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Sunday, April 7
NCIBA Spring Gathering Schedule Details
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We hope booksellers have marked their calendars and are planning to attend this year's Spring Gathering; we don't think you'll be disappointed by what's being offered. We'll be sending out the registration packets soon, but in the meantime, here's a preview of the day.
Education is always a staple of the Gathering, and we have four solid sessions lined up. Among them:
Picking Apart the P&L - Occupancy and employment costs are usually the biggest items on profit and loss statements, but there are other categories where savings can be found. Using the ABA's Abacus survey for reference, a panel of booksellers will discuss a few key areas where they were able to cut costs and solicit similar success stories from the audience.
Above the Treeline - Many bookstores use Edelweiss and find it an effective research tool. But a good number of stores with Edelweiss accounts have chosen not to progress to the Above the Treeline, due primarily to cost and time. This session is for those stores and will be led by booksellers who do use Treeline and find it to be a highly effective, multi-faceted tool that more than pays for itself. Joe Foster from Edelweiss will moderate.
The Throne of Games - More and more bookstores are finding games - both for children and adults - to be a profitable sideline. At this session, a panel will discuss the benefits of games to the bottom line, how to select games, vendors vs. distributors, and more. Following the presentation, we're offering a demonstration/play period to help booksellers get up close and personal with some of the games they may choose to stock.
Top Ten Things You Must Do Now - The ABA recently surveyed booksellers around the country to identify creative things they've done to make their stores more profitable and successful. The top 10 ideas will be presented at this session and will feature best practices covering a broad range of categories including marketing/promotion, finances, store operations, human resources, inventory, ambiance, customer service, and more.
At the Spring Gathering, we'll also have our annual Rep Picks sessions, announce the winners of the 2013 Northern California Independent Booksellers Book Awards, present bookseller awards for Best Handselling and Best Event, and recognize this year's Debi Echlin Community Bookstore winner. We are also working on a big-name author speaker (a la Michael Chabon last year); stay tuned for that announcement.
The day concludes with our annual Author Reception, and we have some great names booked - we'll have a list in the registration packet.
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Book Awards Finalists Ballot - Vote Now!
| | The finalists in eight categories for the Northern California Independent Booksellers Book Awards have been announced, and we urge you all to mark your ballots - sent to every member store last week - and fax or email them to the NCIBA no later than March 10. If you need a copy of the ballot, click here.
Here are the finalists as selected by committees of the NCIBA. The winners will be announced at the NCIBA Spring Gathering on Sunday, April 7.
FICTION
Equal of the Sun Anita Amirrezvani Scribner
The Gilly Salt Sisters Tiffany Baker Grand Central
Telegraph Avenue Michael Chabon Harper
Hologram for the King Dave Eggers McSweeney's
A Working Theory of Love Scott Hutchins Penguin
The Orphan Master's Son Adam Johnson Random House
NONFICTION
Subversives: The FBI's War on Student Radicals and Reagan's Rise to Power Seth Rosenfeld FSG
Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus Bill Wasik & Monica Murphy Viking
I'm Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen
Sylvie Simmons Ecco
Season of the Witch David Talbot Free Press
Waging Heavy Peace Neil Young Blue Rider
REGIONAL TITLE
The Final Leap: Suicide on the Golden Gate Bridge John Bateson UC Press
San Francisco Chinatown: A Guide to Its History & Architecture Philip P. Choy City Lights
Black Fire: The True Story of the Original Tom Sawyer - and of the Mysterious Fires that Baptized Gold Rush-Era San Francisco Robert Graysmith Crown
God's Hotel: A Doctor, A Hospital, and A Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine Victoria Sweet Riverhead
Northern California Craft Beer Guide Ken Weaver Cameron + Co.
