Bookstores Indiebound for Independence Day Linn Explained That She Especially Likes "Think Outside the Books"

June 26, 2008 double-sided fliers" with the e-mail teasers on one side and one of TABLE OF CONTENTS: the IndieBound logos on the other. • Bookstores IndieBound for Independence Day Linn explained that she especially likes "Think Outside the Books" ...... 1 since it captures the spirit of Books & Books -- community-based, • Checks to Be Mailed to Constant Contact but with an independent attitude. In that spirit, for its Fourth of July celebrations, Books & Books plans to commemorate all Subscribers ...... 2 independents, and the store is inviting its fellow local businesses to • More Questions About Amazon.com and Sales join their celebration. "On July Fourth, it's a celebration of all Tax ...... 2 independents as well as our interdependence," Linn noted. • BTW News Briefs ...... 3 Jan Healy of Eagle Harbor Book Company in Bainbridge Island, • Around Indie Bookstores ...... 3 Washington, said, "The Bainbridge Island Downtown Association 6 • BookPeople: Creating Banners to Spread the [BIDA] is very excited about all the [IndieBound] products and IndieBound." The store itself will be placing select IndieBound Indie Word ...... 4 materials throughout the store and in the window. • The Indie Cooking Bestseller List ...... 4 BIDA's Economic Development Committee has been developing a • Tapping Into the Growing Market for Graphic Buy Local campaign, "Think Bainbridge/Buy Local." The group Novels ...... 5 plans to launch the campaign during "Celebrate Independents • Who Gets What -- and When -- With Week," held July 1 - 7. IndieBound ...... 6 In an e-mail to BTW , BIDA member Sarah Wen, owner of the • Illinois Bookstore Speaks to the Bainbridge clothing boutique Kennedy & Kate, wrote: "We are African-American Experience ...... 6 totally inspired by the positive spirit of IndieBound and impressed • "Here's What You Just Did" ...... 7 by the fresh and exciting marketing materials. We quickly adopted some of the spirit lines (like 'declare your independence' and • Cody's Final Chapter ...... 8 'unchain yourself') and incorporated elements of IndieBound's identity into our campaign, so that the two campaigns complement MARKETPLACE each other." • Classifieds ...... 8 For "Celebrate Independents Week," BIDA plans to deliver • Other Advertising ...... 9 marketing materials (including window decals) to approximately 50 downtown merchants. "We will reach out to the community at large on July 3 with an Info Booth at our annual street dance where we will hand out materials and giveaways from both Think Bookstores IndieBound for Bainbridge/Buy Local and IndieBound," Wen noted. Independence Day In Tampa, Florida, the Tampa Independence Business Alliance 7 (TIBA) will be holding its seventh annual Independents Week 8 June 26, 2008 -- As Americans gear up for next week's Fourth of 9 1 event, and Inkwood Books will be incorporating IndieBound July celebrations, ABA member booksellers are using IndieBound materials into the celebration. On Saturday, June 28, at Nature's marketing materials to create or supplement their own unique Harvest Market, TIBA will kick off events with an expo, where "Independents" promotions. "we'll be using the IndieBound spirit cards to help people get The staff at Books & Books 2 in Coral Gables, Florida, is building involved," said Inkwood co-owner Carla Jimenez. anticipation for the Fourth of July weekend celebrations at their Jimenez will also be creating a customized "Here's What You Just three Florida stores with daily e-mail "teasers" that incorporate Did 10 " poster for each TIBA member, which she'll give them at the IndieBound "Think Outside the Books" and "IndieBound" graphics expo. And at the bookstore, Inkwood will be offering a 20 percent 3 together with quotes on independent thought from iconic authors, discount on the Top 10 Indie Bestsellers. reported Debra Linn, who works on events and marketing at the 11 store. The e-mail campaign began on Tuesday, June 24. In addition, To promote the weeklong sale, Jimenez sent an e-mail to the Books & Books will be sending its regular monthly e-mail on store's customer list that began with the Declaration of IndieBound Friday, June 27, and this will highlight both the Indie Bestseller 12 , followed by details of the store's promotions and other Lists 4 and the Indie Next List 5 . information. Materials from the Liberation Box are also featured around the store. "People are responding very well," Jimenez said. For the Independence Day celebration, the Books & Books stores "This is a quiet time of year for us, so it will take a while to build, will hang the "Eat. Sleep. Read." posters and will use "all the but we're all behind [IndieBound], and the staff is enthusiastic." different materials from the Literary Liberation Box," Linn 13 reported. "We will hand out the bookmarks, and we will be creating At The King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, Utah, co-owner Betsy Burton noted that Local First Utah 14 is celebrating

