Contacting Big Bookstores

I'm not going to pretend I'm an expert at this, as I've only done it once.. Yesterday..

A NYC bookstore had liked a photo of mine on Instagram, and me being me, pushed my luck by messaging them something along the lines of 'if you liked that picture, maybe you'll like stocking my new book'. Ridiculous, but I expected an emoji response or little a back and forth - but no - they sent me to a link of how to get my work in their stores?!

I was baffled. This is an amazing opportunity, which was unexpected. In less than five minutes, I had followed their instructions and sent The Macroodelzig on it's merry way to New York. Sometimes light hearted actions can lead to a big deal. I'm crossing my fingers, but I understand it's a tricky business to break - so my hopes are not too high!

I don't think that I would contact a big bookstore off my own back, I'd feel far too vulnerable and inadequate, but the presence of social media made me put myself forward - although it was in a jokey way, they helped me. I would definitely encourage contacting bookshops if you feel confident enough, or if like me, you'd prefer to test the water, then do it through social media - the people running them are polite and helpful, so you can't go wrong.

Bite the bullet! Contact away - you never know how they'll respond, but they'll definitely be helpful.