How to save the independent bookstore: Part 1

Since publishing my first book last year, I have had the pleasure of getting to know many independent booksellers, and my appreciation and respect for the independent bookstore has only grown.  These stores are owned and staffed by people who love books and are willing to spend great portions of their lives reading, ordering, stocking shelves, hand-selling their favorite titles, and talking about the books and authors they love most, all while not getting rich.

But these are troubled times...