Why Authors Love Indies

"Independent booksellers are the backbone and tradition of the centuries' old bookselling industry. Their shops are like the rooms in our own homes, and the sellers are the most important element of the writer to reader equation: they put the book in the child's hand. That is a moment of magic." — Tony Abbott, CT

"On weekend excursions through the back roads of Maine, my wife and I usually didn't have a set destination. Our criteria for picking a town to stay overnight in was minimal. The town had to have a kitchen store, a shop for Christmas ornaments, and the absolute must was a book store. I'd be happy anywhere so long as there's a mom and pop book shop nearby." — Brian Anderson, ME

"Books that are chosen for independent bookstores already feel loved. It's a pleasure to select one or more to bring home." — Jeannine Atkins, MA

"I have lots of fond memories of the independent bookstores we haunted growing up in Western Massachusetts: Johnson's in downtown Springfield (closed :( ), Edwards Books, first in Chicopee, then in Springfield (closed :( ), and the Odyssey in South Hadley (NOT closed!!! :) )." — M.P. Barker, MA

"I love the knowledgeable and caring people that work in independent bookstores. They inspire kids to be lifelong, as opposed to occasional, readers by introducing them to great books which appeal to their individual interests and needs. Hurrah!" — Mary Brigid Barrett, MA

"Our great independent bookstore is Bear Pond Books. Why do I love it? It's packed to the rafters with a fabulously eclectic selection of book for kids and grownups, the staff couldn't be nicer; the management is fiercely loyal to local writers; you can sit and browse to heart's content." — Susan Bartlett, VT

"I love, support, and am so grateful to the independent booksellers, from my hometown high school bookstore to my local sellers who know me when I walk in the door." — Nora Raleigh Baskin, CT

"They place their hearts with their books." — A.C.E. Bauer, CT

"I love Indies because they're cozy!" — David Biedrzycki, MA

"The Staff Picks rack is the first place you look, and few of the books on it will be bestsellers. You probably know the staff members who picked the books, and have a good sense of whether you'd be likely to agree on the books' quality. If you don't know the relevant staffer, you simply grab a cup of coffee and introduce yourself. You will find out what you need to know about the book as well as some gossip about the author, the cute thing the staffer's five-year-old said yesterday, and a full account of the staffer's last case of flu." — Ellen Booraem, ME

"I've appeared at events at several independent bookstores this year, and I've been so touched at the support the staff has given me, and the genuine enthusiasm and love for my book, and all books. One store in San Francisco decorated for a wedding, complete with champagne and a cake with two little figures of my main characters on top! There's no substitute for the way independent booksellers connect with customers." — Sarah Brannen, MA

"They specialize in knowing their customers, form relationships with their customers, and provide the kinds of books and services that they want." — Jane Bregoli, MA

“I love the intimacy of an independent bookseller, how a small bookseller will get to know my personal taste and hand-sell me delightful books I never would have discovered on my own.” — Linda Crotta Brennen, RI

"Tucson's Book Mart, Haunted Bookstore, and a wonderful, dusty-old used bookstore were the magical places of my childhood. Independent bookstores shaped my reading history ... They know books inside and out and offer customers a personalized interaction with current and older books." — Anne Broyles, MA

"They have unique personality and character!" — Leslie Bulion, CT

"One of the reasons I create art is to connect with other people. I believe the independent brick-and-mortar bookstores are there for the very same reason. Many sit precariously on the edge of extinction, so they need our support!" — Paul Carrick, MA

"Indies are the lifeblood of publishing!" — Nancy Castaldo, NY

"They not only maintain a true relationship with authors, but they know their readers and provide them with those special finds." — Pat Lowery Collins, MA

"What joy bookstores bring to us! Being able to browse the shelves and peek into the perfect book in a cosy corner is something the Internet just can't replace, especially with helpful staff pointing the way to new exciting stories as well as old favorites." — Debbie Dadey, PA

"Independent bookselllers have a uniqueness we all cherish in this mass-produced world. They are the mittens knitted by grandma, the hand-made card from your nephew, the satisfying meal of comfort food on a brisk New England day." — Aileen Darragh, ME

"Their shelves reflect the owners' buying preferences ... You feel like someone has read the reviews, and read the books, and wanted to share them with their customers. The fun is in finding unexpected treasures." — Diane deGroat, MA

"Because they love books and they love authors, they can be truly independent. As a first-time author, I've walked unannounced into indie bookstores to introduce myself and my book, and they'll say, 'Looks beautiful. I'll order a few copies.' And sometimes they call me the next day and say, 'I've read your book and I loved it! I'm ordering more copies.' I totally heart indie bookstores!" — Stacy DeKeyser, CT

"Forget the hot coffee and buns, I'd rather hang out in a small independent bookstore where the people who own the store and work there, know books!" — Chris Demarest, NH

"Every one is unique and gives a feel of the character of the place. Visiting an independent bookstore is like having lunch at a cool out of the way cafe, instead of going to McDonalds." — Sarah Dillard, VT

