How does it work?

The Maine Authors Publishing Trade Catalog, (full color 7” x 10”), is sent to Maine bookstores once a year with an additional flyer sent in the Fall of the latest books.

Having a full color 3/4” x 6” listing of your book in our cooperative catalog, along with fulfillment services is now FREE to all author customers whose books qualify (well-written, professionally edited and appropriate for sale in Maine bookstores). Co-op members receive a ¼ page listing their first season with us. The Maine Authors Publishing catalog is limited to self-publishing authors only and is distributed to Maine bookstores twice a year. The deadline for inclusion in the fall/winter holiday buying season catalog is September 15th and the deadline for inclusion in the spring/summer tourist buying-season catalog is March 15th.

We have learned that it takes much more than a simple listing for books to actually sell.  Books have to actually be shown* to bookstore buyers and/or promoted to niche markets. Maine Authors Cooperative has been formed to address these needs.

*You must participate in the Maine Authors Cooperative to have your books shown to bookstores (by our staff and other participating authors and bookstores throughout Maine.) This is key to the success of your local Maine bookstore sales.

The Maine Authors Cooperative Authors more serious about selling their books can join the Maine Authors Cooperative (free also) and are provided a larger ¼ page catalog placement (first season, back-listing smaller). Authors qualify for the co-op by either purchasing a PERSONAL MARKETING PLAN, participating as a BOOKSTORE LIAISON or a combination of both.  Authors who participate in the Maine Authors Cooperative have the opportunity to meet in “Author Pods” up to four times a year for support, education and training.  “Author Pods” are groups of three to six people made up of other participating authors, occasional guest consultants and members of our staff.  At these sessions, authors will review, revise, and update their marketing plans while receiving support and education from our staff and other authors. Authors grouped together as BOOKSTORE LIAISON representatives will also compare notes and strategies, and receive training and support. Co-op members also benefit from updates from the Co-op e-newsletter highlighting the latest on self-publishing, book awards, events, success and strategies. Co-op members have opportunities to pool resources for special speakers and training and shared book-signings, niche marketing, sales events and trade shows such as our Common Ground Fair booth.

The PERSONAL BOOK MARKETING - Authors who are serious about having a successful book should plan on creating a book marketing plan at the time the book is being completed. We take the time to interview you, gather your ideas along with our recommendations and put together a plan for the best ways to market your book. Our marketing plan is a starting point for getting your book off the ground and running. Included in your plan is a timeline for completing recommended activities to enhance not only the sale of your book but the promotion of you as an author. Participation in an “Author Pod” is perhaps the most important part of your marketing plan.