How to Sell Books on Barnes & Noble: A Step-by-Step Guide
Barnes & Noble (B&N) is one of the largest and most respected book retailers in the United States, making it a prime marketplace for authors. Whether you’re a self-published writer or working with a traditional publisher, selling your book on B&N can significantly boost your visibility and sales.
This guide covers how to sell books on Barnes & Noble, including self-publishing through Barnes & Noble Press, distributing through third-party services, and optimizing your book listing for maximum exposure.
Option 1:How to Sell Books on Barnes – Self-Publish Directly with Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble offers its own free self-publishing platform called Barnes & Noble Press (BNP), allowing authors to upload and sell both paperbacks and ebooks (NOOK books).
Step 1: Create a Barnes & Noble Press Account
- Go to Barnes & Noble Press
- Sign up for a free account (no upfront costs)
Step 2: Prepare Your Manuscript & Cover
- Formatting Requirements:
- Paperback: PDF (6×9 or 5×8 recommended)
- Ebook: EPUB or DOCX
- Cover Design:
- Must meet B&N’s resolution and dimension guidelines
- Use professional tools like Canva, Adobe InDesign, or hire a designer
Step 3: Upload Your Book
- Enter book details (title, author name, description, keywords)
- Choose distribution options (B&N only or expanded retailers)
- Set your price & royalty rate (B&N takes a percentage, typically 30-55%)
Step 4: Publish & Promote Your Book
- Once approved, your book will be listed on BN.com
- Use B&N’s marketing tools (email promotions, social media integration)
- Consider running B&N in-store events (if eligible)
✔ Pros:
✅ No upfront printing costs (print-on-demand)
✅ Direct access to B&N’s customer base
✅ Free ISBN (if needed)
✖ Cons:
❌ Limited distribution outside B&N (unless expanded)
❌ Lower royalties than some competitors (like Amazon KDP)
Option 2: How to Sell Books on Barnes – Sell Through a Distributor (IngramSpark, KDP, etc.)
If you’ve already published elsewhere (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark), you can still get your book into B&N’s online and physical stores.
Step 1: Use a Wide-Distribution Service
- IngramSpark (Best for global distribution)
- B&N automatically lists Ingram books
- Higher printing costs but better bookstore availability
- Amazon KDP Expanded Distribution (Less reliable for B&N)
- Not all books get listed on B&N
Step 2: Ensure Your Book is Available to B&N
- Select “Make my book available to bookstores” in IngramSpark
- Use a non-exclusive distribution option
Step 3: Contact B&N for In-Store Placement (Optional)
- If you want your book in physical B&N stores, you may need:
- A strong marketing plan
- Local store manager approval
- High pre-order demand
How to Optimize Your Barnes & Noble Book Listing
Once your book is live on BN.com, maximize visibility with these SEO and marketing tips:
1. Write a Strong Book Description
- Use keywords (e.g., “bestselling thriller,” “award-winning nonfiction”)
- Keep it engaging—highlight the plot, benefits, and reviews
2. Set a Competitive Price
- Check similar books in your genre
- B&N shoppers expect 10−20 for paperbacks, 2.99−9.99 for ebooks
3. Get Customer Reviews
- Encourage readers to leave B&N reviews (critical for rankings)
- Offer ARC copies (Advanced Reader Copies) before launch
4. Promote Your B&N Listing
- Share the link on social media, email lists, and author websites
- Run B&N-exclusive discounts to drive sales
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Barnes & Noble accept self-published books?
✅ Yes! Through Barnes & Noble Press, any author can publish and sell books.
Q: Can I sell my book in B&N stores?
📚 Possibly. Physical placement depends on demand—contact local store managers or use IngramSpark for wider distribution.
Q: How much does it cost to publish on B&N?
💰 $0 upfront—B&N Press is free, with printing costs deducted per sale.
Q: What royalties does B&N offer?
💵 Ebooks: Up to 65% | Paperbacks: 30-55% (depending on pricing)
Final Thoughts: Is Selling on Barnes & Noble Worth It?
Absolutely! While Amazon dominates online sales, B&N offers credibility, physical store potential, and access to a loyal reader base.
Best Strategy for Success:
✔ Publish on B&N Press (for direct sales)
✔ Use IngramSpark (for bookstore distribution)
✔ Promote aggressively (reviews, social media, email marketing)
By following this guide, you can successfully sell books on Barnes & Noble and expand your reach as an author!
Next Steps:
📖 Ready to publish? Visit Barnes & Noble Press today!
📢 Need more marketing tips? Check out our guide on How to Market Your Self-Published Book.
Would you like help with book formatting, cover design, or B&N promotions? Let me know! 🚀