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.
From Our Members
“…as what I have learned from experience, as a self-published author, getting book sales is no easy task. I have spent on every form, shape and sizes of what I thought to be smart marketing services but not getting anything back in return. Thankfully there’s this literary house who reached out to me and educated me about the impact (in terms of booksales) of getting my book on the shelves of countless independent bookstores… now, my books are with ABO’s network of bookstore members”
JC BOWLES | Self-Published Author
“ABO’s bookstore owner support program is both effective and efficient.
Every month they present a list of titles from their partner publishers and literary agents to keep our catalogue updated with the most sought after titles in the market. Customer visits are now frequent and sales are improving as a result”
WILLIE BROWN | Independent Bookstore Owner
“Authors, especially the self-published ones have very high expectations on their books. Most often than not, these authors have paid quite an investment in promoting their books with little to zero returns. ABO’s author support program changed all that. NOW authors are guaranteed book exposure and definitely much higher sales returns.
Nothing beats having a book on the shelves of physical bookstores. Let’s face it, print on demand just doesnt work”
SEAN FISHER | Literary Agent
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The Association of Bookstore Owners, a national non-profit trade organization, collaborates with booksellers and industry allies to guarantee the prosperity and profitability of independently owned book retailers. Its mission extends to fostering the growth of the book community.
Independent bookstores function as vital community hubs, playing a distinctive role in fostering the free flow of ideas, enhancing the cultural fabric of communities, and fostering economically dynamic neighborhoods.
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