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Association of Bookstore Owners is the leading advocate of independently-owned bookstores

Why Become A Member

Every individual book retailer stands out distinctly in their independence. The Association of Bookstore Owners serves as the vital link to the broader book industry. Supported by its robust membership, the ABO represents the collective voice of numerous booksellers, impacting publishers and championing small enterprises. Through ABO events and workshops, members unite, fostering communities that educate, connect, and establish relationships. ABO member support programs provide essential assistance and remedies for the everyday functioning of contemporary independent booksellers.

BOOKSELLERS

For bookstores lacking dedicated publisher representatives, ABO offers assistance. Through our Publisher Advocate program, we aid booksellers in navigating the seasonal order process. This initiative grants access to annotated Edelweiss catalogs that might otherwise remain out of reach. By sharing a representative’s insights into the latest season’s offerings, even bookstores without direct representation can make more informed purchasing decisions.

PUBLISHERS

Publishers, every now and then, will always benefit from booksellers, may they be a new name trying to penetrate the book selling industry or the already tried and tested bookstore that opted to become a new ABO member as an additional distribution outlet for their published titles.

ABO’s publishers support program can provide every publisher an avenue to display their titles

AUTHORS

The Association of Bookstore Owners serves as the unifying link to the broader book industry.

Our ABO’s author support program allows self-published authors to display their books on the shelves of our long list of bookstore owner members.

To benefit from this program, reach out to any of our partner publishing houses to know more.

ABO’s core membership encompasses:

Bookstore Members
Businesses that predominantly sell new books in physical spaces and actively foster community through bookselling. This category includes traditional bookstores, pop-up bookstores, and mobile stores. These members qualify for the 30% Bookshop affiliate rate and inclusion in the Bookshop pool. Moreover, they retain eligibility to vote on matters concerning ABO governance.

Provisional Members
Individuals or businesses preparing to establish a bookselling venture in the near future. Those intending to launch a physical bookstore within the upcoming calendar year can access up to one year of the 30% Bookshop affiliate rate. It is expected that Provisional Members will open their bookstore within two years of joining, upon which they will qualify for the associated benefits outlined above. However, Provisional Members do not have voting privileges on matters of ABO governance.

Used Bookstore Members
Businesses primarily engaged in selling used books in physical locations while actively fostering community through bookselling. This category encompasses traditional bookstores, pop-up bookstores, and mobile bookstores specializing in used books. Members in this category qualify for the 30% Bookshop affiliate rate and inclusion in the Bookshop pool. However, they do not possess voting rights on matters concerning ABO governance.

Trusted Names

Send us a message!

434-255-2728

info@associationofbookstoreowners.com

102 S Tejon St. Suite 1100 Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA

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