Author Info

Local Author Book Submission Policy

At The Book Room, we’re passionate about supporting local voices and celebrating stories that connect our community. We love hearing from authors in Wilkes and the surrounding areas who would like to see their books on our shelves. To make the process smooth and fair, please review our guidelines below.

Important: All book submissions must be made via email. Please do not visit the store unannounced to drop off books or request consideration. This helps us manage submissions fairly and efficiently.

Option 1: Books Available Through a Wholesaler (e.g., Ingram)

If your book is distributed through Ingram or another recognized wholesaler, it may be eligible for direct ordering through our standard purchasing channels.

Please email us with:

  • Title, author name, and ISBN
  • A link to the book’s Ingram listing (or other distributor catalog)
  • A brief book summary

Please do not send Amazon links.
Amazon’s business model has a significant negative impact on independent bookstores and small publishers by undercutting prices and limiting opportunities for diverse voices. We do not purchase from or promote Amazon.

We will review your title for potential ordering based on our current inventory needs, category fit, and customer interest.

Option 2: Self-Published Authors (Not Available Through a Wholesaler)

We welcome submissions from self-published authors whose work aligns with The Book Room’s mission and audience.

Priority will be given to authors who live in Wilkes.

How to Submit

Please email:

  • A short author bio and book summary
  • Retail price and ISBN (if applicable)
  • Any marketing materials or promotional plans

Please do not send Amazon links.
Amazon’s business model has a significant negative impact on independent bookstores and small publishers by undercutting prices and limiting opportunities for diverse voices. We do not purchase from or promote Amazon.

Review Process

Submissions are reviewed by our team considering:

  • Quality of content, editing, and presentation
  • Fit with The Book Room’s audience and mission
  • Appropriate retail pricing and genre alignment

Please note that not all authors will receive a response, as we receive more submissions than we can personally reply to. We appreciate your understanding.

Consignment Terms

If accepted, self-published titles are typically carried on a consignment basis with a 60/40 split (60% to the author, 40% to The Book Room). Payment is made quarterly for books sold. Unsold copies may be returned after six months unless otherwise arranged.

Author Events and Promotion

We love hosting local author signings! Due to our limited indoor space, most signings are held outside and are best scheduled during warmer months (spring through early fall).

Because we maintain a busy schedule of store events and programming, we may not be able to accommodate every author signing request. Scheduling is based on availability and alignment with our calendar.

During signings:

  • The Book Room handles all book sales at the register
  • Authors receive 60% of the retail price for each book sold
  • We promote events through our social channels and ask authors to share the event as well to help ensure a successful turnout

Additional Notes

The Book Room reserves the right to decline titles that do not meet our content or quality standards. While we can’t accept every book submitted, we truly appreciate each author who reaches out to share their work.

Questions or Submissions

📧 Email: thebookroomnc@gmail.com

We’re honored to be part of Wilkes’ vibrant creative community — thank you for sharing your story with us!