similar books on our shelves.
Have a think about how you are promoting your book - do you have a strong social media presence, local network, or interviews lined up with local media?
Hosting a book launch at Riverbend Books means we will stock copies and it helps to drive sales, but it is not necessary to be considered for consignment. Our events team also evaluate the suitability of authors to ensure our events program is varied and high quality.
Riverbend Books receives submissions from many, many more titles than we can stock. If we chose not to stock your book please don't see it as a reflection on the quality of your book.
How do I show Riverbend Books my book?
Please use the link below to apply for consignment. Riverbend Books does not accept unsolicited samples over the counter or by mail. If you are successful, our buyer will be in contact with the Consignment Agreement to supply copies. Generally speaking, we would only stock a quantity that can be displayed on the shelf, as we don't have room to hold excess stock.
As we receive such a high volume of submissions, we cannot respond to every request. If you have not heard from us after three months, we are not able to stock your book.