When a numismatic bookseller is the exclusive distributor of a certain book, do they assume all sale

Longacre

There are certain numismatic books that are only available in new condition from particular numismatic booksellers, who are listed as the exclusive distributors of that particular book. For example, there is an early copper reference that is distributed by one numismatic bookseller. This book (or series of books, which is more accurate), are available either direct from the bookseller, or through the seller’s presence on Ebay. Although I have checked, it is very difficult to find this book on the used book market.

When a bookseller is the exclusive distributor of a numismatic book, does that bookseller assume all of the risks of the sales? For example, does the bookseller pay a flat fee to the author of, say $25,000, for the exclusive right to sell 500 books, and then the bookseller is free to charge whatever he sees fit in the third party marketplace? Does anyone have any idea how this works?

sinin1

the couple I have seen like that,

the author owned the bookstore and probably printed on demand



Most publishers would not like that situation

RWB

"$25,000." -- wow...what an optimist! Better move the decimal point a couple of ticks to the left to get what the author receives.

Coinosaurus

<< <i>"$25,000." -- wow...what an optimist! Better move the decimal point a couple of ticks to the left to get what the author receives. >>



Yes, and put a minus sign in front of it.

firstmint

There are numismatic books where the author is paid a certain amount as stipulated in a contract with a publisher. They generally do not recieve anything else than this one time stipend. In many cases, an author is given approximately 10% for the rights of the contents.

Other books and monographs are printed by publishers who either collect the costs beforehand from the author, or front the money to get the publication printed and distributed, and then work on a percentage of sales. Still others are self published in various forms. The reality sets in when you try to advertise to sell these items. That's where all of the profit can go if the book is going to be a sales success.

Longacre, your list of ten books (at 30% off) for Christmas is to be commended. The trouble with the current literature market is that most everyone interested in numismatics isn't buying any books or catalogues, because coins and bullion are too active and profitable. When the market softens, then they will take time to learn what they should already have learned.

Fortunately, Dave Bowers wrote most of his books while his company coin auctions were paying the bills for them.