Greetings,

We hope you’ve all had a chance to catch up on some rest and restocking following an eventful month. Our May newsletter includes info about upcoming events, helpful resources, member profiles, and more.

Enjoy!

CIBD 2024 Feedback Request

 

We're still buzzing from another busy CIBD, how about you?

We would appreciate your feedback on the campaign while it’s still fresh in your mind. Your comments—both positive and constructive—will help inform our planning for 2025. Booksellers can share feedback by filling out a short survey. Publishers, partners, creators, and readers are invited to send their feedback directly to Kayla Calder.

A campaign report will be made available to CIBA members in June.

Register Now: Upcoming Events

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Social Media Management for Booksellers
Thursday, May 16
4pm PT, 5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET, 8pm AT, 8:30pm Newfoundland

Though social media is a critical business tool, it is also meant to be fun and organic. How do you develop a brand, stay on top of trends and important consumer dates, and share everything you need to share without getting overwhelmed or stuck in a rut? Online marketing specialist Ariel Hudnall joins us to discuss calendars, time management, content generation, engagement, and more in this workshop for booksellers who are ready to make their social media more effective and joyful.

Data Demystified Part II: How to Sell Books You Don't Read
Thursday, May 23
4pm PT, 5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET, 8pm AT, 8:30pm Newfoundland

How do you stock and sell books you aren’t familiar with (or don’t particularly like)? Whether you’re stumped by sci-fi, a little rusty in Romantasy, or intimidated by Manga, market research can help you expand your knowledge and offerings. Led by SalesData expert Kalpna Patel, this session will show you how to identify top-selling titles in subjects you may not be familiar with, discover titles that are selling out at other indies, and build a starter collection of “must-haves” to respond to customer demand.

Visual Marketing Tips for Booksellers
Tuesday, June 25
4pm PT, 5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET, 8pm AT, 8:30pm Newfoundland 

For an object made up almost entirely of words, books are often better marketed in a visual format. In this virtual workshop, booksellers will learn the secret to great mobile photography, social video tips, and design considerations for graphics. Led by Ariel Hudnall, Managing Director of Zg Stories, this session will reveal that it's not the tools you have, but how you use them. Come prepared with your mobile phone, your creative spirit, and a book you'd love to promote. 

Event Recording: Email Marketing for Bookstores

Demystify the power of email marketing and building a mailing list in this beginner-friendly workshop. Learn how to choose a platform, create an optimized mailing list, and devise a content plan that will drive engagement and sales for your business. 

Whether you're just starting out or want to revamp your current e-newsletter, this recording will take you through all the steps required to communicate with your customers in new and exciting ways!

Not a CIBA member? Join now to access a range of benefits, including access to live events, recordings, and other business resources. 

Meet Our Member: The Inside Story

The Inside Story in Greenwood, NS is a cozy hub full of exciting titles, beloved classics, and friendly faces. We spoke with owner Lori Bradley about the store’s history, customer favourites, and what she loves about being an indie bookseller.

"We pride ourselves on being warm and welcoming as well as a one-stop-shop shopping experience."

Read the profile here.

New Members on the Block

We are delighted to welcome the following bookstores who recently joined our community:

We’re also extending a warm welcome to our newest Provisional Members:

  • Dear Toad (Nelson, BC)
  • WindyWood (Lunenburg, NS)

Did you know you can search and contact your fellow CIBA members through the Member Directory?

Simply log in to the Member Portal and type in the name of the store, publisher, or partner you’re looking for. Using the advanced search, you can also search stores by category, specialty, and founding date (especially useful for finding our Provisional Members and newly opened bookstores!).

Resource Recap

Bookseller frequently ask us where they can source various supplies for their stores. So, we began curating a list of bookseller-preferred vendors for items frequently used by retailers!

Members can access the list in the Bookseller Forum. If you wish to recommend a vendor, please comment in the forum and we'll add your suggestion to the spreadsheet.

We’ve also created a range of designs including stickers and bookmarks like “Signed by the Author,” “Canadian Author,” “Shop Local, Read Local” and many more. Visit the Member Portal now to download the templates. 

CIBA Conference

Survey results have shown that Bookseller Members have a strong interest in CIBA hosting an in-person conference. Based on those results, we are exploring holding an event in May 2025. The event would take place in Vancouver and bring booksellers together to network with one another, meet with publishing professionals, and attend professional development sessions.

We will provide more information as we continue to assess feasibility. In the meantime, we invite any publishers interested in collaborating on this venture to get in touch with Laura Carter.

Checking in with BookNet Canada

Our colleagues at BookNet Canada continue to provide unique content and helpful resources related to the Canadian book industry.

Right now, you can:

 
 
 

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