Greetings!

September marks an exciting milestone with the official launch of The Booksellers’ List on September 1, featuring the inaugural Fall list of titles selected by CIBA members. We’re already seeing strong momentum and are now welcoming nominations for the Winter 2026 list.

This month’s newsletter also includes important reminders about the upcoming Annual General Meeting on September 24. It’s essential that every bookstore either RSVPs to attend or votes in advance so we can meet quorum and carry out required association business. 

Read on for full details in this month’s newsletter!

The Booksellers’ List

The Booksellers’ List officially launched on September 1, and we’re thrilled to see this project come to life—driving customers to indie bookstores throughout the fall. We love seeing how you’re featuring the list on your websites, in newsletters, and across social media.

This season’s Top Pick, Pick a Colour by Souvankham Thammavongsa, is already generating significant buzz ahead of its September 30 release, and was the only Canadian novel featured in the New York Times fall book preview. 

“I am so grateful Pick a Colour was selected as a Top Pick by Canadian indie booksellers across the country.

When an independent bookstore loves you, they love you forever, and it is out loud. They give a voice like yours a chance.”

Many other selected authors have also shared their excitement, including Louise Penny, who called it “a singular honour,” Billy-Ray Belcourt—“Long live indie bookstores!”—and Jen Sookfong Lee: “As a former indie bookseller myself, this very nice recognition means the most because booksellers are the beating heart of our industry.”

CIBA’s marketing and advertising campaign—running via IndieBookstores.ca—has already sparked strong engagement among Canadian readers. We invite your stores to help amplify the message and keep the momentum going. You can also share the companion audiobook playlist for the program through Libro.fm.

Booksellers, don’t forget you have access to our marketing toolkit, with a range of branded templates to help you promote The Booksellers’ List in-store and online. We can’t wait to see your displays and watch these titles fly off the shelves.

Nominate Titles for The Booksellers’ List – Winter 2026

A reminder that The Booksellers’ List is seasonal—and nominations are now open for the Winter 2026 list. We welcome nominations from CIBA Bookseller Members for adult titles publishing January 1–March 31, 2026.

Titles can be nominated via:

• CataList
• CIBA’s web form
• NetGalley

The deadline for nominations is Monday, November 3, 2025. The public announcement of the Winter List will take place on Monday January 5, 2026.

Questions? Contact Nicola.

AGM Reminder for Booksellers

CIBA’s Annual General Meeting is coming up next Wednesday, and we’d love for you to join us. The AGM is an important moment each year for members to hear from CIBA’s leadership and take part in association business.

Booksellers, if you can’t attend live, we strongly encourage you to submit your votes in advance. There are only four motions on the agenda, and if you’ve had a chance to review the AGM package (sent out last week), advance voting should take less than two minutes.

It’s very important that at least one member from each bookstore either attends or votes in advance so we can meet quorum and keep our work moving forward—please make this a priority.

Full details on how to cast your vote and access the meeting package are available in the Bookseller Forum.

New Releases from Alberta Publishers

Sponsored Content

Read Alberta is thrilled to highlight September new releases from Alberta book publishers! This month’s new releases list features 19 titles from 9 distinct publishers, spanning a wide range of genres, topics, and formats. No matter your customers’ tastes, reading styles, or accessibility needs, we are sure there is an Alberta book for them. So, tell your readers to grab a fuzzy blanket, a cup of tea, and get ready to settle in with their next great autumn read!

To keep up-to-date on new releases, booklists, and all things Alberta publishing, visit Readalberta.ca.

Upcoming Events

Tracking Trends: Pre-Holiday Update from BookNet Canada

Thursday, October 23

12pm PT, 1pm MT, 2pm CT, 3pm ET, 4pm AT, 4:30pm Newfoundland

In this timely session, BookNet data detectives Lily Dwyer, Kalpna Patel, and Lauren Stewart will review 2025’s trends to-date with an eye to advancing your holiday preparedness. Will the emerging trends from Spring and Summer carry into Fall and Winter seasonal shopping? What lessons can be observed from sales recorded in 2024? How is the “Buy Canadian” movement faring? And what data-informed holiday preparation planning can you consider before things pick up speed?

“Your Summer Is Booked" Campaign Wrap-Up

Thank you to all the booksellers who helped make this year’s “Your Summer Is Booked” campaign such a success! From coast to coast, independent bookstores promoted the program in-store, online, and on social media—driving excitement for summer reading and encouraging customers to shop indie.

Congratulations to indie shopper Rheanna from Burnaby, BC, who will receive a full year of reading—25 paperback titles generously provided by Penguin Random House Canada!

Thank you again for your energy and creativity in championing this national campaign. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Advertise with CIBA

Looking to get the word out about your books, products, or events? Advertise with CIBA and IndieBookstores.ca to connect directly with Canada’s independent booksellers and thousands of Canadian readers, eager to discover what’s new.

Through both our member-facing and consumer-facing platforms—including websites, newsletters, and social media—you’ll reach the heart of Canada’s book community: the booksellers who champion titles in-store, and the readers who are hungry for their next great find.

Don’t miss the opportunity to put your message in front of the people who matter most. Whether you’re looking to reach booksellers directly or connect with readers through IndieBookstores.ca, we can help amplify your message and extend your reach.

To learn more about advertising with CIBA and IndieBookstores.ca, please contact Karine to explore the options.

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