- My List of Top Storybooks to Read in 2016
- Story and Real Life Merge
- Road Testing a Story Mock-Up
- Bringing People Together with Story
- Blogging for Writers
- New Year Writer: resolutions that work
- How to Find Great Storybooks
- International Appeal: how to write for it
- TOP Books for the Local Library 2015
- My List of Top Storybooks 2017
- Choosing to read a self published book over a traditional one.
- Why Powells Bookshops Are Awesome
- Inspiration at the London Book Fair
- Private: GSB Guest Blog Guidelines
I think it’s important for authors to be aware of any and all resources available to them. That includes great bookshops. So I’d like to take a moment to share a bit about Powells Bookshops. If you don’t know them, it’s probably because you don’t know anyone in Portland, Oregon. Because if you know someone who lives there – anyone at all, you must have heard about Powells.
Some bookshops are more than shops with books. They’re community centers for those who are book lovers. Powells is one of those special places.
Artwork by Pexels.
If you ever make your way to Portland, Oregon (USA), you’ve got to make a day trip to one of the Powell’s bookshops. The day doesn’t really matter – because pretty much every single day, something is happening.
Powells started up in 1971, converting an old car dealership into a bookshop. Powells has grown over the years to 5 locations around the Portland area, and they sell used books and new releases.
What I love too is that Powells is a third-generation family run business. Emily Powell now runs the shops. It’s independent, and I hope it stays that way.
Powells Busy Community Schedule
Powells is exceptionally busy. Check their schedule of events, and you’ll see that on nearly every day there is more than one event planned.
Here is the Powells Calendar. “We host over 500 author events a year, in addition to children’s storytimes, writing workshops, game demonstrations, and book clubs.” – from the Powells website
This is exactly what I’ve always felt a real bookshop should be. It should be about more than selling books, it should be about bringing people together – to talk about books and enjoy them together.
Powells Buys Used Books
I’ve always loved snapping up a used book at a good price. It means I can afford a hardback book without sawing off a leg – and I like hardbacks.
If you’ve got books to sell, you can get a quote as to its value at Powells. Try this online tool.
Submit Your Book(s) to be Sold with Powells
If you have written (or illustrated) books that you wish to be sold at Powells, you can contact the company about just that. Here’s HOW.
If you’re wondering, yes, they do sell self-published titles. You must apply with the company. Details are at the link above.
Self Publish Through Powells
Powells doesn’t just talk about supporting authors, they actually do it. They are hooked-up with the Espresso Book Machine, and one of the Powells shop locations has one. If you want to self publish and do that through Powells, you can.
You just need to follow the submission requirements. Details here.
What’s Your Favorite Bookshop?
I want to get an awesome, international list of must-go places. So please tell me: what’s your favorite bookshop and why? Write below, let everyone know – or, as ever, send me an email.
Keep creating, no matter what.
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