A Few Things You Might Be Wondering...
📚 Ordering & Shopping
What makes Salient Books different?
Salient Books is an independent online bookstore dedicated exclusively to independently published authors. Every book on our shelves comes from an indie author who has chosen to trust me with their story, and every order is packaged by hand with care.
Unlike large retailers, there isn't a warehouse, packing department, or customer service team. I'm Jasmine, the owner of Salient Books, and I personally photograph products, design graphics, pack every order, answer emails, and handwrite every thank-you note.
My goal isn't simply to sell books. It's to help readers discover incredible indie stories while giving authors a place where they're genuinely supported.
Are all of your books written by indie authors?
Yes! Every book available through Salient Books is written by an independently published author.
Supporting indie authors is at the heart of everything I do, so you'll never find traditionally published titles in the shop.
Do you carry traditionally published books?
No. Salient Books was created to shine a spotlight on independently published authors and their stories.
By focusing exclusively on indie books, I'm able to give these authors the attention and visibility they deserve while helping readers discover books they might never have found otherwise.
Do you offer signed books?
Many of our books are signed by the author, but not all of them.
If a signed copy is available, it will be clearly noted on the product page. Availability depends on the author and the edition being offered, so some titles may be signed while others are not.
What is included with my order?
Every Salient Books package is designed to feel like opening a little gift.
While the exact contents change throughout the year, your order may include:
• A handwritten thank-you card
• A bookmark
• A reading tracker
• Salient Books appreciation goodies
• Stickers
• A catalog page featuring your book
• Seasonal packaging designed around the time of year
• A visit from Furfur, the Salient Books mascot
Because everything is packaged by hand, no two orders are exactly alike. I love changing things throughout the year so returning readers always have something new to discover.
Will my package look exactly like the photos?
Not necessarily, and that's part of the fun!
Salient Books rotates seasonal thank-you cards, packaging, stickers, appreciation goodies, and Furfur designs throughout the year. Product photos are meant to give you an idea of the experience, but the exact items included may vary depending on the season, current inventory, and special events.
No matter when you order, every package is assembled by hand with the same care and attention to detail.
🚚 Shipping
When will my order ship?
Most in-stock orders are shipped within 1–5 business days. During busy seasons, shop events, or new product launches, processing times may be a little longer, but I'll always work to get your order on its way as quickly as possible.
If your order contains a preorder item, your order will generally ship once all items are available unless otherwise stated on the product page.
Once your package has been shipped, you'll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! Salient Books proudly ships internationally.
International shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location and the size and weight of your order. Please keep in mind that international shipping costs, import duties, taxes, tariffs, and other fees are determined by the destination country and shipping carrier, not by Salient Books.
In some cases, international shipping may cost more than the book itself. While I know that can be frustrating, I believe every reader should have the opportunity to discover incredible indie stories, no matter where they live.
If you're placing a larger order or have questions about shipping to your country, feel free to contact me before ordering. I'm always happy to help explore the most cost-effective shipping options available.
Can I combine multiple orders?
If you've recently placed multiple orders, please contact me as soon as possible at salientbooksbookstore@gmail.com.
If your orders have not yet been packed or shipped, I'll do my best to combine them whenever possible. If an order has already entered the packing or shipping process, I may not be able to combine them.
Can I order multiple books to save on international shipping?
Absolutely! International shipping often becomes more economical when multiple books are shipped together. While shipping costs will still depend on the destination, ordering several books at once can significantly reduce the shipping cost per book compared to placing multiple separate orders.If you'd like help estimating shipping costs before placing your order, feel free to reach out. I'll be happy to help.
My package arrived damaged. What should I do?
First, I'm so sorry. I know how disappointing it is to receive a damaged package, especially when you've been looking forward to opening it.
Please contact me as soon as possible at salientbooksbookstore@gmail.com and include your order number along with photos of the damage. If possible, please keep the original shipping box and packaging materials until we've resolved the issue.
Once I receive your information, I'll review everything and work with you to find the best solution. Depending on the situation, this may include a replacement, store credit, or a refund.
