I’ve started asking my fellow authors this because I’m amazed how many only buy their books from Amazon. I'm not going to say I never shop at Amazon. My cart always has a strange variety of items. My most recent haul included a frame for a painting by my aunt, two frames for kendo certificates, a frame we are using to build a shadow box, and a set of sashiko templates. These are all things I couldn't find locally.
I also add things to my cart that I don’t want to forget. I buy some of them from Amazon, but I also shop at my local independent bookstore. If you don’t know what an indie bookstore is, it is a bookstore that is independently owned. It is a small business.
Shop at an indie and you are supporting people who live in your community. Last weekend, my husband and I were in a part of St. Louis known as the Loop. We dropped into Subterranean Books. A friend had recently recommended Percival Everett's books, so I decided to cut my teeth on Half an Inch of Water, a book of short stories. They also had my friend Pat's book, Delmar the Dinky and the Olympics. When you shop at an indie store, the author will receive a larger royalty and a local business owner will earn a living.
In addition to Subterranean Book, my local indies include Half Price Books, Left Bank Books, and Main Street Books. Not sure how to find an independent bookstore? Type your zip code into the Indie Bookstore Finder at Indie Bound and you’ll get a list of the closest stores.
I’m a realist and I know that books are expensive. So, if you read more than you can afford to buy, visit your local library. No, really. Go to the library. Recently I suggested the library to someone who told me that she hadn’t been there since her children were small. If you live near a public library like I do, it is free to use.
At this point in time, my husband and I have 2 movies checked out, 2 audio books, and slightly more than 15 books. Whenever you check out, my library tells you how much money you’ve saved. On this last trip, I saved $79.81. So far this year, I’ve saved $4,963.45.
Not only do I save large sums of money by using my library, but my library also offers so many services that benefit writers. I do research at my library. I’ve attended writing workshops offered by award-winning authors. There are signings, author tours and a wide variety of talks that I mine for writing ideas. No, I’m not taking ideas from other writers. There are speakers who teach about history, astronomy, botany, and more. I’m lucky to live in an area with a lot of available resources.
Where do you get your books?
–SueBE
Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 55 books for young readers.
- To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog, One Writer's Journey.
- Click here to find her newsletter.
She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin again on August 5, 2024. She teaches:
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3 comments:
I am a big proponent of libraries and often share library news on my blog and visit them when I travel. I do get many book from Amazon and as gifts(my kids know books are a sure thing as a gift for any occasion) but I also have three indie bookstores I visit - Aaron's Books, Bethany Beach Books and Browseabout Books. When traveling, books - usually about the area or by local authors - are my go-to souvenir and they often come from indie stores or gift shops. I'm also a super fan of used book sales (hello, again to local libraries!).
Sure, does your library have a book club or writing group?
Great post, Sue! I only read ebooks and audiobooks because I don't have the shelf space and my eyesight is getting so bad that it's easier to read on my Kindle. I use the Libby app, Amazon, and Audible. I also get books directly from authors and occasionally use Netgalley. The only time I buy print books is when there is no ebook version or I want to share it with my hubby (like a recent dog training book I bought), and for that I usually use Bookshop.org. I just checked Indiebound and the closest bookstore is 68 miles away, which isn't too bad, I guess. We do have a small library in the nearest town next to the Forest Service visitor's station, and they have a lot of events, but I don't think they have a book club or a writing group. The local arts center has events for writers like poetry slams and spoken word night.
Jodi,
My book club is with a group of friends. The library had a nonfiction book club but when that librarian retired, it ended. Gift shops are also a must. I do buy used books as well esp when I am doing research.
Angela,
Small town life is often a very different situation. And I'll reveal that my favorite indie is something over 1000 miles from my home! It is in my Dad's hometown. I'm glad your arts center offers those opportunities. And I use the Libby app all the time. Sometimes I use Hoopla as well.
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