How we can help change the book distribution world

Here is a copy of the post I just submitted to LinkedIn, Books and Writers Group.

In a previous LinkedIn discussion (Book Distribution in a Changing Industry) I asked a question about alternate distribution models that might work with my novel (see www.entospress.com).

Among the comments in that discussion, Blaine Loomer suggested that I check out wubbit.com. Because I am particularly interested in supporting independent bookstores rather than the "big boxes," I asked for some information about bookstores that had already signed on to wubbit. I understand perfectly well why he didn't reveal store names at that time (good boundaries, Blaine.)

I have just signed up with wubbit and I want to tell you why. (I am sharing this completely on my own - I receive no benefit from publishing these comments beyond potential book sales.)

I have a strong interest in seeing the development of some new distribution models - like wubbit. Of course, I wanted to see that wubbit was already wildly successful before I invested my hard-earned $36. But then in my research, I discovered a dilemma that is facing wubbit, and perhaps any other start-up. You see, I wanted to know that there were lots of bookstores just waiting to hear about MY book.

Then I realized that bookstores might want to see that there were already thousands of books available at wubbit before they jumped in. Of course, now you see the dilemma. So I decided that I could only take responsibility for my part of the picture. If I am truly committed to the development of more flexible distribution models, then I must be willing to support companies that are trying to do just that.

I decided to finish my sign-up at wubbit before writing to all of you. I want you to know that I have used my $36 not only to make "Community of Promise" more available but to support the transformation of the industry as well.

If you also desire to see the publishing/distribution industry's transformation, I hope you authors and small publishers will make your books available on wubbit, too. Just think how impressed all those independent bookstores will be when they see all our titles there. By the way, I also told my local indy about wubbit. I see this as a way to help one another be successful in this challenging market.

Let's all find even more ways to sell lots of books!

Wayne Gustafson