Independents Week from June 28 through July 5. Farmers markets audiences, manage lists and track results, and more. The program is will "bookend" the weeklong event, she said, which will feature a also CAN-SPAM compliant. live cooking competition where participants will use selected Through the Constant Contact Learning Center, which includes ingredients from local farms. articles on best practices, live webinars, and recorded tutorials, During Independents Week, The King's English will be offering booksellers will have all of the resources they need to grow their discounts of 17.76 percent, Burton reported. And when celebrations businesses through the power of e-mail marketing and surveys. kick off on Saturday, it will also be the first time that any King's New Constant Contact subscribers can sign up today 19 for a 60-day English customers will see IndieBound materials. "We're putting it free trial without risk or obligation, and no credit card is required. all up on Saturday, June 28 ... for the first time -- all over the When booksellers join Constant Contact as paid subscribers 20 , place," said Burton, who added that she expects a great response they automatically become eligible for next year's rebate. from customers. "We've trained the staff because we know people will ask about IndieBound," she explained. "We've taught them to Members with questions about this year's Constant Contact rebates say the right things." should contact Margaret Bartolini 21 , assistant to ABA's controller. Questions about using Constant Contact should be addressed to Added Burton, "The program is great ... and uses wonderful Constant Contact customer service at (800) 221-2701. materials. The bright red posters ... are the most eye-catching things any one has produced in the movement." Other ABA Business Management Products and Services 22 designed to help independent booksellers compete in a changing And in Bradenton, Florida, The Village Bookshop's MySpace page marketplace include discounted credit card processing, low-cost 15 now features IndieBound and invites customers to a Fourth of business insurance, discounts on small-package and freight July rally, where they can sign the Declaration of Independents. shipping, and more. Questions about ABA Member Services For bookstores still looking for IndieBound event ideas for should be directed to ABA's Jill Perlstein [email protected] 23 or Independence Day week, ABA's IndieBound staff offer up the (800) 637-0037, ext 6642. following: • Hold an Indie Block Party. Organize a block party, sponsored More Questions About Amazon.com and by all the independent businesses in your area. Everyone can Sales Tax provide something different: food, music, or fun! Bring all your IndieBound gear, and give "We're IndieBound" window decals June 25, 2008 -- The latest column by Wall Street Journal writer to all the participating businesses. Hand out copies of the Lee Gomes takes a close look at what he characterizes as "an Declaration of IndieBound and have a Declaration Signing table. audacious legal strategy Amazon.com has used to avoid collecting There doesn't have to be an occasion any more special than sales tax" in some states where it has warehouses or distribution promoting your community's unique, independent culture. See centers. streetparty.net for tons of great block party ideas and The June 25 column -- "Will Amazon Get a Visit From the Tax organizational help. Man? 24 " -- details the legal argument made by Amazon.com that

16 distribution facilities shipping Amazon.com orders to customers are • Independents Day. Similar to America Unchained , a not under its control, but, rather, that they are the operations of a nationwide event sponsored by the American Independent company that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amazon.com. As Business Alliance, plan a citywide holiday from shopping at Gomes notes in his column, courts have allowed companies to set chains. Challenge your neighbors to shop independent for one up subsidiaries that are legally separate entities, but they have also day. Work with your local business alliance to do as much local rejected "shell companies" that exists solely to avoid tax promotion as possible to get the word out. Have your area indies obligations. tally the change in business that day, and release the results. It will be a fun and thought-provoking experience for local The question is important because the law is clear that if a company consumers and area businesses. --David Grogan 17 has a physical presence in a state -- that is, nexus -- then it has a legal responsibility to collect sales tax. The State of Texas Comptroller's Office is currently investigating 25 whether the Checks to Be Mailed to Constant presence of an Amazon.com-run distribution facility in the Dallas suburb of Irving means the online retailing giant has a physical Contact Subscribers presence in the state, and Gomes notes in his column that "several June 26, 2008 -- 18 American Booksellers Association members tax experts say Amazon's legal case appears to be a weak one." participating in the Constant Contact affinity program will begin Amazon declined to respond to questions from Gomes for his receiving rebate checks sometime next week. The checks are being column regarding tax-related issues, including the sales volume of sent to current bookstore members that paid for Constant Contact its warehouses. e-mail marketing services between April 30, 2007, and April 30, Amazon.com's runs fulfillment facilities in Kentucky, 2008. Pennsylvania, Kansas, Texas, Nevada, Delaware, Arizona, and A bookstore's rebate is equivalent to an average of the monthly fee Indiana. The company lists customer service centers in North paid to Constant Contact over the 12-month period. The monthly Dakota, West Virginia, and Washington. At present, Amazon only fee is based on the number of unique addresses on a bookstore's collects sales tax in Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, and mailing list. Washington. Delaware does not charge sales tax. Constant Contact enables booksellers to easily create professional Since June 1, Amazon.com has also been collecting sales tax in looking e-mail newsletters, collect visitor e-mail addresses and New York State, following the state's passage of the Internet Sales information about customer interests, import in-house Tax provision in the state budget. The provision's approval came permission-based e-mail addresses, target e-mails to specific following a sustained lobbying effort by the state's independent

