1. Authors are in charge of their own marketing
2. Authors don’t get rich3. No bookstores in SW Minnesota4. Traditional retail is set up for bestsellers5. There is a demand for regional/local
writing6. Author contact sells books7. Author contact improves the community
Learnings from a small press / independent Author
There are limited venues for local authors to sell their work.
Consumers have only a few options to purchase literature in SW Minnesota.◦ Big Box stores – mainstream◦ Bookstores – limited shelf space◦ Online – Local interest gets lost in the mass
Some gift shops sell books by local authors on an individual basis but there was not critical mass to draw consumers.
The Need
To create series of community venues with a high level of reader/author intimacy where readers can purchase writing produced by local or regional authors and books with
local or regional significance.
Proposal
1. To provide the public with a marketplace to purchase published works by local authors or with a local focus.
2. To provide Local Authors an outlet to market their publications.
3. To enhance the community literary arts environment by promoting locally focused literature.
4. To generate income for Read Local Partners through sale of the books and through increased customer traffic through the storefronts.
Goals
Winter 14/15◦ Add one or more venues to sell Read Local Books◦ Add 10 or more Authors/ Titles◦ Add more “Shoulder Events”
Long Term Vision: A series of Read Local Kiosks
in communities across Southwestern Minnesota
Growth Goals
Partners are presented with a list of Read Local Authors and Publications.
The Partners select the books they want. Read Local will provide a draft consignment
contract. Contracts are between Author and Partner. Partners and Authors work together to
schedule appearances.
Session Operational Summary
Read Local – ◦ Acts as a co-op – provides central listing / point of contact◦ Match making - Authors with Partners ◦ Read Local is not making a value judgment on the
applications, only providing a one stop shop for communication.
◦ Sets the basic operational parameters. Partners –
◦ Drives the retail side – display, hours etc. Authors –
◦ Provide the product. Marketing / Promotion is a joint responsibility.
Roles
Contract is between Authors and Partners These provisions are consistent
◦ 6 month Session◦ 75/25 split◦ Partner pays Sales Tax◦ Promotional Appearances◦ Payment at 3 months and 6 months
Uniform Read Local Contract
Application: Read Local will solicit proposals from Authors and Publishers.
Selection: The Partner Selection Committee will determine the books included based upon the selection criteria.
Operation: ◦ The books will be available for sale at the Read
Local Partner venue and the Author will be reimbursed 75% of the purchase price.
◦ Promotion: The Partners will coordinate promotional activities to increase the visibility and sales of books in the program.
Operational Phases
Residency of the Author Regional focus of the book Genre and contribution to the community
literary environment Publication Date Sales Potential Professionalism Appropriateness of content to Partner
mission
Samples of Selection Criteria
Marshall Area Fine Arts was the only venue. Four months of operation 19 Authors – 25 Titles Approximately 70 books sold grossing about
$1,000 total revenue. All of the Authors but 3 made it to Marshall.
Thursdays on Third Street Fair. We have established a relationship with the
Cable Access TV Station.
First Session Activity
The community is still learning to value regional and local writers.
Authors need to make appearances to sell books.
The community is still learning how to access Authors with “shoulder events.”
MAFAC / volunteer commitment. Getting audiences to events is difficult.
Sales are good if an audience is addressed. Authors are interested and appreciative.
Learnings
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