Q: What makes EDK Distribution different from other book distributors?
A: EDK was started by author Erik Korhel in 2010, about a year after his first book was published. After experiencing both positive and negative experiences in book distribution he realized that as an author and publisher he understood the needs of authors and the importance of proper book distribution to help reach as many readers as possible.
Q: Distributor vs. Wholesaler? Is there a difference?
A: A distributor maintains direct accounts with both major and minor wholesalers who in turn manage the relationship with the retailer (brick and mortar or online). A wholesaler typically does not manage titles or store inventory. A distributor manages their titles on an individual basis tracking sales, shipments and payments from multiple wholesalers.
Q: What kind of genres does EDK consider for distribution?
A: We accept any and all genres to distribute. The only criteria is that it meets the proper requirements for sale. These include an ISBN, Bar Code, Price and publishing date.
Q: What about E-books?
A: EDK can help with getting your title set up with all of the proper e-book channels (Kindle, Nook, etc.). We can even assist with the formatting of your e-book to make it upload ready.
Q: What are the distribution fees?
A: For questions concerning set-up please contact at: edkbooksanddistribution@gmail.com or 206-227-8179.
Q: Does EDK receive a percentage from non-wholesaler sales (i.e. school, library or community event, etc.) set up directly by author or its marketing representative?
A: No. EDK only receives a percentage when the copies are requested and ordered through a wholesaler or retailer directly. Self-performed marketing event proceeds go directly to the author.
Q: Which percentage is the Distributor commission based on?
A: The wholesale percentage of 55% (off of retail price).
Q: Can EDK fulfill orders from an author’s website?
A: Yes. Sometimes being busy with author events, signings and readings it can take over any free time available leaving no time available to keep up on orders received through an author’s website. EDK is here to assist with any and all fulfillment needs as necessary.
Q: How many copies of my book should the distributor hold in inventory?
A: There is no recommended inventory. The quantity of books stored in our warehouse will need to correspond to individual author sales. Inventory can always be adjusted based on the author’s marketing efforts or the demand for the book. Activity is usually high at the launch of the title and continues with a sound and aggressive marketing strategy. EDK will gauge the activity levels keeping the author informed of sales and the need for more or less stock.
Q: Does having my book in the proper distribution channels enhance my sales?
A: Working with a distributor (EDK) is the only way to make sure your book is available to major wholesalers, so yes. We make sure that wholesalers and retailers can order your book easily and efficiently.
Q: Is distribution and marketing the same?
A: No. Distribution is setting up direct accounts with the wholesalers that allow an authors title to be available to the retailers to order and place in stores. Marketing is bringing attention to your title. This can be done in a variety of ways including: book readings and signings, author websites, social media, interviews, etc. It is important to remember that EDK as distributor provides no marketing or promotional services. As a self-published author you need to arrange or engage a marketing representative to organizing events and promote your title. EDK has marketing resources that can be engaged, if the author desires for additional fee.
Q: What kind of information can I expect to receive regarding the activity of my title?
A: EDK provides a monthly statement outlining account activity, on the author’s invoice, the 1st of each month. This statement includes information such as copies ordered and shipped, along with an up to date inventory count, as well as any shipping fees charged. Activity is listed by wholesaler name, not bookstore, or other retail unless there is a direct retail order.
Q: How/When do I receive payments for copies sold?
A: Each wholesaler operates differently. Legally they are obligated to pay invoices within 90 days of their date of sale. This date can be somewhat ambiguous, and therefore it is not a hard and fast rule that you will be paid within 90 days. We don’t like to keep our authors waiting so EDK processes payments as soon as remittance is received.
Q: How much is Shipping?
A: EDK uses USPS media mail as its standard shipping method. Because orders often include multiple titles at once, shipping costs vary. Because we ship in bulk our shipping fees are based on a pro-rated scale keeping the costs for our authors low.
Q: I went in to my local bookstore and my book wasn’t on the shelf, why?
A: While EDK does fill orders to retailers directly when necessary, the majority of larger stores use one or more wholesalers to stock their shelves. If your book is not on the shelf it is likely because it has not been ordered by that particular store. This is generally a marketing issue. Keep in mind that as a self-published author you are responsible for creating demand for your title either on your own or by hiring a marketing professional. If you find a retailer has been unable to order your title, please let us know so we can resolve the issue immediately.
Q: Why were some of my books returned?
A: Wholesalers can return books for a variety of reasons. Your title may have been overstocked or unsold. Wholesalers rarely provide specific details as to the reason of return for an individual title but is often related to an overstock issue or a slowdown in activity.
