Barnes & Noble: What’s the Future of Publishing for Independent Authors?
The Unexpected Comeback of Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble, once thought to be on the brink of extinction due to Amazon’s dominance, is staging a major comeback. With plans to open 60 new US stores and 12 in the UK between 2025 and 2026, the bookseller is defying the "print is dead" narrative. But what does this mean for independent authors, publishers, and book lovers? Spoiler alert: a whole lot.
In this blog, we’re giving you a rapid-fire breakdown of things to know, consider, and watch out for:
✅ Why Barnes & Noble is expanding now
✅ How indie authors can leverage this shift
✅ The risks of Amazon’s "free ISBN" trap
✅ Key takeaways for authors & publishers
Why Is Barnes & Noble Expanding in 2025?
Barnes & Noble’s resurgence is driven by:
✔ A post-pandemic return to physical bookstores – Readers crave in-person browsing.
✔ James Daunt’s leadership – The CEO who saved Waterstones is now revitalizing B&N.
✔ A shift to community-focused stores – Local managers now choose books, not corporations.
✔ Potential IPO plans – A future public offering could fuel even faster expansion.
Key Takeaway: This expansion is a golden opportunity for indie authors, but beware because it might not last forever.
How Independent Authors Can Get Their Books in Barnes & Noble
Since B&N is on the rise, now’s the time to ensure your books aren’t just on the shelves in the online store, but they make a physical appearance at your local branch.
Here are 5 Steps to Secure Shelf Space:
Own Your ISBN – Never use Amazon’s free ISBN (it locks you into KDP) and B&N wants nothing to do with them. Buy from Bowker.
Use IngramSpark – The best distributor for getting into B&N’s system. They have a long-term relationship, so take advantage of it.
Make Your Book Returnable – Stores won’t stock non-returnable books.
Pitch Directly to Store Managers – New stores are open to local authors, and local managers sometimes have a sweet spot for authors who have published a killer book on their own.
Plan a Book Signing – Events drive visibility and sales.
Pro Tip: New store openings = higher chances of acceptance!
The Amazon KDP Trap: Why Free ISBNs Hurt Authorpreneurs
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Well, when it comes to ISBNs, you’ve got to be careful! Platforms like KDP offer free ISBNs to authors who haven’t purchased one themselves. While it may sound like a good deal, it comes with some very tight strings attached.
Firstly, it’s important to remember that in the United States, it is illegal to transfer ownership of an ISBN.
If you bought it, you own it.
Which means, if any entity (Amazon or otherwise) is offering you an ISBN that they paid for, they own the publishing rights. This typically means that you cannot print or sell your book outside of their platform.
So when you use a free ISBN, you trap yourself and your book, and B&N won't want anything to do with it.
Verdict: If you want Barnes & Noble (or any bookstore) to carry your book, never use Amazon’s free ISBN!
FAQs: Barnes & Noble’s Expansion & What It Means for Authors
1. Why is Barnes & Noble opening new stores in 2025?
After a surge in physical bookstore sales post-pandemic, CEO James Daunt is betting on a brick-and-mortar revival.
2. Can self-published authors get their books in Barnes & Noble?
Yes! But you must:
Own your ISBN
Use Ingram Spark (not just KDP)
Make your book returnable
Pitch directly to store managers
3. Will Barnes & Noble stay indie-author-friendly long-term?
Unfortunately, we predict no because once Barnes & Noble goes public, it may shift back to big publishers. Act now!
4. Is Amazon KDP still worth it?
Yes, but only if you also distribute elsewhere. Never rely solely on Amazon.
Final Verdict: Should Authors Focus on Barnes & Noble in 2025?
✅ The Pros:
✔ Physical shelf space – A huge win for visibility.
✔ Local author opportunities – Direct access to store managers.
✔ Less reliance on Amazon – Diversify your sales channels.
❌ The Cons:
❌ Potential IPO shift – Future corporate policies may favor big publishers.
❌ Must avoid Amazon’s free ISBN – Or you’re locked out of B&N.
🔥 Bottom Line:
Barnes & Noble’s 2025 expansion is a rare opportunity for indie authors. But time is limited, so get your book into stores before corporate policies change.
Next Steps for Authors
📖 Write & publish now – The landscape is shifting fast.
📚 Own your ISBN – Don’t let Amazon control your book.
📈 Leverage IngramSpark – Maximize bookstore distribution.
🤝 Pitch to B&N managers – New stores = more opportunities.
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