Publishing Insider

Saint Nick

Those of us in the biz know that a Nick's Pick is a BIG deal. Nick works at University Books in Seattle, and he now has a cool blog.

my best tee

Ah, casual Fridays (as opposed to casual Mon., Tues., Wed., and Thurs.). Got my Prairie Lights Aesthetic Dept. t-shirt on. One of my favorite shirts from one of my favorite stores.

a good ol' time!

Get out of the house and go hear two of my favorite authors read on their tour this month! Not only are Lisa Scottoline and Laura Lipmann wonderful authors, they are energetic, fun speakers, and you'll be happy to see them! Lisa tour + Laura tour.

lazy media

From Bookselling This Week: "The media frequently, and falsely, rings the death knell for all independent bookstores every time a store closes, while store openings enjoy far less coverage. Last year alone, 97 new independent bookstores opened, improving upon the previous year's 90 new stores. Equally under-reported, but just as important, are the stores that are changing hands instead of closing, often because a community member or former bookseller purchases the business. Here's a look at five stores that recently underwent, or are working towards, a change of ownership." My note: Memo to media - Got off the phone and really get out and explore your story with some depth and understanding.

cool doings in Montana

Cool ideas of the day courtesy of Shelf Awareness and our bearded friend, Russ. Through Saturday, Chapter One Bookstore in Hamilton MT is celebrating "I love to read month" by encouraging customers to sit in the store's front window and read for two hours. "We'll have a comfy chair, you can bring whatever reading material you'd like, or choose something from our shelves," the store said. "In return, we'll buy you a drink from JitterZ Espresso, and make a donation to the Literacy Volunteers--Bitterroot."

Chapter One is also holding its second annual spelling bee on February 20. Co-owner Russ Lawrence, president of the ABA, called last year's "a huge hit." The $10 entry fee also goes to Literacy Volunteers--Bitterroot. The store noted, "We'll have prizes for winners, losers, and those who melt down most spectacularly."

idea of the day

Bookselling This Week report on this wonderful thing: One of many initiatives introduced by Apple Blossom Book's owner Candy Pearson: "a delivery program to several of the surrounding towns, where she drops off books at a central location. One drop-off point is at a nursing home about 20 minutes away, where Apple Blossom maintains a small display. 'The people there really appreciate it,' said Pearson."

Chattanooga chew

One of my favorite cities in America has a new indie bookstore!

Toot toot Tudor

Bookselling This Week celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Tudor Book Shop and Café  in Kingston, Pa., one of my favorite stores, which has grown to a 4,800-sq.-ft. store from 144 square feet.

Favorite store URL

Fireside Books' goodbooksbadcoffee. Very clever.

More birthdays

15th birthday this year for Readers' Books in Sonoma,  owned by Lilla and Andy Weinberger. Wonderful people with a wonderful store.