Author Resources
Bookstore Stocking Inquiry Email Template for Indie Authors
A buyer should be able to decide “worth a look” or “pass” without opening an attachment. Keep it to one screen.
Before you send
- Right store name and city in the greeting
- ISBN, format, and list price confirmed
- Distribution path stated accurately, such as Ingram or your own terms
- One proof point you can stand behind
- One-sheet ready as a link or PDF
Version A: after a phone call (best)
Subject: Stocking inquiry: [Title], as discussed
Hi [Name],
Thank you for taking my call today. As promised, here is a one page trade sheet for [Title] ([genre], [year]).
[Title] is [one sentence hook]. [One proof point, such as a review line or a strong local angle.]
It is available through [Ingram, with trade discount and returns], ISBN [number], $[price]. I am happy to send a copy if that helps.
Thank you for your time, [Name] [Phone] | [Website]
Version B: cold, to a buyer or info address
Keep the same structure. Open with why this store: a local tie, a shelf where the book fits, or an event they host. Then the hook, the proof point, the terms, and one specific ask, such as a review copy.
Leave out
- Your life story
- Five attachments
- Words like “bestselling” if you cannot source them
- A second ask in the same email
Get the rest
The Indie Author Outreach Kit ($99) has the full set: call follow up and cold versions of this email, a consignment offer, an author talk pitch, a phone script, a one-sheet template, and bookstore contact lists with published emails. Code EVENTSUP takes $34 off through November 16, 2026.