BTW News Briefs

Powell's and Seattle's University Book Store Join Forces

Powell's Books, in Portland, Oregon, recently announced that it was teaming up with Seattle's University Book Store for a "used-book buying extravaganza," to be held from September 10 through September 18. For nine days, Powell's plans to operate a temporary used-book buying kiosk at University Book Store and will offer the public either cash for their books or a higher amount in merchandise credit, good at University Book Store.

During the event, University Book Store employees will train with Powell's used-book buyers. A group of University Book Store employees will also visit Powell's in Portland for training. Following the event, on September 22, University Book Store will begin buying and selling used books on a permanent basis.

If successful, Powell's plans to offer used-book buyer training to other independent bookstores across the nation. "There is an abundance of used books in this country," said Powell's CEO Miriam Sontz. "Any effort to tap that resource benefits the book community as a whole."

Joseph-Beth Booksellers and AuthorHouse Launch "Fresh Voices in Print"

On August 23, Joseph-Beth Booksellers and AuthorHouse, a self-publishing house, announced the launch of "Fresh Voices in Print," a joint venture "designed to assist aspiring writers in becoming published authors with books on the shelves of Joseph-Beth stores." The companies are combining their experience "to provide special Joseph-Beth Publishing Packages that include custom book design, advance copies, guaranteed bookshelf placement, and an in-store book-signing event for every author in the program," according to a joint press release.

Joseph-Beth bookstores will have a "Fresh Voices in Print" book section that will display and sell authors' books published through the AuthorHouse partnership. In addition, self-published authors will have their books stocked for a minimum of eight weeks, giving Joseph-Beth buyers a chance to see how their book sells.

"As always, Joseph-Beth remains completely committed to our local writers," said owner Neil Van Uum. "Our partnership with AuthorHouse should enable anyone interested in getting published to bring their work to the marketplace in a most efficient and productive manner. We are thrilled to be able to present this unique opportunity to our customers."

NAIBA Announces Helmuth Sales Rep of the Year

This week, the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association (NAIBA) announced that Sue Flynn, sales representative for Scholastic, had been selected the Helmuth Sales Rep of the Year.

Of Flynn, Ellen Mager of Secret Garden Children's Bookstore and Gallery in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, said, "She is genuinely interested and concerned about the needs of the individual independent bookstores and gets to know the owner and staff. Sue is very supportive in making sure you get the best service and follow-up from Scholastic.... I can honestly say that, in my 23 years of business, Sue rates as one of my favorite reps."

In the mid-90s, Flynn, who began her career working at a bookstore chain, joined Sher Distributing as a district field service manager overseeing service reps in the eastern Pennsylvania/South Jersey area before becoming its buyer for a national chain. In 1999, she joined Scholastic and began calling on stores in the eastern Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Long Island, and southern Connecticut area. Flynn explained, "Not only was I back in the bookstore, but many bookstores, and I was there to talk about the books I love and the books [booksellers] love -- again. The best of both worlds."

Flynn will be honored at the NAIBA trade show's Breakfast of Champions on Monday, October 17, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.