© 2008 American Booksellers Association. http://news.bookweb.org/ 2 BOOKSELLING THIS WEEK June 26, 2008 booksellers, ABA and the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association, the Retail Council of New York State, and other state Preliminary Injunction to Block Oregon's "Harmful to independent businesses. Amazon.com has mounted a legal Minors" Law Denied challenge to the provision, as has Overstock.com 26 . The case, On Monday, June 23, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mosman which will be heard in New York Supreme Court, is slated to begin denied a request for a preliminary injunction that would block on Monday, July 7. enforcement of Oregon's "harmful to minors" law until a trial could Gomes quotes in his column tax experts who call into question be held. The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression 30 (ABFFE), Oregon booksellers, and a coalition of groups filed a Amazon.com's legal justification for a separate legal status for its 31 distribution and shipping facilities. They note that there are lawsuit in April challenging the constitutionality of the law that questions regarding whether the subsidiaries Amazon.com has restricts the display and sale of books and magazines, which are established "are really the independent units envisioned by the tax protected by the First Amendment. law." The company's website simply notes that Amazon.com has ABFFE President Chris Finan said that, while the foundation was "offices, fulfillment centers, customer service centers, and software disappointed in the judges' ruling, an October 3 trial date was set, development centers across North America, Europe, and Asia" and and at that time, ABFFE will be able to call witnesses and lay out lists its fulfillment centers. There is no mention of any subsidiaries, the case in detail. and, as reported by BetaNews, Amazon.com was listed as the owner of its distribution center in Texas in 2006 and 2007, not its Women's National Book Association Names New Leadership subsidiary, Amazon.com.kydc, Inc. On June 23, the Women's National Book Association 32 (WNBA) In addition, Gomes points out that the U.S. Supreme Court has named Joan Gelfand, a writer with a focus on poetry and short ruled that a company's presence in a state does not have to be a stories, as its new president. The announcement was made at the physical one for it to have a responsibility to collect sales tax. "A WNBAs annual meeting in San Francisco. close relationship with third-party contractors in the state might be enough to constitute such a presence, the top court has said." Gelfand, longtime Bay Area resident now living in San Francisco, Gomes quotes Virginia tax commissioner Janie E. Bowen is a past president of the San Francisco chapter and has served on regarding the question of how much control an out-of-state the national board for four years. She is the recipient of numerous company has on the operations of the in-state facility -- "if it looks awards and is the author of the poetry collection Seeking Center , like a shell company, then we would take a serious look." published by Two Bridges Press. Joining Gelfand on the WNBA board are Vice President Mary Grey James, lead buyer for Ingram in LaVergne, Tennessee; Treasurer Margaret Auer, dean of University Libraries/Instructional Design Studio at the University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, While booksellers have won an important victory in New York State Michigan; and Secretary Ruth Light, a Los Angeles-based writer. regarding the equitable collection of sales tax, ABA continues to urge booksellers in the 44 other states with sales tax to write, fax, or e-mail their governors about this key issue. To make this communication easier, ABA ABFFE Book of the Month for June Claim of Privilege has prepared a template letter 27 that can be adapted and sent. The association asks businesses that contact their governors to send a copy of The ABFFE Book of the Month for June is Claim of Privilege: A the letter to ABA Public Policy Liaison David Grogan at Mysterious Plane Crash, a Landmark Supreme Court Case, and the [email protected] 28 . Rise of State Secrets by Barry Siegel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.

Additionally, last month ABA COO Oren Teicher e-mailed the booksellers The title from HarperCollins examines the mystery behind a 1948 in the 21 states with the largest projected budget deficits as reported by the plane crash and the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in U.S. v. National Conference of State Legislators, to ask that anyone with Reynolds, which formally recognized the State Secrets Privilege. connections to a state legislator arrange a meeting with the legislator The case set a legal precedent enabling federal agencies to refuse to regarding e-fairness. turn over sensitive documents that they say might endanger national security. Claim of Privilege reveals the dangerous "We will provide you with the necessary briefing, materials, and consequences of government secrecy and how it threatens our civil information -- and, in some cases, might be able to participate in the liberties. meeting with you," Teicher wrote. "It is imperative that we maintain our An interview with Siegel 33 is available on the ABFFE website, momentum and keep the pressure on." ABA is also in the process of 34 preparing state-specific material to assist booksellers, available upon www.abffe.com . request.

Booksellers who have a legislator in mind, or who would like to discuss Around Indie Bookstores this issue further, are asked to contact Grogan at (800) 637-0037, ext. 6662, or via e-mail at [email protected] 29 . ABA staff can help walk June 25, 2008 -- interested booksellers through the process of setting up a legislative meeting and answer any questions about the association's Campaign for Hooray for a New Kids' Bookstore E-Fairness. This week, the Small Business Blog 35 on WashingtonPost.com reported on the opening of Hooray for Books! 36 by Trish Brown BTW News Briefs and Ellen Klein, two former staffers of A Likely Story, which closed in November 2007. Brown and Klein have taken over A June 25, 2008 -- Likely Story's old space and have hired three part-timers, also

