N.K. Jemisin Named 2019 Indies First Spokesperson

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NK Jemisin; photo by Laura Hanifin
N.K. Jemisin (photo by Laura Hanifin)

The American Booksellers Association today announced that science fiction and fantasy writer N.K. Jemisin will serve as the 2019 spokesperson for Indies First, the national campaign of activities and events in support of independent bookstores, which takes place on Small Business Saturday, the weekend after Thanksgiving.

In a video created to promote the event, New York Times bestselling author Jemisin encourages viewers to visit their local indie bookstores on November 30 in honor of Indies First/Small Business Saturday.

Jemisin, who is published by Hachette Book Group’s Orbit imprint, is the first author in history to win three consecutive Hugo Awards for Best Novel, all for her Broken Earth trilogy. She is also the winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel and the Sense of Gender Award for The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, the first volume in her Inheritance Trilogy.

In November 2018, Jemisin published How Long ’til Black Future Month?, a collection of short stories that sharply examine modern society with thought-provoking narratives of destruction, rebirth, and redemption. The paperback edition published yesterday, Tuesday, August 13.

Booksellers are encouraged to invite their favorite local authors, illustrators, or celebrities to come to their stores to participate in events or hand-sell books on November 30 for Indies First on Small Business Saturday. Stores are also encouraged to promote their events via their websites, newsletters, and social media platforms (using the hashtag #IndiesFirst). Authors and illustrators who would like to participate in Indies First are encouraged to reach out to their favorite local indie bookstores.

Next month, ABA will unveil an array of special publisher offers on frontlist and backlist titles as part of publishers’ support of the seventh annual celebration of Indies First.

Learn more about Indies First on BookWeb, or send inquiries about Indies First to [email protected]. Booksellers and customers can follow news about Indies First in Bookselling This Week and via the hashtag #IndiesFirst on social media.