It's naive when local authors say innocently, "I'm sure my book will sell if you just display it here on your counter." We really don't want pie-in-the-sky merchandising advice from amateurs. And the faster you can get in and out, the better. Taking a lot of time to "bond" with us wastes our time and will not induce us to hand-sell your book.

May I also remind writers that when they approach a bookstore about carrying their book, the bookstore is now your potential customer, and the bookstore contact should be treated with kindness and understanding -- no matter how long you've been patronizing that bookstore. You now have to turn around and give the store contact your best customer service.