POETRY
Time of Useful Consciousness Lawrence Ferlinghetti New Directions
Collected Poems Jack Gilbert Knopf
The Book of a Thousand Eyes Lyn Hejinian Omnidawn
After Urgency Rusty Morrison Tupelo Press
Useless Landscape, or a Guide for Boys D.A.Powell Graywolf
FOOD WRITING
The Great Meat Cookbook Bruce Aidells HMH
Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones Kris Hoogerhyde, Anne Walker, Dabney Gough Ten Speed
Hubert Keller's Souvenirs Hubert Keller Andrews McMeel
Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts Alice Medrich Artisan
Vietnamese Home Cooking Charles Phan Ten Speed
CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS
Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett Hyperion
Extra Yarn Mac Barnett Balzer & Bray
Too Tall Houses by Gianna Morino Viking Children
Georgia in Hawaii Amy Novesky, illustrated by Yuyi Morales Harcourt Children's Books
Dangerously Ever After Dashka Slater Dial
Baby Bear Sees Blue Ashley Wolff Beach Lane
MIDDLE GRADE READERS
The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook by Joanne Rocklin Abrams
Kepler's Dream by Juliet Bell Putnam
Who Could It Be at This Hour? by Lemony Snicket Little Brown for Young Readers
The Cabinet of Earths by Anne Nesbet Harper
The One & Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate Harper
TEEN LIT
Eve and Adam Michael Grant & Katherine Applegate Feiwel and Friends
The Disenchantments Nina LaCour Dutton
Valkyrie Rising Ingrid Paulson Harper Teen
Under the Never Sky Veronica Rossi HarperCollins
Time Between Us Tamara Ireland Stone Hyperion
The Rivals Daisy Whitney Little, Brown
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"Hut's Place: Weekly Words About Books"
Weekly Column Touts
New Titles, Good Reads
On Store Shelves
| | NCIBA Executive Director Hut Landon is now writing a weekly column called HUT'S PLACE. The column, which is sent via email through Constant Contact to subscribers (for free), is aimed at book consumers. The goal is to keep readers up to date about new books hitting the shelves, share what booksellers are recommending in their stores, comment on titles landing on bestseller lists, and pass on occasional news about the book world.
Oh, and singing the praises of independent bookstores as often as possible.
Hut's Place is not a place for long, wordy reviews or literary criticism; it's designed to be a quick, fun read for book-buying customers and to motivate them to visit their local independent more frequently. Three articles from recent issues are reprinted below to give you an idea of the content, and back issues of the column can be accessed here.
Want to help spread the word? We understand that many booksellers want to (rightly) control the content that goes out to its customers and that this may not fit the bill. But do you have friends and family out of the area who buy books and might enjoy the column? Or perhaps a few favored customers who would like to know (in a month or so) that Michael Pollan's newest is now on your shelf or that indie bestsellers like Yellow Birds or Where'd You Go, Bernadette are now on hand in paperback?
If you're so inclined, email office@nciba.com and we'll send you a copy of the column. Then, simply forward that email to anyone you think would be interested; let them know they can subscribe for free by clicking the Join Our Mailing List button in the column.
Here are three sample articles from recent Hut's Place columns to give you a flavor. Note the caution to customers in the piece about the Newbery and Caldecott winners.
New to the
Independent Bestseller List
THE DINNER is a Dutch psychological thriller originally published in 2009 that has become international bestseller with over one million copies sold. The book has finally been  translated into English and released in this country, and it has been quickly discovered by readers and independent booksellers. Reviews have used words like "dark", "nasty", "smart", and "chilling" to describe the novel, written by Herman Koch, and The Wall Street Journal called The Dinner "a European Gone Girl" - pretty high praise given Gone Girl's extraordinary success. The book is set in Amsterdam and the story unfolds over dinner in a fashionable restaurant where two couples have gathered. As the dinner progresses, the polite small talk between the diners becomes more pointed and the connection between the couples is revealed. Both have teenage sons whose single horrific act has brought the families together to discuss issues of accountability stemming from their childrens' actions. Those issues soon overwhelm civility and friendship as both couples attempt to protect those they love.
PRESTIGIOUS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDS ANNOUNCED
Last week, the two top awards for children's books were announced, the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature and the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture  book for children. The Caldecott went to This Is Not My Hat, illustrated and written by Jon Klassen, a book I wrote about in the very first Hut's Place column, while the Newbery was awarded to The One and Only Ivan, written by Katherine Applegate. Klassen was actually a double honoree, as Extra Yarn - a book written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Klassen - was named one of the five Caldecott Honor books. It's only the second time in the Caldecott's 75-year-old history that an author or illustrator has won two awards in one year.
