In gearing up for the launch of our new press (more info forthcoming), we've started to search for means of distribution.

We've already indentified four or five dsitributors, but I'd sure like to hear experiences of others that have used one or more book distributors before casting our lot

Could you give me an idea of cost? Does anyone with experience in this area have a horror story to relate? Anything we need to watch for when signing a contract.

While in-stock status at a national distributor is essential to selling books in through retail outlets, it can carry a heavy price.

Most chains ie Borders won't order a book unless it shows up as "In Stock" at one of the distributor with which they deal.

National distributors in the US, like Barnes & Noble and Ingrams Book (who WILL deal with small publishers usually require a discount between 65% to 75% off the cover price. In other words, they pay the publisher between 25% to 35% of the cover price on books they actually sell.

Tight margins for sure, but some feel its worth it. Do you?

How does one go about getting a small press magazine picked up by a national distributor?

I've been publishing literary magazines with smallish press runs for a few years now, mainly selling them through consignment at local bookstores, ad trading with other small magazines, at literary events, etc. I think it is time to expand into at least regional distribution. I've called the local distributor in my area, and the man claimed that it could not be done. That I had to call every store and get permission for my magazine to be sold there.

He has to be lying. I'm extremely skeptical that Poetry called up Boardman Book and Smoke and did this. I doubt they've heard of Boardman Book and Smoke.

Does anybody have experience with distribution? What companies do I contact? How do I make my pitch so that I'm taken seriously? I'm not putting out something xeroxed at Kinko's and stapled together. This is glossy, book-bound magazine with very strong content.

Have you considered the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses? It might be a good place to begin.

I don't have much experience on the periodical end of things, perhaps someone else could advise?

From their website:

The Council of Literary Magazines and Presses serves one of the most active segments of American arts and culture: the independent publishers of exceptional fiction, poetry and prose. Literary magazines and presses accomplish the backstage work of American literature: discovering new writers; supporting mid-career writers; publishing the creative voices of communities underrepresented in the mainstream commercial culture; and preserving literature for future readers by keeping books in print.