Distribution is the process of making your printed book available to retailers, including independent bookshops, book chains such as Dymocks and Collins, library suppliers, online retailers including Booktopia and Dymocks and wholesalers. Generally, it is very difficult for self-published titles to be stocked by bricks and mortar retailers in Australia without going through a distributor. Imagine how difficult it would be for an independent author to individually knock on the doors of bookshops around the country. A distributor is your way of accessing retailers.     The distributor will:   Hold stock of your book in their warehouse List that book on major book databases used in the industry Sell your book to the retailers through their team of commissioned sales representatives Invoice the retailer when they place an order Supply the stock to the retailer Receive payment from the retailer Process any returns