How to Use Media Mail
As you've probably seen by now, there are days when I like to talk about writing inspiration, marketing strategy, and dreaming big. And then there are days when I'm all about getting sh*t done. Today's one of those days.
Earlier this week I was contacted by another author asking me how to save money on shipping their books to readers. They were paying about $6 per book for shipping through the post office. And suddenly it hit me, “have I not talked about Media Mail??”
You Want to Use Media Mail
If you are doing your own shipments, Media Mail is going to be your new best friend. In my experience, it's the most cost-effective way to ship books in the United States. In 2023, prices start at $3.49 for a single book and go up based on the weight of the package, up to 70 pounds- that's a lot of books!
I sell the majority of my own books through my website. This means that when an order comes in, I am responsible for shipping it out. For me, this is part of the fun. I get to sign each copy of my books with a special note to readers and include a book insert about how they can leave me a review and where to follow my work online.
Shipping Materials for Self-Published Books
When it comes to the actual act of shipping the books, I purchase padded mailing envelopes in bulk on Amazon. I print mailing and return labels from my home computer using Avery brand pre-sized labels. And when the books are packed and ready I head off to the post office.
As for postage, bring your packaged and addressed books to the post office. When you get to the clerk, hand them the packages and say "I'd like to ship these via Media Mail." They will know what that means, and they'll start adding postage to each of your packed and addressed books. If you prefer not to go to the post office, you can set up a stamps.com account to print out postage and ship from your own home without getting out of your pajamas (or just wear pajamas to the post office because #life).
That's it. Plain and simple :)
Mailing your books is just 1 step in self-publishing. Want to learn the entire process from publishing to marketing your books? Let’s set up an author coaching call!