James Patterson is once again supporting independent booksellers with a revival of his Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program.
Patterson has pledged a personal contribution of $300,000, to be distributed in amounts of $500, to 600 booksellers from ABA member bookstores. Additionally, he will award 10 independent bookstores a $5,000 bonus.
Booksellers can self-nominate to be considered for a bonus, or they can be nominated by:
- Bookstore customers
- Owners
- Employees
- Managers
- Fellow booksellers
- Publishing professionals
- Authors
Booksellers must be employed by ABA bookstore members within the United States at the time of nomination and award, and those bookstores must be ABA Bookstore members (not Provisional or Adjacent members) prior to September 30, 2026. Past recipients of James Patterson bonuses and grants are eligible for another bonus.
Owners, employees, and managers who are nominating booksellers in their store can also enter their store for chance to win a $5,000 bookstore bonus as well!
Submit your nomination now! The deadline to nominate a bookstore employee for a holiday bonus is October 29, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.