Robin Agnew
Recently there's been released a highly touted book set in my very own town. I won't name names, but I will mention that this book is a mystery, written by a local author who has never been to our store. This sounds like sour grapes, doesn't it? And yet, mystery bookstores aren't all that common. We handsell. We recommend. We talk stuff up. That's what we're good at. This fellow's lapse is irritating to me, and it makes me not even want to carry the book (though my husband insisted we have a copy on hand). I refuse to face it out.
I will also say that this author got his start through a contest on Amazon.com. Are these two things related? Will all authors - naturally observant types, usually very interested in the world around them - thus begin to create inside hermetically sealed internet bubbles (only to have their work read on the Kindle?) What do you say, authors, if you are reading this blog?
To add insult to injury, the author's publisher, who scheduled him at Borders, sent me a review copy with a note: "Why not review this for the Ann Arbor Chronicle?" For a couple of months I've had a mystery column in the Chronicle. While it's pleasant to think publishers are noticing this outlet, it's beyond irritating to be asked for a review. She sent a copy to my bookstore after all.
Bookselling, reviewing, handselling - these are are all inter-related activities. If you're a new author in town, you might want to meet the booksellers around you (if only for the curiousity of viewing a rapidly vanishing breed). I tend to think we're a knowledgable resource.
While people from out of town absolutely love our store, people in town take us for granted or often want to sell us books. I guess this now includes certain local authors, not just customers. I guess this is a question of community. Why bypass what's under your nose? Not only is it a little silly, it seems like a waste.
And I'd be remiss NOT to thank the many, many authors who shop with us, sign with us, or in some cases hang out and talk movies or what's up in the world of books. You all know who you are, and you are all treasures.