Why do you ask for photos if my package is damaged?
The photos help determine what happened during shipping and allow me to file damage claims with the shipping carrier when necessary.
Shipping carriers such as UPS and USPS often require photos of the damaged item, the shipping box, the packaging materials, the shipping label, and sometimes additional photos of the box itself before they'll approve a claim.
Whenever possible, I replace or resolve damaged orders without waiting for the carrier's investigation. The photos simply help me recover the cost of the shipment so I can continue providing the best possible service to readers and authors alike.
📖 Books
What are sprayed edges?
Sprayed edges are custom-colored designs applied to the edges of a book's pages, creating beautiful artwork that's visible when the book is closed.
At Salient Books, every sprayed edge edition is created by hand using custom-mixed colors designed specifically for each book. Many designs also include specialty shimmer or color-shifting finishes that sparkle differently depending on the lighting.
Are your sprayed edges painted by hand?
Yes!
Every sprayed edge edition available through Salient Books is handcrafted by me, one book at a time. Each color is custom mixed specifically for that title before being carefully applied by hand.
Because each book is individually crafted, every sprayed edge is a unique piece of artwork. No two copies will ever be completely identical, and that's part of what makes handmade special.
Why might my sprayed edges look slightly different than the photos?
Because every sprayed edge is handcrafted, slight variations are completely normal.
Factors such as paint application, shimmer placement, paper texture, lighting, and photography can all affect how a sprayed edge appears. Some specialty pigments may even shift color or sparkle differently depending on the angle and lighting.
While I work hard to make every copy as consistent as possible, no two handmade books will ever be exactly alike.
Why does my book have a tiny printer mark or small imperfection?
Many of the books carried by Salient Books are independently published and printed by third-party printing companies.
Occasionally, you may notice small manufacturing imperfections such as tiny printer marks, slight variations in page alignment, minor cover shifts, or other cosmetic differences that occurred during the printing process. These are outside of Salient Books' control and are considered normal printing variations rather than defects.
Every book is inspected before shipment, and I would never knowingly send a book with significant damage. If your book arrives with damage caused during shipping or with a major manufacturing defect that affects its readability or structural integrity, please contact me as soon as possible so I can make it right.
🌿 Preorders
How do preorders work?
Preordering allows you to reserve a book before it has been released or before it arrives at Salient Books.
When you place a preorder, your copy is reserved for you as soon as inventory becomes available. Product listings will include an estimated release or arrival date whenever one is available, but please remember that these dates are provided by the author or publisher and may change.
Just like every other order from Salient Books, preorder packages are assembled by hand and include the same care, attention, and special touches you've come to expect.
When will my preorder ship?
Preorders typically ship as soon as the books arrive at Salient Books and are ready to be packaged.
If your order contains both preorder and in-stock items, your order will generally ship once all items are available unless otherwise stated on the product page.
As soon as your order ships, you'll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information.
Can I cancel a preorder?
Yes! Preorders may be cancelled any time before they enter the fulfillment process.
If you need to cancel your preorder, please contact me as soon as possible at salientbooksbookstore@gmail.com with your order number.
Once a preorder has been packaged for shipment or has already shipped, it can no longer be cancelled. At that point, please refer to the Refund Policy for return eligibility.
What happens if the release date changes?
Release dates are occasionally delayed by authors, publishers, printers, or distributors, and those changes are unfortunately outside of Salient Books' control.
If the estimated release date changes, your preorder will automatically remain active, and your order will ship as soon as the book becomes available.
If you would rather not wait, you're always welcome to contact me before your order ships to discuss cancelling your preorder.
🎁 Gifts & Extras
What are Treasure Parcels?
Treasure Parcels are Salient Books' mystery bundles filled with bookish surprises.
Each Treasure Parcel contains a curated assortment of goodies that may include bookmarks, stickers, art prints, stationery, handmade items, exclusive Salient Books creations, and other literary treasures. Every parcel is thoughtfully assembled by hand, making each one a unique surprise to open.
