ABA has developed an affinity partnership with Alibris/Monsoon Commerce Solutions, which gives member stores an exclusive discount on services assisting in the sale of books online.

ABA’s educational session “Being Social: Reaching Your Customers and Community” at BookExpo America 2013 welcomed four panelists, who discussed using social media to enhance the communications reach of independent stores. 

Six panelists joined moderator Richard Buthod of Turtleback Books for the session “Common Core: Insight From Industry Touchpoints” at BEA: Melissa Jacobs-Israel from the New York City public school system; Cheryl Dickemper of The Booksource; Kenny Brechner of Devaney Doak & Garrett; Phoebe Yeh, then of HarperCollins Children’s Books; Becky Anderson of Anderson’s Bookshops; and Victoria Stapleton of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

In his bimonthly letter to members, ABA CEO Oren Teicher shares the renewed sense of optimism about indie bookselling that was evident at last week’s trade show, looks at some of the important changes of the past year, and reminds booksellers about several new programs and initiatives.

A panel of industry experts discussed the book market at BookExpo America’s keynote, “Shaping the Future of the Book—Insight From Leaders Who Are Transforming How We Read,” on Wednesday, May 29.

Several independent bookstores have created pop-up shops and kiosk locations, including Vroman’s Bookstore, Village Books, Mysterious Galaxy, and Greenlight Bookstore. Some had better-than-expected success and others found that the cost of the shop outweighed the benefits. 

Shipping can be one of the most complicated — and costly — activities for any small business, but there are ways to reduce your shipping costs, including developing an inbound shipping management program, consolidating shipments, using the correct shipping mode and service level, and getting the best discounts.

Winter Institute 8’s Bookseller/Publisher Focus Groups received rave reviews from both booksellers and publishers. Now, ABA is inviting booksellers to sign up by May 3 to meet with publishers to discuss issues of common interest and mutual concern at BookExpo America 2013.

Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi, has been selected by Publishers Weekly as the PW Bookstore of the Year. This is the 20^th anniversary of the award.

Following the success of the Bookseller/Publisher Focus Groups held at Winter Institute 8, ABA is arranging similar meetings at BookExpo America. Booksellers who are interested in meeting with publishers to discuss issues of common interest and mutual concern must sign up by May 3.