Thoughts From a Bookseller

If you read this blog regularly, you know I am an author, and may also know I have had several careers in my adult life. Four to be exact.

While signing copies of my new novel at my independent bookstore (author – career number three), I was told about an open bookseller position. I love books, as an author you have to, and I love talking about books, as a reader it’s just something you do. I applied and got the job (bookseller – career number four).

I am still new to the bookselling business, approximately three months, but when people ask how I like my job, I can’t help but grin and launch into a speech about everything I love. What I did not expect was how intertwined careers three and four would be since they are on opposite ends of the publishing process. One at the beginning and the other at the end. Not my reason for applying, but I have to admit, an added perk.

You can see for yourself as I share my thoughts from the points of view of bookseller and writer.

As a bookseller, I am encouraged to read anything and everything. I am always asked to recommend books, and if you don’t read, you can’t recommend. It’s such a joy when readers choose the books you suggest.
As a writer, reading is a necessary part of the job. It helps improve craft, introduce new ideas, and helps support fellow writers.

As a bookseller, I meet new people every day who share the same passion I do – reading! The great majority of people who shop at independent bookstores love reading and love talking about books. Is there a better subject? No.
As a writer, I have the opportunity to learn from readers. Because the customers and I talk about books, they share their thoughts on what genres they read, why, and what they like and dislike about them. All of which are great tips when writing my own stories.

As a bookseller, I am not responsible for ordering, but a part of selling books and taking special orders (which we do a lot) is understanding publishers, warehouses, and the overall journey a book takes once it’s printed.
As a writer, I’m learning a side to publishing I don’t normally see. Which books are ordered by a bookstore, when it gets on the shelf, how it is placed on the shelf, and how the booksellers interact with books.

As a bookseller, I need to know what books are popular. People regularly ask what others are reading or what’s the most popular in a specific genre. (For adult fiction, beach reads are hot right now!)
As a writer, if a particular genre is not selling, I may reconsider writing that area at the moment and shelve it for later. (Of course, it’s important to remember the books on shelves today were written and sold to publishers approximately two years ago)

This is not necessarily an endorsement for independent bookstores over chains such as Barnes and Noble, and I can only talk about my experiences. For example at my local indie, we love autographed copies and supporting local authors. Because these bookstores are part of the community, they are in touch with community needs. If you have an independent bookstore in your area and have not yet visited, I encourage you to check it out.