Bookstore Barnstorming: Bringing McEwan to 54 Stores in Five Days

While it would be nearly impossible for an author to make appearances at over 50 bookstores in five days to promote a new novel, the new Out of the Book film project is providing bestselling novelist Ian McEwan and his publisher -- not to mention participating independent bookstores -- with the next best thing. A film featuring McEwan and promoting his new book On Chesil Beach (Nan A. Talese/Doubleday) is currently the focus of some 54 events at independent bookstores across the country. The Out of the Book film project is produced in association with Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon.

Out of the Book came about because David Weich, Powell's director of marketing and development, wanted to be more proactive about promoting authors' works. Ian McEwan On Chesil Beach debuted at a party in New York City during BookExpo America. And Powell's offered the film, free of charge, to other independent booksellers as the centerpiece of the nationally promoted event series, which began on Wednesday, June 13, and runs through June 17. For participating bookstores, Powell's provided an array of materials, including the film (on DVD or other setting-optimal format); signed bookplates; and display materials.

Thus far, reaction from booksellers to the film and the overall project "has been great," said Weich. "I think we had a bit of trouble describing what we put on the screen, so I was anxious to have people watch it." He said the film is not quite a documentary. "There are a lot of elements to it. We were very happy with the reaction at BEA."

Directed by Doug Biro (who directed the documentary film Herbie Hancock: Possibilities) and shot over four days in England and the United States, the film includes interviews with McEwan in London, on-location footage from Chesil Beach; an original soundtrack; commentary from peers and industry figures, such as editor Nan Talese; and more. According to the Out of the Book website, the project aims to generate spirited discussion about great new books and their impact on readers' lives.

A number of those independent bookstores participating noted their plans to bookend the film screening with dramatic readings of McEwan's works and/or discussions -- and, of course, to have McEwan's book available to buy.

Latitude 33 Bookshop hosted a showing and dramatic reading at Laguna Beach Library.

The 1,400-square-foot Latitude 33 Bookshop in Laguna Beach, California, held its Ian McEwan On Chesil Beach screening event on Wednesday, June 13, at the Laguna Beach Library. The event featured a dramatic reading from On Chesil Beach by Latitude 33 staff member (and actor) Devri Speaks and Angel Correa, one of her acting partners, followed by the film and a discussion afterward.

Latitude 33 manager Melony Vance told BTW that she loves the Out of the Book concept. "We're a small store and we would never get someone like Ian McEwan to appear at our store," she said. "It's another way to bring literary events to people and create an interesting evening out of it. The DVD is lovely."

Longfellow Books in Portland, Maine, is hosting its screening on June 14, and is bringing in local actors to read selections from some of McEwan's work, Stuart Gersen reported. Prior to the screening, the actors will perform readings from Saturday and Atonement; afterward, the actors will perform a dramatic reading from On Chesil Beach.

Gersen noted that the Out of the Book project "is a real kick.... It's a nice way to come together around an author's work." Already, he's seen a jump in sales of McEwan's new novel due to store promotions regarding the event. "People are talking about McEwan," he said.

Lift Bridge Books, in suburban Brockport, New York, held its event at Writers & Books in nearby Rochester, New York, on Wednesday, June 13. "We're in a small town, so we thought we would try to maximize our audience by holding the event in Rochester," said Archie Kutz. Out of the Book "is an innovative project. We were attracted to it since we can't get authors.... I hope it works for everybody." At the event, the film was followed by a panel discussion and reception.

Hickory Stick Bookshop's McEwan event will be held at Marty's, a coffee shop adjacent to the bookstore, said Fran Kielty. She explained it will be a ticketed event. For $29.95, a customer receives a copy of On Chesil Beach, a signed bookplate, and light refreshments. Following the screening, Kielty said, there will be a discussion period.

"I think [Out of the Book] is great," Kielty noted. "It is giving a store like ours a chance to have Ian McEwan and giving us a unique way to interact with our community. There are so many bookstores around the country doing it and I hope it's the first of many. It's a wonderful idea and we're grateful to Powell's for doing it."

Of course, Powell's will be holding its own ticketed McEwan event at the Bagdad Theater, a brewpub/movie theater that accommodates about 600 people that is located across the street from its eastside store. Tickets are $15.50, which includes admission and a copy of On Chesil Beach. The Powell's event will feature a discussion with authors Marc Acito and Lee Montgomery, radio host Inessa from 101.9 KINK-FM, and Weich. In addition, local musician Laura Gibson will perform, and poet Scott Poole will read pieces inspired by the novel.

Following the June 13 - June 17 nationwide screening event, Weich said the plan is sell the McEwan DVD on Powells.com and through wholesalers. As for the next author to be featured in Out of the Book, Weich said, "We are talking to publishers about other authors. But we really thought it was important to have people see [the debut film] first." --David Grogan