How Authors and Readers Can Strengthen Local Bookstore Communities | Interview with Social Media Manager Bonnie Reece

A Seat at the Table Books is independent bookshop in Elk Grove, CA— what does community look like there?

There’s nothing that beats the community that comes along with working at and patronizing a local bookstore. There are so many different types of people that frequent bookstores and with that, so many opportunities to reach different kinds of readers and other authors!

Specifically in regards to supporting local authors within the community, we see people really show up for them. From book signings to book launches and even writing accountability groups, indie bookstore communities can be a game changer for indie published authors. This is especially true for indie bookstores that have the space to host author events and bring all of these people together, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard the smaller bookstores!

That’s so true! You often think local equals small, but they can often be the host to incredible opportunities! For authors, how do they start to build these meaningful relationships?

To start, authors should always check out their local bookstore’s website for any info. Oftentimes, there’s a small amount of people wearing way too many hats in an indie bookstore setting so reaching out via the bookstores preferred method is always the best first step! Personally though, I love connecting with authors in-store and hearing about their journey. Some authors even choose to bring a copy of their book to leave with staff for consideration. I think the more passionate you are about community settings the better. Asking about being involved in upcoming author events or groups is always a good way to connect in a more personal way with the people at the bookstore!

Do you have any advice for self-published authors who may feel intimidated about reaching out?

I think the best way to reach out to bookstores in your own community is to make sure you’re visiting as often as you can. Tag those bookstores on social media and develop that relationship before you dive into selling your book to them. These kind of relationships are the best for both authors and indie bookstores, something mutually beneficial that makes both parties feel good about supporting each other.

You have to really lean into personal connection because this isn’t just a big box store that will throw your book on the shelf with no promotion. Indie bookstores are usually so involved in the local reading community and so they want to make sure that any local authors they carry also are. If your local bookstore has any author fairs or writing events, show up to those so you can build your community there. Plant the flowers of your novel whenever you can, it doesn’t always have to be a sales pitch! 

It’s a group effort! In the same vein, what misconceptions do you often encounter with new authors?

I think some authors have a hard time separating small indie bookstores with bigger corporations. Unfortunately, not every bookstore is able to carry every book especially those smaller in size and it’s definitely not personal! I think one of my biggest pet peeves as someone who works in an indie bookstore is when someone continually pushes Amazon or Barnes and Noble sales for their books. These are direct threats to the indie bookstore community, so when these are promoted instead of a local shop these bookstores really do feel a bit disrespected! This is also why most indie bookstores require that authors don’t sell through Amazon!

When that does happen and an author gets a no, what are other ways they can still be involved and build a connection with the shop?

If an indie bookstore can’t stock your book because of publisher or financial reasons, that doesn’t mean they don’t want to! Indie bookstores often have to curate their selections due to limited shelf space or budget, but it doesn’t hurt to still ask about book signings or special events that you can be a part of.

For example, at A Seat At The Table Books we have twice yearly author fairs where authors show up and sell their books at a booth to our community. These sales are often commission style which benefits both the store and the author. Our store heavily promotes authors on social media which often has a positive effect on their online presence and is another part of that mutual relationship!

I love the sound of the author fairs, I hope I can make it to one! What other unique opportunities do independent bookstores offer that authors and even customers can't find elsewhere?

I think the biggest thing that indie bookstores offer that you can’t get from a corporate bookstore is the community aspect! Indie bookstores often invite local authors to multiple events per year and even boast local author shelves in-store while corporations just see them as another book on the shelf. From the customer perspective, it’s exciting to get a chance to meet an author that wrote something you really enjoyed and also feel good about supporting your local community by shopping small.