If you’re self-publishing a book, author and film post-production supervisor Sheryl Benko advocates for getting your book into bookstores. For her, seeing her novel The Last of Will on shelves legitimized the whole experience. Benko advises authors to do personal outreach to the bookstores. Don’t just cold call or send in generic query letters. Show up in person and talk to the book buyers. Benko also recommends listing your book on IngramSpark, where bookstores can find and purchase copies of your book. Do anything you can to make yourself known to bookstores and different venues and outlets in your area.