© 2008 American Booksellers Association. http://news.bookweb.org/ 3 BOOKSELLING THIS WEEK June 26, 2008 veterans of the old store. message of 'independents,'" she explained. The Washington Post reported that the new store will feature As BookPeople's merchandising director, Klassen recognized that morning story hours on Friday and Saturday; child safety-seat IndieBound's message of Buy Local would work well in displays at inspections from a licensed inspector; a summer camp; and a career the store, and would also jibe with the city slogan, "Keep Austin camp showcasing people with different professions, such as a Weird." "Our customer base is as broad a base as one can imagine," canine police officer, firefighter, photographer and restaurateur. she told BTW . "So I wanted to bring this message to them in a way that could reach them all." New Bookstore to Open in Salem, Oregon To broadcast the message, Klassen thought "what better way to JoAnne Kohler will open Tea Party Bookshop in downtown Salem, announce it then how they do in department stores -- in big, bold Oregon, by the end of July, about two blocks from the former home banner form." She added, "This gives a customer a sign shape and of Jackson's, according Footnotes 37 , the newsletter of the Pacific layout they're used to seeing. Allowing them to look past the sea of Northwest Booksellers Association. The store will feature strong wall-to-wall books that are in every bookstore, and focus on the fiction, mystery, children's, green living, and metaphysical sections, message." plus sidelines in about 1,400 square feet of retail space on the Klassen turned to the IndieBound toolkit 43 of logos, spirit lines, ground floor. There will also be about 1,000 square feet on an and other designs that lend themselves to customizing and chose upper floor to be used as an event space. " three lines -- "Are You Doing Your Part to Keep America Kohler told Footnotes that the name for the store came to her while Interesting," "Celebrate the Independents in Your Community," she was reading Stacy Mitchell's Big-Box Swindle on the way back and "Shop Local First" -- to print on the 16'' x 40'' banners, along from the last ABA Winter Institute. It was Mitchell's reference to with other design elements. The banners hang over a BookPeople Buy Local display featuring a wide range of titles whose focus the Boston Tea Party as being the first instance of Americans rebelling against a corporation controlling their buying options that extends from the benefits of local farmers markets to books about inspired Kohler. the effects of Wal-Mart on the economy. Asked to outline for other booksellers how she created her banners 44 Maine's SoBo Book & Bean Has a New Owner for BookPeople, Klassen said: "I went to the DIY section on Bookweb.org, downloaded the IndieBound Logo, and took note of Seacoastonline.com 38 reported that as of June 1 South Berwick, a few of the clever sayings and messages on the promotional Maine's SoBo Book & Bean 39 has a new owner -- Marie materials. I used free vector art, some I paid for, and some I made MacDonald, a full-time editor and writer. MacDonald's plans for myself for the shapes and background effects. the "iconic stop for gently pre-read books, conversation, and snacks "To create the banners I used Illustrator CS3, a program similar to and beverages" include restoring the bookstore's special order 45 capabilities, carrying select new books, expanding the existing Photoshop. There are other programs, such as Gimp , that are free menu with a whole-foods/vegetarian focus, and hosing an active and easier to use for the computer un-savvy. I made a new calendar of special events and community gatherings. document and set my document boundaries to the size and shape of the banners. Then I placed the downloaded files, clip art, and vector A grand opening celebration is still in the works, but already on the files onto my document, and rearranged and resized until I came up store's schedule for June and July are a knitting circle, a collage with a layout I liked." workshop, and monthly art exhibits. Klassen brought the files to the local sign shop, which helped her with final touch-ups and layout options. She chose a double-sided Amazon Bookstore Cooperative Saved From Closing banner and a layout that allowed for the use of wooden dowels at Last week, the Minneapolis St. Paul Star Tribune 40 reported that the top and bottom. Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, the nation's longest-operating For booksellers who think this sounds a bit complicated, Klassen feminist bookseller, had been saved from closing by a supporter added, "It was easy enough... if you have a basic knowledge of the who bought the local landmark with her IRA money. software programs. If you don't, it might take a week or two to get The store's savior is Ruta Skujins, a St. Paul native, who had the hang of the programs. At the end of those two weeks, if your worked for 33 years in the corporate world, but always dreamed of computer monitor is still alive, you'll begin to make some really owning a bookstore, according to the Star Tribune , which noted amazing things. You don't have to be a designer or artist to work that the purchase made her the first sole owner of the store that was these programs. It just takes a little time." founded in 1970 as a workers' cooperative. Another bonus is that staff loves the display and is "enthused about The Amazon Bookstore Cooperative website 41 features a letter to the initiative," she said. "The more I can show the staff how cool customers that explains that, as details for the transfer of ownership and important this message is, the more they will want to share it were being worked out, the bookstore was beginning to restock the with the customers. We just have to put the info in their hands, get store and was once again taking special orders. the words in their heads, and the message in their hearts." -- Karen Schechner 46

BookPeople: Creating Banners to The Indie Cooking Bestseller List Spread the Indie Word June 25, 2008 -- Based on sales at hundreds of independent June 25, 2008 -- Claire Klassen couldn't wait to return home from 42 bookstores nationwide for the eight-week period ending June BookExpo America and start using IndieBound at Austin, Texas' 24, 2008. BookPeople. "We are the perfect environment to spread the

1. The Art of Simple Food 22. How to Cook Everything: Simple Recipes for Great Food Alice Waters, Clarkson Potter, $35, 9780307336798 Mark Bittman, Wiley, $21.95, 9780471789185

2. Italian Grill 23. Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day Mario Batali, Ecco, $29.95, 9780061450976 Jeff Hertzberg, Zoe Francois, Thomas Dunne, $27.95, 9780312362911

3. Hungry Girl: Recipes and Survival Strategies for Guilt-Free Eating in 24. Screen Doors and Sweet Tea: Recipes and Tales From a Southern Cook the Real World Lisa Lillien, St. Martin's Griffin, $17.95, 9780312377427 Martha Hall Foose, Clarkson Potter, $32.50, 9780307351401

4. Joy of Cooking (75th Anniversary Ed.) 25. The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without Irma S. Rombauer, et al., Scribner, $35, 9780743246262 Mollie Katzen, Hyperion, $22.95, 9781401322328

5. Martha Stewart's Cookies: The Very Best Treats to Bake and to Share Tapping Into the Growing Market for Martha Stewart Living Magazine (Ed.), Clarkson Potter, $24.95, 9780307394545 Graphic Novels June 25, 2008 -- If any bookseller participating in ABA's Day of 6. Hello, Cupcake! Karen Tack, Houghton Mifflin, $15.95, 9780618829255 Education at BookExpo America had doubts about the market for graphic novels, they were put to rest at the panel "Buying, 7. Bobby Flay's Grill It! Merchandising, and Selling Graphic Novels, 101," featuring Jessica Bobby Flay, Clarkson Potter, $35, 9780307351425 Stockton Bagnulo, graphic novels buyer and author events coordinator at McNally Robinson Booksellers in New York City; 8. The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper: Recipes, Stories, and comic artist Scott McCloud; and John Shableski of Diamond Book Opinions From Public Radio's Award-Winning Food Show Distributors. Lynne Rossetto Kasper, Sally Swift, Clarkson Potter, $35, 9780307346711 ABA education coordinator and panel moderator Lisa Winn began 9. Deceptively Delicious the session pointing to the incredible popularity of graphic novels, Jessica Seinfeld, Collins, $24.95, 9780061251344 which, according to ICv2 47 , grew in number by 22 percent, from 2,785 published in 2006 to more than 3,390 in 2007. 10. Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating From America's Farmers' Markets Stockton Bagnulo noted that graphic novels have a higher turn than Deborah Madison, Patrick McFarlin (Illus.), Broadway, $26, any other category at McNally Robinson. And Shableski put the 9780767929493 category's significant growth in perspective: "In 2001, $43 million in graphic novels were sold. Last year, graphic novels did $375 11. Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100-Mile Diet million in sales." Alisa Smith, J.B. MacKinnon, Three Rivers, $13.95, 9780307347336 And, Shableski said, "Kids get hysterical about them... that's an 12. How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for audience you need to tap." Great Food Mark Bittman, Alan Witschonke (Illus.), Wiley, $35, 9780764524837 "There's a reason [young people are] buying graphic novels," added McCloud, pointing to the popularity of manga -- a Japanese graphic 13. The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life novel form that generally reads right to left --among children ages Ellie Krieger, Taunton, $28, 9781600850219 12 - 15. "It promotes a sense of participation. They're really fascinated by it -- they want to know what will happen with their 14. O, The Oprah Magazine Cookbook favorite characters." O Magazine (Ed.), Hyperion, $29.95, 9781401322601 Said Shableski: "Kids like manga because [adults] don't like it, but 15. Barefoot Contessa at Home there are great stories in there. And the loyalty that readers have for Ina Garten, Clarkson Potter, $35, 9781400054343 the characters is amazing."

