The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

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Indies ask publishers to support “indie” week

06.08.08 Catherine Neilan

Some 84% of independent booksellers felt the Independent Booksellers Week had “met or exceeded” their expectations, a recent survey has revealed. The report, conducted by the Independent Booksellers Forum, also claimed 88% of respondents “were satisfied” with the week as a whole.

Just 57% of respondents thought it was easy to secure authors. Louise Vance of the Sandwich Bookshop, said this was her only criticism of the event. “It would have been nice for a few more celebrities to put themselves forward so that independents had a better chance to get one,” she said.

But 92% called for more publishers to support the event in 2009, which is due to take place from 1st to 8th July. Three-quarters said they would like to see books published specifically for the event.

The BA has also renamed the Small Business Forum, the Independent Booksellers Forum. “We felt booksellers involved in the SBF were not always small, and thought of themselves as booksellers first,” said Meryl Halls, head of membership services.

Independents Home Independent Booksellers Week Catherine Neilan