I just spoke to another self published author who said her book was in bookstores but only some of them. How does that work when you told me that bookstore distribution involves getting you book into every bookstore in Australia not just some?

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Yes that is very true bookstore distribution does involve placing copies of your book in every bookstore (major retailer and independent) as well as all other stores that stock books (eg. discount stores Kmart, Target, Big W etc.). Bookstore distribution is not however the only way to get your book into stores.

What the lady you mentioned has done is called independent commission based distribution and actually forms part of self distribution not bookstore distribution. With bookstore distribution everything is done for you and that is why your book has to go into every store your distribution channel offers as the process is automated and cannot be changed on a case by case basis. Self distribution (as the name indicated) is distribution done by the individuals involved. It involves individually negotiating with stores to take your book (generally on a commission basis) individually delivering the books to each store, individually following up when new stock is required, delivering the stock and extracting payment for what you have supplied them with.

This method though a lot of hard work is surprisingly very popular these days as it is getting harder and harder to have your book successfully distributed at the rapid rate in which new books are currently being released. While it works quite well for most who use it I don't tend to recommend it as it isn't a good exchange of time for money. You will sell books and you will get paid but the amount of time you invest in your success is seldom displayed in your financial returns.

For more information on bookstore distribution, check out 'How to Pitch your Book to Distributors' THE BOOTCAMP or 'How to Pich your Book to Distributors' THE BOOK.