Sell books to Australia libraries, ABN for self-publishers, and Public Lending Rights

When I got back after my Manila book launch, my first order of business was to donate a copy of Blogging from Home to the Charles Sturt library. I guess the library made my stay in South Australia enjoyable even if I'm home most of the time. It allowed me to learn new things, improve on my skills, and get inspiration for my blogging activities.

What I was also hoping that may came out of it is getting a potential customer in the process. Last week, I received my first purchase order for the book and came from a library supplier - James Bennett Pty Ltd.

Library suppliers expect bookstore discount although you are allowed to include shipping cost in your billing. Authors and publishers whose work are in public libraries and educational institution libraries can be further compensated through the government's Public Lending Rights program.

So for now, I would like to assume that getting your book in libraries can happen by either donating or deal with suppliers like them.

In addition, found out that self-publishers who don't have an Australia Business Number (ABN) are subject to 48.5% tax. This is on top of the discounts that you are already giving to bookstore outlets, distributors, suppliers, and wholesalers. Although the government tends to make you think seriously before getting an ABN, if you really feel that you'll have frequent orders later on, publish more books, or do more ventures on top of it, perhaps it will all be worth it. This rather than rush to get one at the last minute.

Sell books in Australia

Selling books online in Australia can be quite a challenge and I am learning a lot in the process. This includes adjusting my book price since the difference with the US and Australian dollar has returned to what it used to be. This means that from AU$10, I will have to adjust my book price shortly to AU$15-17.

I have checked out several online bookstore site and inquire about how to sell my book, this is what I discovered to date based on information posted and those who replied so far:

• Seekbooks
  This site is one of the biggest book fulfillment provider today supplying several online bookstore websites. They have the discretion of increasing your book retail price if your discount rate is less than 40%.
  
  They are the fastest to act as well and find my Blogging from Home book listed in a few hours.
  

• Boomerang Books
  To sell in this site, book must also be listed at Nielsen BookData and you will need to have an account with their book fulfillment provider, SeekMedia. While waiting, you can also join their publisher support program and get more publicity.
  
  Once my SeekMedia account was created and book listed, my Blogging from Home book is now available in the site.
  
  
• Fishpond
  Book must be listed at Nielsen BookData which will take up to 2 weeks for listing after submission. Once listed, 2 weeks later, the book shall be viewable at Fishpond. If you don't have a distributor, join their sell yours program.
  
  
• Australia Online Bookshop
  They help Aussie authors and publishers have a page in their site as soon as you send one copy of your book. Allow them to purchase copies, inclusive of shipping, at no more than 65% of your book price.
  
  
• Gleebooks Bookshops
  You can send a copy of your book for their listing consideration. Allow them to purchase copies, inclusive of shipping, at no more than 60% of your book price.
  
  
• Dymocks
  Dymocks has 72 stores nationwide. The decision to sell a book is at the franchise owner level. Authors and self-publishers who would like to sell their books through this chain must be willing to give a minimum of 45% margin on retail price. Freight cost shouldered by you to each branch and invoicing the same. Inventory on account (30 days). The chain also wants to see an outline of the publicity that has been generated for your book.
  
  If you are qualified and able to do the above, you can send a sample copy of your book for consideration. Otherwise, another way to do this is work with distributors like Gary Allen and Tower Books. Both players are also concerned on the publicity that you have planned for your book.
  

Will be updating this post as I get more response. Should you know any self-publisher-friendly online bookstore site and programs in Australia, feel free to post a comment here.