Make connections. Connections and networking are a vital part to selling the book, especially when selling a self-published book. Independent book stores are skeptical of self-published books , so having connections and getting to know the owners of the store will improve the chances of the store purchasing your book.
Determine the store genre. Unlike chain book stores, which have almost any genre available, independent book stores can sell fewer genres. If the book does not fit the genres available in the book store, try a different store. The book store is unlikely to buy books that do not fit any of its main themes.
Bring one copy of the book when meeting the owner to offer the book for sale. Sign and give the book to the owner. The book store owner will want to look over the book and take the chance to read the book before ordering any more copies. This will give the owner a chance to see the book beforehand and determine if the book is worth selling in their store. Talk to the owner about the book and give a little background information while discussing it.
Make a deal. The price of the book will vary, but generally the book store will need discounts to purchase. Offer discounts of about 30% to 40% for bulk copies of the book. Offer lower discounts for single copies to prevent losing money personally.