Book Distribution?

[Tiggy]

Hi,

If anyone can offer any advice or, better still, has some in depth knowledge re this subject I am most grateful.

I sent for a book from a lady in the USA - she is the author. She has asked me if I would be interested in becoming the UK distributor for the book. I would love to do this but really not sure where to start and how to go about it.

How does it work? Do I source buyers, talk to them, take their orders then buy from the author and sell on to them?

This book is quite unusual as it is a childrens book written for children in order to empower them against abuse. I don't believe there is anything like it in this country. I think it's a great idea and judging by the facts and figures re child abuse it is desperately needed.

I feel I need to speak to at least a 100 parents of young children just to get their reactions on the book. Is there somewhere I can get a mailing list of this target market?

I don't fancy stepping out into the town to do market research for the simple reason that I know I am not alone in that neither hell or high water will make me stop to stand there and answer a questionaire; there must be a better way.

I also would like to see this in the education system and the welfare system, playgroups, nurseries etc

I know this question I've posted covers a myriad of issues so any advice on any of them is most welcome!
Tiggy :)

[MSOMedia]

How about speaking to people like the Foster Care Co-Operative (http://www.fostercarecooperative.co.uk)? They work with a lot of children who come from abused backgrounds. Maybe it's worth talking to them (the co-op I mean, not the kids!) You never know, if they think that the book is useful they may want to stick a link to it on their website (currently under construction) or tell others about it. Then you could do something as simple as set up an eBay shop where you can take orders.

Maybe your Local Education Authority would be interested in getting schools to stock the book, or you could even go round a few libraries (I don't know how they find stock).

Just a couple of thoughts. Good luck with it!

[YEM]

Why don;t you contact your local youth offending team - I'm sure they could help you with this, either answering your questions themselves or pointing you in the direction of the right place.

Also, what about your local schools?

[fastfences]

Hi Tiggs,

Quite often very little mark-up in books.

You must first assess import duty, what you'll pay for them, then your return. You also need to know if the book has an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) If it doesn't, musch of your market will be blown!

You would almost be acting as the publisher of the book in the UK. I think there are a few statutory requirements associated with this, but I can't enlighten you with the legal detail.

A couple on here involved with publishing can surely offer more detail.
Cheers, Nigel