"They are critical elements of a thriving, thoughtful community. Go, indies!!" — Erin Dionne, MA

"Asking an independent bookseller what book to buy usually leads to a thirty minute discussion about either a) literature, b) literacy, or c) literally ANYTHING. Independent booksellers get it." — Laura Dower, NY

"They've got the ability to uncover and sell the books THEY love and think their customers will too, and not just the books dictated by someone else up the corporate ladder." — Marissa Doyle, MA

"The world would be truly lost without independent bookshops. They're like little villages in the big city." — Rebecca Doughty, MA

"I remember being on vacation in New Hampshire on the day my book was released, and what a thrill it was to find it at White Birch Books in North Conway that very day. The publisher hadn't even sent me any yet! Independents are the ones who have taken a chance on my book, and I love 'em for it!" — Liz Goulet Dubois, RI

"I love the way the staff's faces light up when I ask for a recommendation. They've read so many of the books themselves, and love to share the knowledge." — Kate Duke, CT

"Independent booksellers know the difference between the love of money and the love of books. Ironic, too, since, unchecked, the love of money can impoverish, but the love of books, well you're enriched for life." — David Elliott, NH

"Reading and writing are deeply personal for me. When I visit a bookstore, I don't want to be overwhelmed by the glare of fluorescent lights and tall shelves crammed with thousands of books. Independent booksellers provide a more intimate experience with books--you can often meet book authors, talk to other readers, and quiz the store owner about her favorite picks. My favorite bookstore feels like a community garden--not Home Depot!" — Zetta Elliott, NY

"I've discovered some of my favorite books while browsing in independent bookstores. One of the first things we do when we're traveling is find out where the independent bookstore is." — Kate Feiffer, MA

"Each store is different...unique...a reflection of the people that work there... Yet there’s one common denominator: a palpable love of books. Because of this, there exists a meritocracy, in which books are championed for more than just their popularity (and popular books aren’t automatically dismissed, either). You have professionals guiding you through the millions of choices... finding the books you’ve always wanted, but never knew existed..." — Jack Ferraiolo, MA

"They love, really love, books!" — Deborah Freedman, CT

"They bring reading into communities. They’re awesome." — D. Dina Friedman, MA

"I find surprises in independent bookstores. As I walk through an independent bookstore, looking at the titles offered, I also often feel that I'm getting to know the bookseller who selected them." — Gail Gauthier, CT

"Indy booksellers are the friendliest, most knowledgeable retailers, and continuously give back to their local communities." — Valarie Giogas, MA

"How do I love Indies? Let me count the ways. 1. They care about books. 2. They care about authors. 3. They care about readers. 4. They ARE readers....27... They hand sell some of the best books and keep them in print....1,000. I can walk in and say I want the novel about Poland with trees on the cover and they will find it for me." — Susan Goodman, MA

"I love independent bookstores because I feel like all the books on the shelves are hand-picked." — Kevin Hawkes, ME

"Independent booksellers know their customers, and they know books. So when a bookseller says to a customer, 'You'll love this book,' there's no better review in the world!" — Fran Hodgkins, ME

"Independent bookstores are part of the community here, they promote local authors and illustrators with intrepid diligence, and bring passion to reading, writing, and humanity. I couldn't live without them!" — Jamie Hogan, ME

"Many independents were hand-selling my book even when the big chains were not stocking it." — Sandra Horning, CT

"They help create and support a book-loving community. One always feels welcome in an indie. The staff takes the time to get to know their customers and they’re able to hand-sell books. I love an enthusiastic recommendation!" — Jennifer Jacobson, ME

"They are as unique and special as the books they shelve." — Laura Jacques, CT

"They actually read the books and know what they are selling. It's always a pleasure to go into an independent bookstore and see some of my older titles in stock and on the shelf." — D.B. Johnson, NH

"If they’re selling books and they’re independent you know they’re doing it for love, and what further recommendation do you need?" — Robert Kinerk, MA

"Independent booksellers play an important role in getting books into the hands of readers. I see them as a complementary, rather than a competitive, source compared to online or chain bookstores. They're qualitatively different." — Connie Ann Kirk, NY

"A bookstore is the literary center of a community. It becomes THE place to shop, to browse, and to meet neighbors and discuss books. Independent booksellers become expert, both the books they sell and in the tastes of their frequent customers. Their recommendations are priceless. Locally owned shops also keep a local economy strong. 'Brief quote,' you said? Sorry, but I'm a bubbly independent bookstore fan!" — Kathleen Kudlinski, CT

"They really, really love books, and put their hearts into selling each and every one." — Kara Lareau, RI

"I can always find what I am looking for and find the unexpected in the process." — Giles Laroche, MA

"I was a buyer and seller for the late great independent Klein's of Westport for the better part of 11 years - how could I *not* love independent booksellers???" — Lauren Baratz-Logsted, CT

