Indie Bookstores
Posted by Nancy J. Cohen on June 6, 2011
Independent bookstores have always struggled to survive against the discounts offered by the chains, but now the digital revolution makes it twice as hard for them to compete. Yet where else can you find a huge selection of titles in a particular genre, and personalized service? Who else offers a place for book clubs to meet and for author events to take place? Your indie bookseller, that’s who. We need to support these brick-and-mortar stores before they become obsolete and go the way of Borders. Once the booksellers figure out a way to sell e-book downloads and still hold author events for people with e-book readers, they may come out on top of the bookstore heap. But for now, as well as then, they’ll need our support.
This past weekend, I did an event at Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore in Delray Beach. Besides regular signings with visiting authors, MOTB offers community groups a package deal including lunch, a paperback book, and a talk by a local mystery author. It’s a great deal, especially if your organization is looking for something new and interesting to do.
- Nancy and store manager, Joanne Sinchuk
I did one of these luncheon gigs. The ladies filtered into the bookstore from the restaurant, and I gave my talk, followed by a lively discussion. It’s a great way for an author to meet new readers, and for readers to find a new author whose books they might love. Surrounding us in this locale are all these mysteries for sale in the bookstore, wall after wall of them. I believe I am truthful in saying the ladies all had a good time. Now go find an indie bookstore near you and buy some books to help keep them in business serving the community!
Allison Chase said
It looks like you had a good-sized audience! Kudos to Murder On The Beach for offering fun events to their customers and providing a forum for authors and readers to learn more about each other.
Nancy J. Cohen said
Yes, and I just found out the bookstore has a Facebook page so you can go Like them on FB. Just put their name in the search feature.
Jenny Milchman said
Nancy, I could not agree with you more. Great pics, and thanks so much for writing this post. Do you know about Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day? I started it last year and with the help of bloggers and book lovers everywhere, it went viral across the web last year. I’d love to tell you more or chat about it! Thanks again for the post!
Nancy J. Cohen said
I am not familiar with that promo. When does it take place?
auntiemwrites said
Nancy, I did a reading at that bookstore when I was in FL for the Miami Book Fair and it was a great place!