Applegate, who lives in San Francisco with her writer husband Michael Grant, was inspired to write The One and Only Ivan after reading about the true story of a captive gorilla known  as Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla. The real Ivan lived alone in a tiny cage for 27 years at a shopping mall before being moved to Zoo Atlanta after a public outcry. Applegate's Ivan, the narrator of the story, faces similar circumstances but finds his life changed by the arrival of a baby elephant named Ruby. Three books were also awarded Newbery Honors:
Splendors and Glooms, by Laura Amy Schlitz
Bomb: The Race to Build-and Steal-the World's Most Dangerous Weapon, by Steve Sheinkin
Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
Five Caldecott Honor Books also were named:
Creepy Carrots! illustrated by Peter Brown, written by Aaron Reynolds
Extra Yarn, illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett
Green, illustrated and written by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
One Cool Friend, illustrated by David Small, written by Toni Buzzeo
Sleep Like a Tiger, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Mary Logue
One note of caution - it is possible that The One and Only Ivan and This Is not My Hat will be temporarily sold out if you go to buy them right away, so call first. The awards announcement always triggers immediate sales, and the books' publishers sometimes need to order a reprint to meet added demand. And if a store tells you the book is out of stock, don't think you can get it online. If the publisher is sold out and the bookstores are sold out, the book is sold out everywhere. The good news, as you read above, is that you can place a pre-order with your bookstore to assure yourself a copy from the next printing.
HOT NEW PAPERBACKS
ARRIVING THIS WEEK
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami - Set over the course of a year in 1984 Tokyo, this literary fantasy follows the lives of a young  woman and and an aspiring writer whose lives inexorably converge. Murakami, one of Japan's most revered writers, has written a long but engaging novel that is by turns a love story, a mystery, a fantasy, a novel of self-discovery, and a dystopia to rival George Orwell. A bestseller in hardcover, the paperback edition has been eagerly anticipated.
THE AGE OF MIRACLES by Karen Thompson Walker - This debut novel got lots of attention when it was published last summer and has all the makings of a hugely popular book club title now that it's in paperback. Set in a California suburb, this is a haunting coming-of-age story for fans of speculative fiction, set against the backdrop of a world where the earth has slowed, and the days grow longer. On top of all that, Julia is coping with the fissures in her parents' marriage, the hopeful anguish of first love, and the bizarre behavior of her grandfather who is convinced of a government conspiracy.
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Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation to Offer Education Scholarships
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The Binc Foundation is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications from February 18th, 2013 through April 18th, 2013 for the Binc Foundation Scholarship program. The program will offer up to 35 higher education awards totaling $100,000 to eligible bookstore employees, bookstore owners, former Borders employees and dependents of bookstore employees, owners and former Borders employees.
Since 2001, the Foundation has supported the educational  goals of almost 500 recipients with over 1.1 million dollars in awards. Now in the twelfth year, the focus on making a positive impact in the lives of bookstore employees and their families extends to all current employees and owners of retail bookstores in the U.S., or their dependents who have a minimum of one year of continuous employment at the bookstore. The bookstore must have a bricks and mortar presence in the U.S. and have a substantial portion of the store's revenue coming from the sale of books. Eligible employees must be employed directly by the bookstore.
The 2013 program will be conducted by Scholarship Management Services (SMS). The evaluation process will utilize selection criteria including financial need, prior academic success, leadership capabilities, participation in school and community activities, work experience and a statement of career aspiration. If you are interested in applying we encourage you to apply at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/binc/.
About Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation
The Book Industry Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates charitable programs to strengthen the bookselling community. Established in 1996, as the Borders Group Foundation the core program provides assistance to bookstore employees who have a demonstrated financial need arising from severe hardship and/or emergency circumstances. Since its inception, the organization has provided over $5 million in charitable assistance.
In 2011, when Borders and Waldenbooks stores closed, the Foundation reinvented itself and expanded its mission. The Foundation increased the reach from former Borders employees and their families to all employees in the book industry, starting with book retailers.
Support for the Foundation's programs and services come primarily from booksellers. Additional information can be found at www.bincfoundation.org.
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ABA MEMBERSHIP OFFER!
