Your Retail
Distribution
Partner
Maximizing Placements, One Store at a Time
Where Great Books Get Shelved — and Discovered
Shelfgate is a book curation and distribution platform designed to help quality books earn their place in physical bookstores, get discovered by real readers, and generate the royalties authors truly deserve.
We bridge the gap between authors and bookstores through strategic curation, targeted marketing, and demand-driven visibility — so books don’t just exist online, they move off shelves.
Our Core Promise
We don’t just promote books. We create reasons for bookstores to stock them.
Shelfgate focuses on what actually drives bookstore orders:
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Reader demand
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Local and national visibility
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Professional presentation
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Sales performance signals
When books sell, bookstores reorder. When bookstores reorder, authors earn.
Why Shelfgate Exists
Thousands of good books are published every year — but only a small percentage ever reach bookstore shelves.
Not because they lack quality.
But because:
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Bookstores are overwhelmed with submissions
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Self-published and independent titles lack distribution support
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Marketing efforts often stop at social media
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Visibility doesn’t always translate to sales
Shelfgate was built to solve this exact problem
2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Showcase Your Book and Connect with Bookstore Representatives & Literary Agents!
Join us at the 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books—one of the nation’s largest literary gatherings. This is your chance to showcase your book, gain bookstore distribution opportunities, and connect directly with dozens of literary agents eager to discover new voices this coming April 18-19, 2026.
Early bird registration is now open. Don’t miss the opportunity to place your book in front of thousands of readers, industry professionals, and decision-makers who can take your publishing journey to the next level.
How We Work on Bookstore Distribution
Book Evaluation & Positioning
We start by understanding your book—its genre, audience, and unique selling points. Our team reviews your work to determine the best positioning strategy, ensuring it resonates with bookstore buyers and readers alike. From cover design to synopsis strength, we provide honest insights that prepare your book for shelf-ready success.
Strategic Bookstore Outreach
With a strong brand and book package in place, we conduct outreach to both chain and independent bookstores on your behalf. Our pitch includes data-backed campaigns, curated materials, and a professional presentation that increases the likelihood of placement. We advocate for your book as if it were our own.
Distribution Coordination & Campaign Support
Once a bookstore shows interest, we coordinate everything—from logistics to product availability. Our team assists in arranging timely deliveries, maintaining stock consistency, and supporting in-store and online promotions that keep your book visible and in demand. You’re never left in the dark—we keep you updated every step of the way.
Inventory Management & Sales Reporting
Transparency is key to our partnership. Shelfgate provides detailed updates on inventory movement, restocking needs, and sales performance. Through consistent monitoring and reporting, you’ll always know where your books are, how they’re performing, and what opportunities lie ahead to strengthen your market presence.
Who We Are?
Our team is made up of seasoned professionals from across the book industry—marketing strategists, publishing veterans, and literary advocates—united by a single goal: to help authors bring their books to the forefront.
With years of experience in both digital and physical markets, we understand what it takes to capture the attention of bookstore buyers and readers alike.
From crafting data-driven campaigns to building relationships with retailers, our expertise goes beyond simple distribution. We know how to position a book so it doesn’t just sit on a shelf, but stands out as a title worth noticing.
By blending proven marketing strategies with a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling, we ensure that every book we represent has the opportunity to reach its full potential.
Industry Partners:
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