16. Everyday Food: Great Food Fast For the uninitiated, stocking a graphic novel section can be Martha Stewart Living Magazine (Ed.), Clarkson Potter, $24.95, daunting, in part, because of the category's diversity. 9780307354167 "There is an incredible diversity and sophistication in graphic 17. Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook novels," Stockton Bagnulo said. And because of the variety of Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Terry Hope Romero, Marlowe, $27.50, graphic novels, booksellers would be best served by shelving them 9781569242643 by category, such as manga, superhero (traditional comic books), and a general graphic novel section. "It makes a lot of sense to 18. Yum-O! The Family Cookbook separate them -- they're also sized differently. Shelving them Rachael Ray, Clarkson Potter, $22.50, 9780307407269 separately but adjacent to each other is the way to go," she added.

19. Top Chef: The Cookbook As for deciding what to stock, McCloud recommended that Liana Krissoff (Ed.), Chronicle, $29.95, 9780811864305 booksellers find someone on their staff who is familiar with graphic novels, such as manga, which can be difficult to get a bead on, and 20. The Barbecue! Bible have them buy for the store. Steven Raichlen, Workman, $22.95, 9780761149439 Importantly, booksellers should never dismiss the self-published 21. The New Food Lover's Companion graphic novelist. "Self-published comics are where you can find Sharon Tyler Herbst, Ron Herbst, Barron's, $16.99, 9780764135774 some of the best indie comics," Stockton Bagnulo reported.

Although most buyers of graphic novels are on the young side, the BookWeb.org. perception of the category is slowly changing and older adults are New bricks-and-mortar ABA bookstore members that sell some starting to take it seriously. Still, booksellers will find adults who amount of new books and booksellers that were previously Book scoff at the notion of buying their child, other young relative -- or Sense stores will also automatically receive the Red Box, featuring even themselves -- a graphic novel because they don't perceive it as the Indie Next List 66 fliers plus publisher-supplied items such as a serious form of art or literature. shelf-talkers, bookmarks, posters, catalogs, and time-sensitive But, Stockton Bagnulo tells doubters, "If it's being reviewed in the marketing materials by the 15th of each month. New York Times Book Review , then I think it's a book." The quarterly Children's Box and the monthly White Box, which "I'll just hand them a copy of Mom's Cancer 49 (by Brian Fies, contains galleys, ARCs, and finished books supplied by ABA Abrams)," said Shableski, adding that the graphic novel version of Publisher Partners, will be sent as long as a bookstore participates the 9/11 Commission Report 50 is another great example of a serious in ABA marketing programs in at least two of the following ways: read. • Regularly reporting to the Indie Bestseller List 67 (three out of For those booksellers who are worried that graphic novel buyers four weeks monthly) will simply shop at the local comic book store and leave their new • Nominating titles for the Indie Next List 68 (one nomination per graphic novel section to collect dust, Shableski assured attendees: quarter) "They are two different audiences, comic book people and the type • Offering ABA Gift Cards 69 of people coming to your store who you are introducing to this." • Using the ABA E-commerce Solution 70 71 A unique three-part Graphic Novels session handout, created by • Creating a Indie Next List store display and sending a photo Winn, and a list of graphic novel classics as well as comics for that ABA can share with Publisher Partners (twice yearly) kids, complied by Stockton Bagnulo, are available to ABA member 51 52 New stores will be exempt from the White Box requirements for booksellers via BookWeb.org . --David Grogan the first three months of membership; however, to continue receiving White Box mailings after that time, they must participate in the ABA Marketing Program as described above. All independently owned member stores that were not previously Book Sense stores will receive a mailing of Indie Next List fliers Links suggested by John Shableski: during the months of July, August, and September unless they opt out of IndieBound 72 . And those who would like to begin receiving www.icv2.com 53 : tracks sales of anime and manga, graphic novels and the Red and White Box mailings can do so by participating in comics, games, toys, and movies. ABA's marketing programs in any two ways as outlined above. bookshelf.diamondcomics.com/public/ 54 : books, author stories, lesson Even if stores don't want to receive the Red and White Boxes, they plans for teachers, librarians, and booksellers can continue to receive the Indie Next List fliers beyond September www.graphicnovels.brodart.com 55 : information on how librarians have taken graphic novels to heart. by contacting ABA via an e-mail to Sarah Rettger at [email protected] 73 . Additionally, twice each month ABA sends more than 1,200 Links suggested by Jessica Stockton Bagnulo: bookstores an Advance Access e-mail featuring news of galleys, reading copies, and finished books available from publishers for www.shelf-awareness.com review. ABA member stores not currently receiving Advance 57 56 www.firstsecondbooks.com : bookseller and media resources Access can sign up to receive the bi-monthly announcement by www.comicbookresrouces.com 58 : up-to-the-minute information sending an e-mail request to ABA's Peter Reynolds at www.publishersweekly.com 59 : PW Comics Week [email protected] 74 . Free reading copies available via Advance www.tcj.com 60 : The Comics Journal 61 Access help booksellers make purchasing decisions, as well as find www.tcj.com/journalista/ : The Comics Journal blog www.activeanime.com/delreyblog 62 : The Del Rey Manga blog titles to nominate for the Indie Next List. Booksellers with questions about any aspect of IndieBound are encouraged to contact Paige Poe, IndieBound outreach liaison, at Who Gets What -- and When -- With [email protected] 75 or (800) 637-0037, ext. 6668. IndieBound Publishers can learn more about becoming an ABA Publisher June 25, 2008 -- When IndieBound 63 , the new movement Partner 76 , and about Advance Access 77 , via BookWeb.org or by celebrating the value of independent bookstores and other locally contacting Mark Nichols 78 , senior director of publisher initiatives. owned indie retailers, was launched by the American Booksellers Questions about Advance Access can also be directed to Association at end of May, all independently owned member stores [email protected] 79 . were automatically included in the program. A Literary Liberation Box with posters, decals, buttons, bookmarks, and lots of other Illinois Bookstore Speaks to the rallying materials was sent to all locally owned ABA member stores. But the Liberation Box and the plethora of IndieBound African-American Experience marketing materials 64 available via BookWeb.org are just the June 25, 2008 -- When Kevin Roberts and daughter Maia Roberts beginning. launched an online African-American bookstore a few years ago, Over the course of the year, several more IndieBound mailings will they were well aware that "there was a lot more out there" than the be sent to all independently owned member stores unless they small selection of African-American titles they saw at a local chain. choose to opt out of the program via an opt-out form 65 on Now, the pair has brought many of those titles to the residents of