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As a member of NCIBA, we would like to extend to non-members of ABA a special offer to join our national association for $50 for your first year. Founded in 1900, the ABA is a not-for-profit trade organization devoted to meeting the needs of its members through education, business products and services, marketing and advocacy.
Now more than ever, whether a new or used bookstore, it is important for indie bookstores to be part of a larger network. And while the economy is still difficult, and the industry ever-changing, we are confident that indies have a profitable future ahead.
ABA membership includes:
Education and networking, where you can expand your knowledge of the industry through web-based curriculum guides as well as programs like the annual Winter Institute;
The Book Buyers Handbook, a fully-searchable database directory of up-to-date information on publisher's contact information, current promotions and special offers;
IndieBound D.I.Y, with over 100 design files that can be used for in-store and online marketing, all inspired by local first and independent business advocacy;
Online Bookseller forums, where you can communicate with other indies all over the country and post questions and comments;
For a full list of ABA membership benefits, please visit this page. According to NCIBA executive director Hut Landon, this is an offer that no bookseller should pass up. "One factor that is pivotal to the success of independent booksellers is their association with ABA and their regional organization. Trust me when I tell you that no other category of retailers has access to the kind of education, advocacy, information, and overall support that independent bookstores do. Furthermore, the ABA's influence in bettering publisher terms over the years has positively impacted the bottom line of every member bookstore."
This offer expires on May 15, 2013, so join today using the promo code regional13. |
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Candlewick and ABA Launch "Find Waldo Local 2013"
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Independent booksellers across the country can pre-register to participate in Find Waldo Local 2013 (FWL), a month-long community-wide scavenger hunt in July 2013 that celebrates the uniqueness, fun, and strength of local businesses. Sponsored by Candlewick Press and the Americ  an Booksellers Association, the first Find Waldo Local promotion was held last July and was enthusiastically embraced by indie booksellers, their retail partners, and children and adults throughout their communities. "Find Waldo Local 2013 will be bigger and better," said Elise Supovitz, director of field sales for Candlewick. "Based on last year's overwhelmingly positive feedback, we're expanding the event to 300 host bookstores and growing the number of indie merchants by 50 percent to 7,500. Plus, we'll be adding new social media components and exciting new prizes to drive book sales, such as coupons for $1 off Waldo books. This July, promote 'Shop Local,' celebrate Waldo, and sell lots of books!" Following 2012's FWL celebration, booksellers reported that the promotion drove significant traffic into their stores and increased sales, strengthened their alliances with their local business associations, engaged local families and visitors, and energized entire communities. Candlewick will send up to 300 host bookstores a free kit (value $120) that includes Waldo standees and window clings for participating businesses; free prizes for Waldo seekers; templates for media outreach; social media assets to rally the community; and reproducible checklists, posters, bag stuffers, and more. To participate, stores must agree to place a 40+ copy Waldo supporting order (special terms apply), dedicate a store window and/or in-store display to FWL during July 2013, and host a grand celebration event at the end of the promotion. Pre-registration began February 21 at indiebound.org/findwaldolocal and ends on March 22. Participation is capped at 300 stores; questions should be addressed to findwaldolocal@candlewick.com. |
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Poster Reminds Customers That Books Make Great Gifts All Year Round
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The NCIBA has done a new color printing of its poster touting books as gifts that's available free to any interested bookstore member. The message is simple - books make great gifts for any person and any occasion; to date, more than 75 stores have requested and received posters.
The impetus for the poster's creation came from the notion that, although book buyers may spend less on themselves in tough times, they will usually not shirk on spending when purchasing a gift. So why promote books as great gift ideas only during the holiday season? Book customers purchase gifts all year round, so let's remind them that books are the perfect answer.
The poster, measuring 11x17 and printed on card stock, can be ordered for free by emailing hut@nciba.com. Or use the concept to create your own messaging and let us know what you come up with.
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Bookmarks Promoting "Pearl Earring" Show at de Young Still Available
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We' still have a quantity of bookmarks promoting the  de Young museum's Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the
Mauritshuis exhibition running through June 2. The bookmarks also can be presented at the de Young for a 20% admission discount. If you would like to order (more) bookmarks, drop me a line at hut@nciba.com.
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