Industry News

More than 285 authors and 225 bookstores have signed up for the Indies First grassroots movement, which will celebrate the unique value of independent bookstores on Small Business Saturday, November 30.

The workshop “How to Succeed at Retail Bookselling: Introduction to the Book Business,” on Tuesday, January 21, just prior to the opening of Winter Institute 2014 in Seattle, will provide new and prospective booksellers with an intensive overview of retail fundamentals and bookstore best practices that are essential to establishing a competitive business.

Eight e-book promotions were recently added to the IndieCommerce Publisher Promotions page. Categories include middle grade and teen deals, memoirs, true crime, baseball, and sci-fi and fantasy.  

Registration for Winter Institute 2014 has reached capacity, and ABA is now taking names for a waiting list. If cancellations are received, booksellers on the list will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis; however, there is no guarantee that space will become available.

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Enthusiasm is revving up across the Golden State as preparations continue for the first California Bookstore Day, on May 3, 2014. Last week, booksellers at the NCIBA trade show learned about some of the limited edition, word-based items available exclusively for the day of the event.

With the holidays fast approaching, ABA CEO Oren Teicher encourages booksellers to take advantage of three initiatives — two promotions from ABA and a grassroots effort launched by Sherman Alexie — to build on Small Business Saturday and the Local First/Shop Local movement, which continues to strongly influence the way customers are shopping.

Tuesday, October 15, is the deadline for the nomination of ABA Board candidates. “This is part of our democratic process,” said Blue Willow’s Valerie Koehler, chair of the Nominating Committee. “If you know someone who is a leader, a thinker, and is active in organization governance, please nominate them. We are striving to have a well-rounded Board with strengths in many different areas.  Please nominate this week!”

ABFFE is defending bookstores that have scheduled appearances by Stephen Jimenez, author of The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths About the Murder of Matthew Shepard (Steerforth Press). The book has been criticized for questioning aspects of a case that has come to symbolize hate crimes against gay men and women.

A U.S. district court judge is expected to issue a ruling before mid-January on the proposed swipe fee settlement reached last year in a class-action lawsuit that is now in its eighth year.

After 34 years of feminist bookselling, Ann Christophersen and Linda Bubon are on the lookout for a new owner or owners who will carry on the mission and traditions of Chicago’s Women & Children First.

The sign-up deadline for stores that are new to the Thanks for Shopping Indie promotion is Monday, October 14. The promotion, which launches on Small Business Saturday, offers more than 80 of ABA members’ favorite titles, each with its own built-in holiday present to share with customers.

Next Saturday, October 19, Antigone Books is proudly celebrating 40 years of bookselling with the community of Tucson, Arizona. Staff will host a day of discounts, games, and cake, as they reflect on the store’s success and look forward to its future.

In connection with its transition to a new member database, ABA is reaching out to all bookstore members via telephone to confirm and update key contact information for a variety of programs and initiatives.