We take pride in offering local and self-published books to our customers and welcome the opportunity to showcase a curated selection of books by independent and local authors. Authors wishing to sell their books through Compass Rose Books should review and follow these guidelines:

  • We give preference to authors residing in Hancock County and Downeast Maine.

  • Your book should be professionally bound, finished, and edited with the retail price clearly indicated. We cannot accept any book that does not meet these criteria.

  • Your book must be comparably priced to other books of the same size. Sixty (60%) percent of the retail price of the book will go to the author and forty (40%) percent will go to Compass Rose Books.

  • Please provide us a review copy of your book, along with the completed application. Both the book and the application must be delivered in person to the store. We will not accept any book which has been published by Amazon or one of their subsidiaries.

  • We read all local and independently published submissions. We will notify you within 30 days of receipt of your book if we wish to carry your title.

  • If your book is approved, we will showcase your book on our local author shelf for 60 days. We can accept up to 6 copies of your book for display.

  • We will provide an accounting of your sales when you pick your books up and pay you for any sales via a check within 10 days after the book’s display period has ended. We will notify you if we wish to continue to showcase your title.

  • We cannot provide marketing for your book other than to display it in our shop. You may tag Compass Rose Books in any of your marketing material.

  • Please note that due to the number of local authors who have contacted us, and our limited space, we cannot guarantee if, or when your book will be selected.

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