Because Treasure Parcels are designed to be a mystery, the exact contents vary from parcel to parcel.
Can I request specific stickers or goodies?
Absolutely! While I can't guarantee that I'll have every item available, you're always welcome to leave a note at checkout or contact me after placing your order with any preferences.
Whether you have a favorite color, a preferred aesthetic, want to avoid certain themes, or have allergies or sensitivities to particular materials, I'll do my best to accommodate your request whenever possible.
Do you gift wrap?
Every Salient Books order is packaged like a gift, complete with seasonal packaging, thoughtful presentation, and special extras.
If you're sending an order directly to someone else, simply leave a note at checkout or contact me after placing your order. I'll happily package it as a gift and omit any pricing information from the package.
Can I include a gift message?
Of course!
If your order is a gift, simply leave your message in the order notes at checkout or send me an email with your order number shortly after placing your order.
I'll handwrite your message and include it with the package at no additional charge, helping make your gift feel even more personal.
💚 About Salient Books
Who packs my order?
Hi! I'm Jasmine, the owner of Salient Books, and every package you receive has been packed by me.
From photographing products and updating the website to answering emails, designing graphics, packing orders, and handwriting thank-you notes, every part of your Salient Books experience passes through my hands.
I genuinely love what I do, and every order is packaged with the hope that opening it feels just as special as reading the story inside.
Is Salient Books a small business?
Yes! Salient Books is a one-person, independently owned bookstore.
There isn't a warehouse.
There isn't a shipping department.
There isn't a customer service team.
There isn't a marketing department.
It's just me.
That means every email is answered by the person who packed your order. Every graphic is designed by the person who selected your book. Every thank-you note is handwritten by the same person who carefully wrapped your package.
While that sometimes means things take a little longer than they would at a large retailer, it also means every decision is made with readers and indie authors in mind.
Who is Furfur?
Furfur is the official mascot of Salient Books and one of my favorite parts of the shop.
You'll find Furfur popping up throughout the website, social media, seasonal packaging, appreciation goodies, and special events. Whether dressed for the holidays or exploring new adventures, Furfur is always here to help make the Salient Books experience a little more magical.
Think of Furfur as your friendly guide through the world of indie books.
Why do you only carry indie authors?
Because every indie author deserves a place where their stories can shine.
Independent authors often wear every hat imaginable. They're the writer, editor, marketer, publisher, and business owner all at once. Their stories are incredible, but they're often harder to discover because they don't have the same resources or visibility as traditionally published books.
Salient Books was created to help change that.
By focusing exclusively on indie authors, I'm able to introduce readers to stories they might never have discovered otherwise while giving authors a place where they're genuinely supported, celebrated, and encouraged.
Every book on these shelves represents someone's dream, and it's an incredible honor to help share those dreams with readers around the world.
✍️ For Authors
How do I apply?
I'd love to learn more about you and your books!
If you're interested in joining Salient Books, simply complete the Author Application below:
Author Application:
https://forms.gle/TTFnjYmxkSTRHpHU6
The application helps me get to know you, your books, and your publishing journey so I can determine whether Salient Books is the right fit. If you have any questions before applying, you're always welcome to reach out at salientbooksbookstore@gmail.com.
How long does the application process take?
Applications are reviewed in waves throughout the year, typically once each quarter.
Rather than accepting authors on a first-come, first-served basis, I build each wave thoughtfully to create a balanced catalog across a variety of genres. This helps ensure readers always have something new to discover while giving every author a better opportunity to be seen.
If you aren't selected during one application wave, please don't assume you've been rejected. Applications remain on file and may be reconsidered during future review periods as the needs of the shop evolve.
The only applications that are typically declined outright are those for traditionally published books or submissions that conflict with the values of Salient Books.
Can I apply before my book is published?
Absolutely!
Whether you're preparing for your debut release or adding another title to your catalog, you're welcome to apply.
If accepted before your book is published, I'll prepare everything behind the scenes so you're ready to go. Your book simply won't begin appearing in reader features or promotions until it's available on the shop shelves.
What genres do you accept?
