Monthly Meeting: October 2025 – Book Buyer Madeline Smoot

At our October Monthly Meeting, Book Buyer Madeline Smoot explained how to build and maximize your relationships with independent booksellers, both locally and across the nation. She explained how by:

• Pulling back the curtain on book buying
• Discussing how to approach book buyers and event coordinators
• Detailing how to maximize sales during in-store events

Madeline Smoot is the “BookKids” Buying Director at BookPeople, Texas's largest independent bookstore. There, she also runs the “Subscriptions and Schools” program. Formerly, she was the publisher at CBAY Books, a small traditional press specializing in middle grade, YA fantasy, and science fiction. She also served as SCBWI’s Regional Advisor for our Austin chapter. 

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:

Bookstores help authors and illustrators establish community partnerships by:

• Stocking books in bookstores
• Conducting speaking and signing events
• Assisting in school event appearances

How to get your title on the shelves:

• Contact the store (submit a Book Stock Request)
• Meet with a dedicated Children’s Buyer
• Ask to meet with the bookstore owner

For traditional publishing/self-publishing, look on Ingram

Inquire with your publisher’s Editor and Publicist regarding:

• ISBN
• Edelweiss link
• ipage link

For self-publishing/small presses that are not on Ingram, inquire with your bookstore about a Consignment Program: 

• BookPeople consigns books in order to carry and feature a broad variety of titles from varied forms of publishing. This program allows staff to dedicate time and expertise to authors, including assisting authors in selling.

For cold calls or email queries to bookstores, create an adapted query letter that includes:

• Who you are
• Why you want to stock at this bookstore
• What your book is about
• Why your book is special
• Industry details (ie. publisher page, Edelweiss/NetGallery link, ipage link)

Be sure to review any bookstore offers fully

• Research return rates 

LINKS:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Remember: to keep your book in stock, your book must sell!