Books, and the places you buy them.

April 30, 2009 - 2:00 PM

I ran across an interesting article the other day by an independent bookseller, who (to oversimplify her argument a bit) bemoans the tendency for authors to focus on Amazon to the exclusion of independent bookstores. "Let's face it," she says, "Amazon may discount, but they're not going to herald your latest book with a wine and cheese party or a dumpling dinner, or handsell your book to someone looking for book group suggestions. No one is going do more for your book than your local store that has a good relationship with you and your book. So, you need to help us by getting your fans to buy the book either at your local independent or at indiebound.com."

Now I'm fully aware of the importance of the local independent; I've already scheduled two readings at independent bookstores, with more to come, and I'm happy to support them whenever I can. (And I'm adding a link to Indiebound post haste, by the way. :) ) But I'm more curious about book buying habits in general; when I was a kid, I got most of my books from a store called Paperback Booksmith, which was part of a chain, largely because there weren't any other options around...except a used bookstore, the stock of which was obviously erratic. (And now that I have to consider royalties myself, I have more mixed feelings about that whole "buying used" thing... :) ) But that was pre-Internet, of course--now things have changed radically, and obviously brick and mortar stores are feeling the pinch in more ways than one. So where do you buy your books now? Amazon? The closest bookstore, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or something else? Or do you go out of your way to support the indies? Let me know...and in the meantime, I'll keep all my options open by linking independently and otherwise. And if anyone out there wants to host a reading with a dumpling dinner for my books, I'll sign on the dotted line right now...

Greg

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Jesse writes...

April 30, 2009 a.m.30 3:01 AM

I moved to Seattle a few months ago, and I live a few blocks away from an amazing store called Third Place Books. The store shares a common space with a few restaurants with communal tables out with the magazine racks. There is also a stage, where there is live music every Friday and Saturday night. You can hear the music as you browse the stacks. A lot of local organizations meet there, and the place is sort of the de facto center of my neighborhood. There is also a farmers market in the parking lot from spring to fall. Their used book selection is pretty awesome, and there always seems to be something new. There are several author readings every week. It really is the embodiment of what a great bookstore should be, and it has torn me away from buying online. I go there several times a week for lunch or just to read and check email (there's wi-fi too) in the commons.

www.thirdplacebooks.com

Greg writes...

April 30, 2009 p.m.30 5:08 PM

If you're in the Lake Forest Park area, I know that bookstore well--since it's across the street from where my father-in-law lives! I've been there many times. I also tried to book a reading with them, since I will be out in Seattle in June for a couple of weeks, but unfortunately they weren't interested in working with my publisher because it doesn't use their specific distributor. I'll now be doing a reading at the University Book Store in the University District, though, so it all ultimately worked out.

Jesse writes...

May 5, 2009 p.m.31 11:20 PM

That is WILD! I live on NE 180th, right near Lake Forest Presbyterian. My grandmother has lived here for 60 years. That's too bad that you couldn't get a deal with them, (and also too bad that I apparently won't be able to buy your book there). I didn't realize that bookstores were that blunt about who they allow to do readings, but it makes business sense. I may be out of town in June, but if I'm here I will definitely catch you at the U book store.

Greg writes...

May 6, 2009 a.m.31 12:29 AM

Heh, small world. As for getting my book at Third Place, you can indeed buy it there--they can order it through their distributor (which they could have done for a reading too, but never mind that... :) ). But if you can make the reading at the University Book Store, that would be an ideal place to get the book.

Books, and the places you buy them.

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