Hiding Lies, Stephanie Rose, and Getting Indie Titles into Bookstores
Sometimes, all you have to do is ask...
Next week marks the launch of Hiding Lies, the much-anticpated debut thriller from bookseller Stephanie Rose, and we’ve supassed 200 preorders! Thanks to everyone who’s spread the word, reviewed the book, added it to their TBRs, or have otherwise spent hard-earned money and/or brainpower on this novel.
From the earliest phases of the manuscript to the current state that’s received praise from some of the foremost writers in horror fiction, Stephanie Rose has maintained a clear vision for this dark and twisted thriller. Read on to learn about the inspiration behind the novel and to gain some bonus insight on getting a bookstore to stock a book you love (Take it from Stephanie—she’s also the owner of Death By TBR Books!).
Preorder Wherever You Get Your Books!
What is Hiding Lies About?
Lydia Walker is a forensic photographer, trudging through life in the shadow of her traumatic past, when she is assigned a case centered around the gruesome murder of a camping couple. Her personal life begins to improve after a chance encounter that makes her feel like she's finally connected with someone, a fellow tortured soul named Adam.
As more victims are unearthed she discovers she has a personal connection to the case, her commitment to the case grows deeper, but her motives remain opaque to her colleagues. Will she sacrifice her reputation and her morality to explore her darker urges? Or will she uphold the justice system that failed her, and never held space for her.
What was the inspiration behind Hiding Lies?
Per Stephanie Rose:
“Hiding Lies is the product of finding out that for an afternoon I was kidnapped by my babysitter. I was found by the FBI the same day. Thus, since being a child, I was watching Unsolved Mysteries, Forensic Files, and any true crime case I could get my hands and eyes on.
“Serial killers have always fascinated me and I wanted to create a story that tightroped on the line of true crime and fiction. I wanted to write a book about a killer and someone who worked in forensics. As a soon to be author, I was also able to express some of my own traits and past through our main characters Lydia and Adam.”
As a bookseller, what tips does Stephanie have for people wanting to request a store carry a book?
DO:
Research the bookshop's website for submission information
Send personalized emails to EACH store and make sure to include all of the information they request
Make sure your book is available through Ingram and is returnable
DON'T:
Walk into a bookstore and ask staff if they will stock your book
Send print ARCs or eARCs without the bookshop requesting it first
Send Amazon links of your book to bookshops
Speaking of …
At Mad Axe Media, we make our books available everywhere and stay indie-bookstore-friendly. We’d love to see Hiding Lies and other titles on as many shelves as possible; however, it’s a big world, and we have a small marketing presence.
That’s where you come in, if you’re so inclined to spread the word! Need some help figuring out the best way to go about it? We got you covered.
Writing to a bookstore:
Hi (bookstore name),
I’m a regular of yours and love browsing your (genre) section. Recently, I’ve become a fan of (independent press/author) and was wondering whether there might be any chance to see them on your shelves in the future?
(Title of book), is a great example of the work they publish, and has received praise from such authors as (X, Y, Z). In case it helps, here’s the ISBN: (ISBN for the title is listed on the title page of any retailer site—it’s the way sellers find books!).
Thank you so much for your consideration!
(name)
Sending a request to a bookstore:
Now, this one is a bit more tricky.
As a proud card-carrying member of a librarian (Because OF COURSE you are!), you’ll need to log into your account (typically using your card number and the PIN number that you select when registering your card) and enter a “Materials Request”. This will require certain information regarding the ISBN number, publisher, reason you believe the book should be stocked, etc. Libaries have limited space, should you’ll need to make a very good case for it!
Stay tuned for more announcements!
We have Pageant by Wendy Dalrymple coming in December for a nice little holiday treat and some big plans for the Totally Freaked!: Birthday Party Demon preorder campaign, which, just so happens to also be authored by Wendy Dalrymple!