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Waterstones and the Society of Authors are “engaged in dialogue” to draw up a list of guidelines for authors on how to conduct bookshop events. The move follows a furore over a new policy at the bookselling chain, which has led to some scheduled events being cancelled.
The new directive was introduced when Waterstones m.d. James Daunt sent a communication to staff urging them to use the chain’s power of recommendation “responsibly”. Daunt told staff: “We should always ensure that any book being sold at a Waterstones event is one we are happy to recommend, and is one that we would stock whether having an event or not. Regarding ‘local’ authors—often independently published—great care should be taken to make sure that the power of recommendation is not devolved to the authors themselves.”
The Waterstones m.d. said authors should not hand-sell their books and stipulated that signing events should be staffed by a bookseller and last “as long as there is a queue” of people waiting to meet the author.
The directive, thought to have been issued following some customer complaints about authors hand-selling their books, led to a number of scheduled events being cancelled. This in turn resulted in a raft of complaints from authors online.
Author Leigh Russell, published by No Exit Press, had two events cancelled in Waterstones branches. He said the events policy amounted to a ban on any but the “big name” authors conducting events at the branch, although this was strongly denied by Waterstones.
Russell said: “There is no doubt Waterstones is missing a trick if they fail to harness the dedication of authors who are passionate about supporting physical bookstores . . . Where sales clearly do receive a boost is from a group of hardworking lesser-known authors who are passionate about the physical bookshops, building good relations with booksellers and their local community, (who) know how to approach readers, and are prepared to dedicate their time to enhance customers’ in store experience.”
The directive has also been criticised by Orna Ross, chairman of the Alliance of Independent Authors, who expressed concern over the policy of only holding events for which stores can expect a queue. She said: “It reneges on this large book chain’s responsibility to readers—to bring them a variety of writing and writers, not just the big-budget bestsellers—and disproportionately impacts upon independent authors who publish their own work.”
However, in his communication Daunt underlined the important role Waterstones can play in holding events. He said: “Our shops should hold as many events as possible, from signing events with appropriate authors, ticketed ‘In Conversation’ events, children’s story times and activities, local book launches and other clever and reputation-enhancing events.”
As a result of the furore, the Society of Authors, which was contacted by concerned members, is working to draw up a set of guidelines to help “ensure events are successful.” SoA deputy general secretary Kate Pool said: “We are trying to come up with something that works for everyone. Publishers expect the author to step up and help to promote and sell their books, and most of them are happy to do it.” But, she added, problems were sometimes caused when authors were over-enthusiastic.