Begin with the audience
A useful plan starts with who the book is for and how those readers discover and buy books. Genre, subject, age group, and geographic relevance can all shape the channels worth considering.
A specialist nonfiction title and a commercial novel may need very different approaches. The aim is a focused plan, with clear priorities.
Define the scope
- Which formats are ready, and which are still in development?
- Which markets and territories are relevant to your audience?
- Are there existing listings or distribution arrangements to consider?
- What needs to be prepared before a title can be offered to a channel?
- What costs, responsibilities, and timelines need to be agreed?
Understand the role of each channel
Online retailers support search and ordering. Bookstores make their own stocking decisions. Libraries and educational buyers select books against their collection needs. Each channel needs to be considered on its own terms.
Making a title available is different from securing placement or generating sales. A clear plan keeps those goals separate and sets realistic expectations.
Explore your options
Review the print and digital pathways to understand the information each format needs.
Explore distribution formats →