Has it always been your dream to be a bookseller? Are you the bookish type who visualizes yourself sporting a cardigan in a cozy bookshop while offering erudite recommendations to receptive customers? Yep, me too. I was lucky enough to live that dream and worked for four years at an independent bookstore. But for most people, the low wage and part-time hours don’t offer enough financial security. And so the dream remains unfulfilled.
Never fear. There are still ways that you can be a bookseller even if you don’t work in a bookstore.
1. Become a Power User on Goodreads
You are probably already one of the 40 million users of Goodreads. But you can level-up and become a power user by taking the following actions: star all of your reads, write reviews, add to and vote on lists and join groups. Taking those actions will get your opinions and recommendations well beyond your group of Goodreads ‘friends’ to a much larger audience.
2. Use Facebook as a Bully Pulpit
If you have just finished and loved a book, post it. Share Book Riot’s Deal of the Day posts for books that you have read and liked. Share new releases from authors and publishers. Do a quarterly or year-end round up of of your faves. And if you really love Facebook and want to expand beyond your audience of friends and family, consider setting up your own branded Page.
3. Set Up an Amazon Associates Store
The Amazon Associates program will give you a small commission on books that are purchased through your special links. You can set up a store through their program. Or you can use your affiliate links to populate a newsletter, blog post or social media feed. Unless you have a really popular website or social media, you aren’t going to get rich doing this. However, that little incentive might be just enough to remind you to share your book recommendations in the public sphere.
4. Talk to Fellow Customers at Bookstores
If you see a fellow customer perusing the staff pics table, be bold and suggest one of the books to them. If they are wandering the genre section, say “I have read a lot of (mysteries, fantasy, romance) and would be happy to suggest something to you”. Or if you see someone in line holding a book that you have loved, let them know. It will make them feel more secure about their purchase.
5. Create Your Own Displays
My own little trick is to perform little literary misdemeanors by creating my own mini displays. When you go into a library or bookstore, find a shelf that has some extra space and face-out a book that you would like to recommend. If there is a “books we love” table, maybe you can slip your own choice into the display. I never mess with carefully crafted displays, but there is always some space in the store or library where you can do a little something.
6. Create or Contribute to a Little Free Library
Little Free Libraries are tiny free bookstores that are perched at the curb. You and your neighbors can leave and/or take books as you wish. There are over 36,000 libraries around the world so chances are good that you will find one in your area. And if not, you can always start one for yourself.
7. Volunteer at your Library
Libraries will always welcome committed volunteers who are prepared to work regular shifts. You can work in the library bookstore, restock shelves and help out at public events. All of these actions put you in front of people who are looking for something to read and you will find many of opportunities to offer recommendations.
None of us have the time to do all of these suggestions. But I do make the time for many of them. And I always get that bookseller’s flutter when I hear back from someone who took my recommendation and enjoyed the read.
So pick a few of these suggestions that you have the time and inclination for and begin to craft your own career as a Bookseller.
Carol Guttery writes about literary travel at Wayfaringviews.com and you can follow Wayfaring Views on Facebook for regular posts on literary travel and other bookish delights.