When indie authors submit their books for a DartFrog evaluation, the question they want us to answer, is whether or not their book is ready for bookstore distribution?

From our experience, many of the nearly half a million self-published titles released each year are not ready for distribution. However, among that massive number of books, we also know that there are some well-written and well-produced titles that do belong on bookstore shelves.

When we partner with self-published authors they know that their work meets the highest standards for distribution. However, when an evaluation deems a book not yet ready, we provide a clear set of suggestions for improving the work. And we do not charge authors additional fees for resubmitting their books after the issues have been corrected.

When we meet with bookstore owners, the question they often have for us is: how do we handle the increased interest by self-published authors to distribute their books with us?

The best answer for most bookstore owners is for them to leave the evaluation and selection process to us. We’ve developed a proven system that is fast, efficient and reliable. And best of all, it allows bookstore owners to focus on running their shops, managing their inventory and serving their local communities. The things they do best. The things we love about independent bookstores. We want our partner bookstores to thrive.

Much like our partner bookstores, public libraries are also experiencing an increase in unsolicited requests by self-published authors. We’ve found that our service can be just as beneficial to public libraries as it is to independent bookstores. Public libraries get the same benefit, in that they can offload the evaluation and selection of self-published titles to us.

Although our partners mostly rely on us for evaluation, selection, and distribution, we’ve developed a way to be supportive in other ways. For example, we’ve revamped our website and implemented a dynamic social media platform that we aim to use, not only for ourselves but to showcase and support all of our partners and DartFrog authors. We aim to help them market their events, books, and promotions, but also to connect with them on a deeper level and ensure that the lines of communication remain open.