Matteson, Illinois, a suburb about 30 miles south of Chicago, and aware." -- Karen Schechner 86 through Azizi Books 80 , an African-American specialty store, which opened in the Lincoln Mall in November 2007. "Here's What You Just Did" "Our overall mission was to create a place that would expose and June 24, 2008 -- "Here's What You Just Did," 87 available on enlighten the community to the many books that speak to the BookWeb.org in flier and poster formats in both generic and African-American experience, and bring some community spirit editable versions, has emerged as one of the most popular back into the neighborhood at the same time," explained Maia marketing materials developed for IndieBound 88 . Roberts. "Here's What You Just Did" clearly enumerates for customers what The Robertses had worked together long before Azizi, which they have accomplished by shopping at an independent business. means rare, precious, or treasured in Kiswahili. "We are a team," And, because the copy encompasses all indie businesses, it has said Maia Roberts. "We both earned our MBAs at the same time become a key tool for booksellers who are reaching out to other and used Azizi Books as our final business plan project.... I worked 81 locally owned businesses and independent business alliances in with [my father] on the website www.blackbooksdirect.com their communities. while I was in school for about a year, before we began talking about opening a bricks-and-mortar store." To further prepare for the Barbara Theroux of Fact & Fiction 90 in Missoula, Montana, opening of their physical location, Roberts attended last fall's downloaded "Here's What You Just Did" from IndieBound's "Opening a Bookstore" workshop run by Paz & Associates 82 in Bookseller DIY 91 and personalized and printed a flier for every conjunction with the Great Lakes Booksellers Association trade business on her block soon after returning from BookExpo show. America. When delivered along with a copy of the "Declaration of Independents," an IndieBound button, and a window sticker, the The 1,400-square-foot store carries about 7,000 titles, and has a response from her neighboring businesses was, she said, " very "clean and contemporary feel," Roberts said. Bestselling sections excited! The next day there were requests from other businesses ... include children's books, fiction, and biography. Azizi opts for a lot nothing like the power of a good idea." of face-outs to make choosing titles easier. "We find that many people are not actually aware of the many African-American books And for this year's Independents Week celebrations in Tampa, that are out there, so face-outs help to pull them in, especially in the Florida, Carla Jimenez of Inkwood Books 92 , is creating a children's section." customized "Here's What You Just Did" poster for each member of the Tampa Independence Business Alliance member. (See related Azizi's sidelines inventory includes DVDs, note cards, journals, story 93 .) small African art sculptures, and shea butter products from Nature's Shea Butter. IndieBound has been designed to promote all of the great attributes unique to indies, and "Here's What You Did" provides customers The Robertses still maintain their online store, Black Books Direct, with a snapshot of what their shopping choices mean for their and they also have a website for the bookstore, communities. www.azizibooks.com 83 , as well as a bookstore blog, azizibooks.blogspot.com 84 . Roberts said multi-channel "Here's What You Just Did" is available in six file types, from communication allows her to more effectively reach the bookstore's Illustrator and EPS files for experienced designers to Acrobat files customer base. "I think that the blog helps customer to connect (PDF) files that can be viewed and printed by anyone who has the with me, personally. I feel that when they connect with my free Adobe Acrobat Reader. An editable PDF allows booksellers to thoughts they can connect to the store as well because it's such an key in the name of their store, of another local indie business, or extension of me and my father. It helps to spark conversations. business alliance, and print as many copies as needed. Blank files [Customers] know that we are real people which also helps to also enable users to stamp or edit in a store's name or IBA in their separate us from the chains." graphics editor of choice. After seeing the IndieBound 85 materials in the Literary Liberation Both the generic and editable versions can be printed in two sizes: Box, Roberts thought they could also help solidify that separation, 17" × 22" or 8-1/2" × 11". and she showed them to the bookstore's neighboring businesses in Here's what "Here's What You Just Did" says: the mall, which features mostly local independent stores rather than chains. "Kevin sits on the mall advisory committee and has Thanks for shopping at this presented the program to the other members," Roberts said. "No Indie Bookstore plans have been made yet, but members were very interested in the Here's what you just did! movement." Celebrating her indie pride, Roberts immediately made use of the 1. You kept dollars in our economy For every $100 you spend at one of our local businesses, $68 will stay in the Lib Box contents. "I am always wearing the button! So when community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? people ask me about it, I can hit them with a bit of knowledge Only $43 stays in the community. about the movement. We have put the posters up in our windows, and have handed out some of other materials. In the future, I look 2. You embraced what makes us unique You wouldn't want your house to look like everyone else's in the U.S. So why forward to using the IndieBound bags.... We are also looking would you want your community to look that way? forward to getting involved and making recommendations for the Indie Next List. 3. You created local jobs Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for our neighbors. "I really loved getting the items in the IndieBound box," Roberts said. "It motivated me to work harder to get the message out about 4. You helped the environment our store and the independent retailer movement in general. I think Buying from a local business conserves energy and resources in the form of less that it is so important. It made me want to get everyone involved fuel for transportation, less packaging, and products that you know are safe and well made, because we stand behind them.

