In a past blog, I shared my frustration with an unnamed independent bookstore not willing to order my book when a customer requested it. My frustration came from a deep desire to support the uphill battle that the small bookstore wages against the online mega stores and the two big chain stores that dominate our streets. As I said in that blog, the corner coffee shop and independent bookstore are an integral part of the community and hold a special place.
This week I had a healing experience. I emailed various independent bookstores around the Bay and was invited to visit a couple. The conversations were positive and supportive, and I left copies of Oilspill dotcom at both stores. I felt in.
Not that I should promote one store over another, but…
The Bird & Beckett is at 653 Chenery St., San Francisco. Glen Park is a neat neighborhood, with cool coffee shops, diners and local businesses. What I like in particular about the store, apart from the obvious grassroots political environment, are the regular jazz performances. There is something…organic, synergistic, about jazz and political novels…I’m not sure what, but it seems kind of Beat.
The Green Apple, 566 Clement Street, is an icon in the City. When my wife, Ariela, and I would visit friends in SF every three years, we made a pilgrimage to The Green Apple. We would leave a few hours later with enough books to seriously challenge our baggage limit as we flew home.
So, with my faith restored, I am back on the road, visiting the independent bookstores, plugging my book and myself. If you haven’t yet bought my book, perhaps consider supporting one of these unique establishments.
And if you have already bought my book, perhaps consider patronizing these stores for your next literary purchase.
Good Writing,
Alon
http://www.alonshalev.com/
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1 comment:
Alon, keep trying and do it with a great attitude...book signings are great but there are other ways to sell books. Most of my sales are via my online catalog and collaborative events with others.
Most bookstores want a guarantee that you will buy back books, if you will there should not be a problem. Also, try to tie in your book signing dates with a major event or news story that may have some bearing on your book. Keep up the good work...and don't give up!
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