booksellers-unite! discussion
awash in galleys!
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I've seen a bookstore that puts labels on their galleys that say "This book was provided for you by [bookstore name and address]" and them leaves them around town in coffee shops and other such places. It's a little more work, but a nice idea.Also, I don't really think it's a problem to send mysteries to the women's prison.
Thnks! That's a great idea. I will run it by the boss. I have left bags of my own books at laundromats in the past and I participate in Bookcrossing.com where you register a book and then leave it somewhere to see what happens to it. We could find homes for some of them that way.
Hi Petra,The best way to start getting galleys sent to you is to request them from the publishers publicity dept. It also helps if you write book reviews that appear in print even if it is only local (like a weekly paper.) Most smaller newspapers are happy to print book reviews though they don't usually pay you for your work. Clip the reviews and send them to the publishers publicity dept with a note explaining what kinds of books you are most likely to enjoy.
I could see where the shipping might be a problem, but it is worth trying. You do not have to tell them how big (or small) your bookstore is.
wrightales
Heavens! Talk to your reps -- they are usually very helpful.
No reps visit me. No local newspapers would print book reviews and we only have weekly papers anyway, and all the big distributors know me quite well including the size of my little bookshop. The reason is I am on a tiny little island in the Caribbean with only about 14K people and I've had to make special arrangements for accounts with every single one of them.
Now, I don't know where your island is, so perhaps this does not apply, but do visit www.bookweb.org. That's the site for the American Booksellers Association. They help member bookstores with marketing, education, basically everything. If they're not in your bailiwick, I'll bet they know what trade organization is. They may be a help. You do have to pay to join, but you can check out member bookstores on their site for free, & who knows, perhaps there is one (comparatively) nearby that'd be willing to share or ship you some galleys.
When I started my bookshop years ago I contacted them but they weren't at all helpful as I'm not in the US nor am I an American, but that was nearly six years ago so I think I will give them a go again. Its a good idea to check out some bookstores though, esp. as I go to Miami when funds allow.Doing business in the Caribbean is incredibly difficult and expensive, but I get to live in a fabulous place. Its a good trade off!
I'd love to send you one of mine! Oh, wait . . .Debra
I know she doesn't want to hear from me but:Actually, GoodReads and similar online groups are excellent venues for getting reader ARC's that Petra stated she wished for. Writers hang out here. We're always looking for connections with book sellers and readers. We'd love for indie bookstore owners to reach out to us and give us a chance.
Debra
I finally got around to trying out Megan's suggestion about putting galleys in coffee shops. The coffee shop up the street has a set of bookshelves which were empty except for the occasional newspaper. The shelves are now full of ARCs with our store stamp inside. I am also leaving copies of the "indie Bound" recommendation sheets. Thanks for the suggestion Megan!
Another good place to donate ARC's to are hospices, the residents tend to sit around understandably locked up in their heads...Distraction and discussion can really help them out.
Libraries and schools don't want them and we just can't bring ourselves to destroy them. Does anybody have any good ideas for getting rid of them in a useful manner?