5. You nurtured community meeting on Friday, June 20. In an e-mail to friends and colleagues We know you, and you know us. Studies have shown that local businesses donate that accompanied the Cody's closing announcement, Mytinger to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains. wrote: "Cody's longtime and dramatic saga is over.... Those of us 6. You conserved your tax dollars who have worked at Cody's throughout the past years of upheavals, Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and our newer colleagues, are heartbroken. We had been vigilant in and more money available to beautify our community. Also, spending locally watching our vendor debts paid down, and in repairing damaged instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong -- relationships. Those efforts haven't been enough to trim the right here in your community! elephant in the room." 7. You created more choice She continued, "My staff -- our staff -- is in shock; heartbroken is We pick the books and gifts we sell based on what we know you like and want. not too strong a word... I salute Fred and Pat Cody who had the Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because we buy for our own individual market. passion so long ago, who transmitted it to us, and whose legacy we cannot now continue." 8. You took advantage of our expertise Cody's history and recent struggles, although not its final closure, You are our friends and neighbors, and we have a vested interest in knowing how 95 to serve you. We're passionate about what we do. Why not take advantage of it? are documented in Paperback Dreams , a new PBS documentary directed and produced by Alex Beckstead, which premiered as part 9. You invested in entrepreneurship of ABA's programming on Saturday at BookExpo America. The Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business ensures a strong community. film also profiles Kepler's Books in Menlo Park, California, which has successfully come back from a very brief closing with the help 10. You made us a destination of formalized community support, restructuring, and revitalized The more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we will attract marketing efforts. The film is expected to air on PBS stations this new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone! fall. The Paperback Dreams website 96 features a poignant personal Cody's Final Chapter letter from Kagawa to Pat Cody about the store's closing. June 24, 2008 -- On Friday, June 20, after 52 years in business, Cody's Books, in Berkeley, California, closed. Describing it as "a heartbreaking moment," Cody's President Hiroshi Kagawa, said in a statement, "Unfortunately, my current business is not strong enough or rich enough to support Cody's. Of course, the store has been suffering from low sales and the deficit exceeds our ability to service it." Hut Landon, executive director of the Northern California Classifieds 94 Independent Booksellers Association , told BTW , "The closure of ANNOUNCEMENTS Cody's is achingly sad, and the store's stature and history have rightfully drawn a great deal of attention to its struggles over the News from The MIT Press: Effective July 1, 2008, The MIT Press will have a new retail (returnable) discount schedule. Please past couple of years. However, it is important to remind people 102 Cody's situation is not a mirror of independent bookselling in the contact your sales rep or The MIT Press [email protected] region." for details. "In point of fact," Landon continued, "the independent bookselling community in Northern California, while made less rich by Cody's BOOKSTORE FOR SALE passing, remains vital and stable, even in challenging economic Bookstore For Sale. Well-established & respected bookstore just times. A large majority of stores are neighborhood fixtures that are outside Portland, OR. Located in prime retail location of renovated strongly entrenched in their communities and of manageable sizes. houses. Espresso cafe and preschool as neighbors. Solid local They are healthy, nimble, and here to stay." customer base and great internet business with unique niche servicing customers worldwide with signed books. Turnkey. Owner Cody's closure puts an end to what has been several tumultuous 103 years for the bookstore founded by Fred and Pat Cody in Berkeley selling due to family health issues. Contact: [email protected] in 1956 and acquired by Andy Ross in 1977. Ross opened a second or (503) 475-5499. Berkeley store in 1997 and a downtown San Francisco store in Children's Bookstore for sale in Bangor, Maine . 20 years in 2005, but in July 2006, Ross closed Cody's Telegraph Avenue growing downtown, owner retiring, and business needs new location in Berkeley due to declining sales. energy. Great reputation, quality books and sidelines. Inquire 104 In September 2006, Yohan, Inc., a Tokyo-based bookseller, [email protected] . distributor, and publisher, led by its then-CEO Hiroshi Kagawa, Live the laid-back Coastal Carolina lifestyle. Offered for sale is purchased Cody's two stores, on Fourth Street in Berkeley and on a charming 1,200 square foot bookstore located in a restored Union Square in San Francisco. Six months later, Cody's Books on turn-of-the-century building in the historic district of Wilmington, Union Square closed, and in December 2007 Ross resigned as the NC. Solid 15-year reputation of quality customer service and president of Cody's Books. Kagawa, who had formed a new community involvement with great selection of books, cards, and company that bought Cody's when Yohan was acquired by a gifts. For details, contact [email protected] 105 . holding company, became president. Melissa Mytinger, Cody's manager, told the Berkeley Daily Planet that staff was informed of the closing at an all-staff morning All Regular ABA Member Bookstores in good standing may have up to four 2-week Classified Ad insertions per year in

The Rise of Barack Obama 108 Bookselling This Week at no charge (50-word limit). For more By award-winning photojournalist Pete Souza information on booking a classified ad, click here 106 .