Salient Books welcomes independently published books across a wide variety of genres.
Authors from anywhere in the world and from all walks of life are encouraged to apply.
The one thing that will never have a place at Salient Books is hateful content. The shop has a zero-tolerance policy for books that promote racism, homophobia, discrimination, or other forms of hate.
My goal is to create a welcoming space where every reader can discover incredible indie stories and every author is treated with kindness and respect.
What does it cost?
Joining Salient Books is completely free.
There are no application fees, listing fees, monthly fees, or shelf rental fees.
Salient Books operates on a commission-based consignment model. When one of your books sells, Salient Books retains 40% of the sale price, and you receive the remaining 60%.
You only send inventory after your application has been accepted.
Do I have to send inventory?
Yes.
Once you're accepted, you'll send a small inventory of your books to Salient Books. Those books are stored here until they're purchased, and I handle all customer packaging and shipping.
If you ever decide to leave the shop, any remaining inventory will be returned to you at no cost.
How do payouts work?
Author payouts are sent through PayPal on the 1st of each month for books sold during the previous month.
Each payout includes a sales summary showing what sold during that payout period.
How often are books featured?
Every accepted author receives ongoing opportunities for visibility through the shop.
Books may be featured in seasonal showcases, themed collections, newsletters, blog posts, social media, reader recommendations, and special events throughout the year.
Because Salient Books carries many talented authors, I can't guarantee exact posting dates or equal feature frequency. My goal is to rotate opportunities fairly while continually introducing readers to new books.
Can I sell merchandise?
Yes!
Authors may apply to sell book-related merchandise alongside their books, including bookmarks, stickers, art prints, candles, character artwork, and other literary items.
All merchandise is reviewed to ensure it's a good fit for the shop and complements your books or author brand.
💚 Community
How can I support Salient Books?
The biggest way you can support Salient Books is simply by being part of the community. Every share, comment, recommendation, and review helps more readers discover indie authors and helps more authors reach new readers.
If you'd like to support the shop, here are a few wonderful ways to help:
• Purchase books from indie authors.
• Leave reviews on your purchases.
• Follow Salient Books on social media.
• Like, comment on, and share posts.
• Join the newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, events, and shop news.
• Recommend Salient Books to your friends, family, book clubs, libraries, and fellow readers.
• Share your books and packages by tagging @SalientBooks on social media.
Every bit of support, no matter how small it may seem, truly makes a difference. Thank you for helping indie stories find new homes.
Do reviews really help?
Absolutely!
Reviews are one of the most meaningful ways you can support both Salient Books and the incredible indie authors featured here.
For readers, reviews help others decide whether a book might be right for them.
For authors, reviews increase visibility, build credibility, and can help their books reach even more readers.
For Salient Books, reviews help future customers feel confident shopping with a small business and allow me to continue connecting readers with amazing indie books.
Whether your review is a few sentences or a detailed breakdown of everything you loved, every review is appreciated more than you know.
Can I recommend an author?
Of course!
If there's an indie author you'd love to see at Salient Books, I'd be happy to hear about them. You're always welcome to send recommendations through email or social media.
While I can't guarantee that every recommended author will join the shop, every recommendation is appreciated. Authors ultimately decide whether they'd like to partner with Salient Books, and some may already have other arrangements or simply choose not to participate.
Even if a recommendation doesn't lead to a new partnership, I love discovering new indie authors and expanding my ever-growing reading list.
💚 Still Have a Question?
Didn't find what you were looking for? I'd love to help!
You can reach me anytime using whichever method is most convenient for you:
📧 Email: salientbooksbookstore@gmail.com
📱 Phone: (740) 438-7386
Calls and text messages are welcome. Standard carrier rates may apply.
Since Salient Books is a one-person shop, responses may take a little time during busy periods, but every message is read personally, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Thank you for supporting Salient Books and the incredible indie authors who make this community so special. I truly appreciate you, and I can't wait to help you discover your next favorite story.
Happy reading,
Jasmine
Owner, Salient Books 💚
📰 The Salient Times
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