Here’s why

Before there was Book Around, there was (and still is) Flori Fundamentals: a consulting agency dedicated to amplifying the voices of non-traditionally published authors by increasing accessibility to what authors need most: resources and readers. 

Self-publishing is an option that leaves everything except distribution in the author’s hands. 500,000 books were self-published in 2023 in just the United States, compared to 10,000 traditionally published. Why are so few picked up by traditional publishers? There are many factors, but without time and money, most first-time authors simply aren’t on the radar. The industry is inequitable, and the overall inaccessibility is apparent.  

Self-publishing has its advantages! But it also presents a unique set of challenges, like offering little to no marketing support. So many authors and their books go unrecognized because of this, but Flori Fundamentals is committed to changing that by finding the right readers for each and every author, and Book Around is just one approach to do so.

Having introduced over 51 locally written books to the readers within our communities, Flori Fundamentals led to Book Around, and now Rhode Island has a bookstore that revolves around supporting authors who deserve more recognition than they’ve received.

Consignment Program: Get Your Book on Our Shelves

We believe that every book deserves a chance to be read, which is why we offer a consignment program for authors to feature their books in our store. This program is a great way for you to reach local readers and gain exposure without the upfront costs of traditional distribution.

• How It Works:

  • You supply your book(s) to our store on consignment.

  • We sell your book and retain a 25% commission on each sale (that’s the lowest keep in the state!) and you’ll receive 75% of the proceeds.

  • We display your book prominently and handle all sales transactions, allowing you to focus on what you do best—writing and connecting with your audience.

If you're interested in getting your book on our shelves, click here to learn more about our consignment program for local authors and submit your request. Not from Rhode Island but want your book on the shelves? Click here to learn more about our consignment program for non-local authors. Don’t worry! The terms are the same, but some of the details don’t apply (in-house events, for example.)

Host Your Author Event with Us

We offer a welcoming space for authors to host book-related events, including book launches, readings, signings, and discussions. Our goal is to help you connect with your readers, build your author brand, and create memorable experiences.

• Event Space: Our intimate and cozy space is ideal for smaller gatherings where you can engage directly with your audience.

• No Cost for Authors: As part of our commitment to authors, we offer free event space for book-related events. Books sold during the event will follow our consignment terms. Learn more about events here.

• Event Promotion: We provide marketing support to help spread the word about your event through our website and Facebook, with additional support available for a small fee media, and in-store signage.

To learn more about how we can host your next author event, click here to fill out the author event request form. We’ll work with you to ensure your event is a success!

Author Consulting Services

For authors looking for more personalized support in navigating the world of book marketing, we offer expert consulting services through Flori Fundamentals, our attached author consulting agency. Marketing your book can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to start, but not when you have support!

If your goal is to organically increase the reach of your author brand and place your book(s) in front of more readers, you’ve found the right place!