William is Going Green 109 James Martin Other Advertising Dream Liaison The Great American Bargain Book Show 107 978-0-9799456-1-6 Register now! Cobb Galleria Atlanta, GA August 1 - 2

Links in this document: 1. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound.html 2. See http://www.booksandbooks.com 3. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/booksellers/diy 4. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/bestsellers.html 5. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/nextlist.html 6. See http://www.bainbridgedowntown.org/ 7. See http://www.tibatampa.org/ 8. See http://www.amiba.net/independents_week.html 9. See http://www.inkwoodbooks.com/ 10. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/hereswhat.jsp 11. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/images/declaration_large.jpg 12. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/declaration.jsp 13. See http://kingsenglish.booksense.com/ 14. See http://www.localfirst.org/ 15. See http://www.myspace.com/thevillagebookshop 16. See http://www.amiba.net/Unchained.html 17. See mailto:[email protected] 18. See http://americanbooksellers.constantcontact.com/features/signup.jsp 19. See http://americanbooksellers.constantcontact.com/features/signup.jsp 20. See http://americanbooksellers.constantcontact.com/pricing/index.jsp 21. See mailto:[email protected] 22. See http://www.bookweb.org/membership/products.html#management 23. See mailto:[email protected] 24. See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121433413465400637.html 25. See http://news.bookweb.org/read/6061 26. See http://news.bookweb.org/read/6131 27. See http://www.bookweb.org/advocacy/salestax/indie_retailer_template.html 28. See mailto:[email protected] 29. See mailto:[email protected] 30. See http://www.abffe.org 31. See http://news.bookweb.org/read/5993 32. See http://wnba-books.org/ 33. See http://www.abffe.com/claimofprivilege.html 34. See http://www.abffe.com 35. See http://blog.washingtonpost.com/small-business/2008/06/hooray_for_kids_books.html 36. See http://www.hooray4books.com/ 37. See http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs018/1101459145215/archive/1102104742704.html 38. See http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080618/BIZ/806180345 39. See http://www.sobobooks.com/ 40. See http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/20164044.html?location_refer=Local%20+%20Metro 41. See http://www.amazonbookstorecoop.com/ 42. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/ 43. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/booksellers/diy

44. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/index.jsp 45. See http://www.gimp.org/ 46. See mailto:[email protected] 47. See http://www.icv2.com/ 48. See http://www.bookweb.org/events/bea/program/graphic.html 49. See http://www.booksense.com/product/info.jsp?isbn=9780810958401 50. See http://www.booksense.com/product/info.jsp?isbn=9780809057399 51. See http://www.bookweb.org/events/bea/program/graphic.html 52. See mailto:[email protected] 53. See http://www.icv2.com/ 54. See http://bookshelf.diamondcomics.com/public/ 55. See http://www.graphicnovels.brodart.com/ 56. See http://www.shelf-awareness.com/ 57. See http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/ 58. See http://www.comicbookresrouces.com/ 59. See http://www.publishersweekly.com/ 60. See http://www.tcj.com/ 61. See http://www.tcj.com/journalista/ 62. See http://www.activeanime.com/delreyblog 63. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound 64. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound 65. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/optout.html 66. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/nextlist.html 67. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/bestsellers/reporting.html 68. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/nextlist/nominate.html 69. See http://www.bookweb.org/solutions/giftcards.html 70. See http://www.bookweb.org/solutions/ecommerce.html 71. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/booksellers/exchange.html 72. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/optout.html 73. See mailto:[email protected] 74. See mailto:[email protected] 75. See mailto:[email protected] 76. See http://www.bookweb.org/pubpartner 77. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/publishers/advanceaccess 78. See mailto:[email protected] 79. See mailto:[email protected] 80. See http://www.azizibooks.com 81. See http://www.blackbooksdirect.com 82. See http://www.pazbookbiz.com/ 83. See http://www.azizibooks.com 84. See http://azizibooks.blogspot.com 85. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound 86. See mailto:[email protected] 87. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/hereswhat.jsp 88. See http://www.bookweb.org/indiebound.html 89. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/images/hereswhat_editable_large.jpg 90. See http://www.factandfictionbooks.com 91. See http://www.bookweb.org/identitymanager/diy/index.jsp 92. See http://www.inkwoodbooks.com/ 93. See http://news.bookweb.org/read/6143 94. See http://www.nciba.com/ 95. See http://www.paperbackdreams.com/ 96. See http://www.paperbackdreams.com/ 97. See mailto:[email protected] 98. See mailto:[email protected] 99. See mailto:[email protected] 100. See mailto:[email protected] 101. See http://www.bookweb.org/about/ads/booksellers.html

102. See mailto:[email protected] 103. See mailto:[email protected] 104. See mailto:[email protected] 105. See mailto:[email protected] 106. See http://www.bookweb.org/about/ads/booksellers.html 107. See http://www.gabbs.net/ 108. See http://www.triumphbooks.com/products/the_rise_of_barack_obama/1572435842.php?page_id=145 109. See http://www.williamandcrew.com/