How to Sell a Book on Shopping Networks

For an author, selling a book on the home shopping networks could lead to the best-seller list. Some shopping networks will buy on consignment, pay the author or publisher after the sale and return those books that didn't sell. The four major shopping networks are Quality, Value & Convenience (QVC), Home Shopping Network (HSN), Shop at Home Network and Shop NBC. Most local networks also air some type of home shopping show.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make sure your book is quality, new, demonstrated easily and large quantities are available for shipment. The shopping networks are looking for books that show well on television and aren't going to be a shipping nightmare.

2. Contact the home shopping network of your choice, and request a vendor information packet. Most of the shopping networks have vendor information on their websites.

3. Submit an application. Most home shopping networks ask a potential vendor to submit an application, which may be submitted online or via the postal service.

4. Include with your application a description of your book and target readers, a photo or brochure that can be uploaded online, the quantity available and the suggested retail price.

5. Pass the test of the network. If your book is selected, it still may go through market and quality testing before it is sold on the air.

Tips & Warnings

• About 1,600 books go on sale each week at QVC.
• If your book is accepted, you may need to hire a vendor to help with the order fulfillment.
• Do not send a copy of your book with your application. If the shopping network is interested, it will request a copy.