"Independent booksellers are a valuable resource for readers and writers. Their passion for books and storytelling not only makes them excellent salespeople, but also brings their bookstores alive with excitement and inspiration. I admire their dedication to helping readers find the stories that are right for them." — Kekla Magoon, NY

"They represent a connection that is slipping away from us, a place where books are carefully chosen based on craft and love of literature and customer interest, not just on the latest hype that predicts a book will make mega money. It’s a symptom of the bigger-faster-cheaper disease that’s hit society. We need to get back to quality." — Donna Marie Merritt, CT

"They have the ability to carry books of local interest in addition to national interest.” — Jeff Nathan, MA

"I love independent bookstores because that's how it all started and because they handsell, still the most effective way." — Mark Tyler Nobleman, CT

"They are caring, sharing, and daring." — Allia Zobel Nolan, CT

"Indies are the heart and soul of our industry and the life-line between book and reader: one book, one reader, ad infinitum. What important work!" — Deborah Noyes, MA

"Independent booksellers are particular - each store as unique and original as an individual person - and the people who work in them respond to the particularity of books. This is good for books, good for readers and good for the books' creators." — Anne Sibley O'Brien, MA

"They KNOW books! Walk into any independent bookstore and the staff is ready with recommendations and enthusiastic reviews. Independent booksellers are book lovers." — Maria Padian, ME

"They see books as something they share with their community. They also love their authors! As a newcomer, I have felt so much encouragement and support from my independent booksellers. I am forever indebted." — Alison Paul, RI

"One of America's irreplaceable treasures, indies can gather groups around the storytelling fire like nobody else." — Mitali Perkins, MA

"They're the heart of our community." — Jay Piscopo, ME

"I love independent booksellers because they are involved in, and in tune with, their communities in ways that few businesses are these days. They always feel cozy and homey, no matter how far from home you might be." — April Jones Prince, MA

"I love the staff with their own personal styles and interests expressed in the books they carry......not the mainstream." — Rebekah Raye, ME

"Only independent bookstores have bookstore cats, comfortable tattered armchairs, and an owner who knows your name." — Anita Sanchez, MA

"They are so customer friendly, cozy, and willing to go to almost any action to help find a book for their customers. I also like it that the money stays there, and does not go out to some big corporate headquarters somewhere away..." — Pete Salmansohn, NY

"I would rather be in an independent bookstore than any other store I can think of, finding gems I absolutely must read amidst the carefully-chosen shelves and chatting with people who love books almost as much as I do." — Leda Schubert, VT

"Each one is different with its own style and personality. The owners are there and they care about you and your interests. As an author, I have traveled around visiting my host independent bookstores. I have made friends in every store!" — Donna Seim, MA

"They take the time to know their customers personally, and 'hand-sell' to parents, teachers, and children themselves. They have also supported me in library and school events, and keep my books on the shelves. Vive les indies!" — Pegi Deitz Shea, CT

"Independent booksellers rock! Without them, books from small publishers wouldn't have a chance to build a following." — Melissa Stewart, MA

"Nothing beats talking to people who are passionate about books!" — Ann Stott, MA

"I love independent booksellers because you can be sure the people working there love books as much as you do -- wholeheartedly and passionately!" — Tui Sutherland, MA

"The people who work there like books as much as I do." — Jane Sutton, MA

"When I say, 'I’m looking for that book, you know, it had a blue cover on it...,' they often know what I’m talking about. I just love that." — Sarah L. Thomson, ME

"I love indie booksellers because I was one for more than a decade, during which time I developed a true reader’s heart and a passion for sharing stories with others. I would not be a writer now were it not for the time I spent as a bookseller." — Linda Urban, VT

"They are the heart of the publishing business." — Mauricio Velázquez de León, NY

"independent booksellers = independent thought and independent choice" — Padma Venkatraman, RI

"I love that wonderful, warm feeling I get as I step into the doors of a business I know that is owned by someone who truly cares about books and people, and not necessarily the bottom line. Many are struggling and still will not give in, despite their finances dictating that they should probably do otherwise. They are there because they love it, and work hard every day to get good books into the hands of readers." — Nancy Viau, NJ

"Independent book stores love books! And they know authors, and their work. They call to say, 'When will your next book be out?' They recommend your books to children, parents, teachers and librarians. I can't imagine an author who doesn't love and support independent book stores. They're the ones who get the buzz -- buzzing!" — Lea Wait, ME

"One of my favorite things to do is take my daughter to Porter Square Bookstore for a snack and a long, long browse through the children's section. The bookstores in Cambridge help get us through the dark, cold, winter afternoons. I'd be lost without them!" — Rebecca Walsh, MA

"Indies are small enough so that you can feel at home as you browse. And then, when you scan the shelves, you'll see the oddball title here and there, past its return date, defiantly taking up shelf space that maybe, more wisely, would belong to a bestseller. And you know then that somebody liked this book. Somebody took a chance. And you reach out for the book, too." — Nancy Werlin, MA

"Independent bookstores are a warm, bright spot in my life. I miss all those that are no longer here and treasure the ones that are." — Karen Romano Young, CT