Celebrating Independent Authors
Great speculation is abundant in the continuing saga of the Amazon Brick and Mortar Store. A year ago, our Lynne Cantwell wrote about a physical Amazon Store coming to New York City. It was reported back then that they would be the first physical store in Amazon’s arsenal. It turns out that this is not the case. Continue reading “Will the Real Amazon Bookstore Please Stand Up”
Not so long ago, when a reader wanted to get a new book, they would head on down to their local independent bookstore. Then came big-box bookstores like Borders and Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores took a beating. Many of them lost out so badly that they had to close. Now it’s the big-box stores that are struggling (full disclosure: I still miss Borders), and the field is ripe once again for indie bookstores — particularly those that cater to local readers.
One of those is the Tattered Cover in Denver, Colorado, which has been in business since 1971. It’s now a local chain with several stores, including locations at Union Station and Denver International Airport. It has stayed in business by offering great customer service, an interesting selection of books, and, through its Rocky Mountain Authors program, shelf space for local authors. And since 2011, it has offered print-on-demand services through its Tattered Cover Press. Continue reading “Bookstore Spotlight: Tattered Cover Press”
Guest Post
by Shaun J. McLaughlin
When I began as an indie author early in 2012, I felt an affinity to indie bookstores. After all, we both struggle against the book industry establishment. Because I wanted a hometown outlet for printed versions of my books, I collaborated early with Mill Street Books. It serves Almonte, a town of 4,200 west of Ottawa, Canada, and a surrounding rural community of fewer than 10,000 others. In two years, that one store has sold 115 paperback copies combined of my three books. It is a profitable symbiotic relationship.
Symbiosis n: any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship
Mill Street Books always supports local authors. Owners Mary and Terry Lumsden showed immediate enthusiasm for the idea of a joint book launch. Continue reading “Creating an Indie Author-Bookstore Symbiosis”
During Book Expo America, I had an opportunity for a little face time with Mark Lefebvre, director of self-publishing and author relations at Kobo. A writer himself, Mark is eager to help improve the experience of authors using Kobo. We talked about some of the new goodies Kobo will be releasing over the next few months to help you get more exposure for your books. Continue reading “What’s New From Kobo?”