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Information for Authors

Here at Story Hollow, we aim to support the literary landscape of East Tennessee by stocking local authors. Below you’ll find some information about how our inventory process works, as well as why we do things the way we do. We’ve also included some tips and advice for you based on our experiences over the years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inventory Consideration Requests

​What kinds of books are eligible to be carried at Story Hollow?

We're especially interested in books by Monroe County/East Tennessee authors, or books on East Tennessee history, travel, and interest. However, we'll consider books on any subject, fiction or non-fiction, from local authors that have been published in the past year.

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What are the basic requirements a book must meet in order to be carried at Story Hollow?

To be eligible for consideration, your book must be bound, with a clear and legible title and author information on the cover AND the spine. No books with stapled or spiral binding will be considered. All cover images must be of good quality. Images and text cannot be pixelated and all text must be legible. Your book must also have a valid ISBN and barcode. 

Availability Requirements: 

Your book must be available from Ingram with a minimum discount of 25% and free freight; all books must be fully returnable. As an independent bookstore, we are not able to carry books that are only available on Amazon. Due to the sales margins, it is usually more profitable for you to sell these directly to customers.

If your book is non-returnable, we're happy to get it for any customers interested in ordering it. Books available from Ingram are automatically added to our website where customers can find them easily.

 

How can I submit a book for consideration to be stocked at Story Hollow?

The process begins by filling out our online inventory request form, link is available at the bottom of this page. We don't have a paper form. We receive multiple requests per week, and submitting the form enables us to carefully consider each request and give it the time it deserves. We're not able to accommodate requests for meetings in-person or over the phone to discuss submissions. Please do not drop off or mail copies of your book to Story Hollow for consideration. We cannot accept inventory requests via any channel except the online inventory request form. Books mailed to or dropped off at Story Hollow become the property of Story Hollow and will not be returned.

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How quickly will we consider and respond to requests to carry a title at Story Hollow?

We have limited staff and do not have a dedicated inventory team. Our owner/managers review each request we receive. You should expect to receive a response in about 2 weeks. Our response may be delayed during the holiday shopping season, from mid-November until early January. The decisions made are final.

Tips

Although Story Hollow provides shelf space for our local literary community, the best way for readers to find your book is through your own promotional efforts. Here are some suggestions for how you can promote the opportunity for your friends, family, and others to purchase your book at Story Hollow:

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  • Tell your network of friends, family, and followers to buy your book at Story Hollow. Social and local media can be effective ways to get the word out, but we’ve found that word-of-mouth and email promotions often work just as well or better. Don’t be afraid to be creative. Think about the communities you’re a member of and let them know about your book. Alumni organizations? PTAs? Church? Rotary? Rec league kickball? It can feel uncomfortable to put yourself out there, but every person you tell about your book could be another sale. When possible, share the direct link to your book on Story Hollow's website.

  • Consider every element of your book, especially if you are self-publishing. Readers really do judge books by their covers, but they also judge it by what’s inside, how it’s bound, and what it costs. Make sure your book has been proofread, has attractive cover art that communicates what the book is about to customers who pick it up, and is priced at or below the cost of other books of its size, format, subject, and genre.

  • Cast a wide net. Contact local media and mailing lists to let them know that your book is available to order through Story Hollow. Consider creating press releases or promotional materials such as bookmarks, buttons, postcards, or stickers. Make sure to let local book clubs, libraries, schools, and colleges/universities know about your book.

  • Be considerate of our store. If you have a website or social media presence, don’t let Amazon be the only link available. Story Hollow often shares posts we’re tagged in, but we cannot share anything that mentions or links to Amazon or any other bookseller.

  • Be considerate of our staff. The store owner/manager will decide where your book will be shelved and displayed. Please address any questions or concerns about your book to a store owner/manager and not to individual booksellers. 

Inventory Request Form

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