Share Your Backlist Book Swap Favorite Before Heading to Wi11

It’s not too late to submit title names for the first-ever Backlist Book Swap party at Winter Institute 11 in Denver, Colorado!

More than 150 booksellers and publishers have already submitted a backlist title for the book swap to be held on Saturday night, January 23, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Those planning to participate can report the title they will be bringing to the swap ahead of time by completing this form on BookWeb.

Participants in the swap are asked to bring a copy (used or new) of their favorite “under-read” book — the title should be at least five years old and still be in print — to share with friends and colleagues while enjoying a few drinks. After scoping out the selection of backlist books, including titles chosen for the Indie Next List’s Revisit & Rediscover feature, booksellers will leave the party with someone else’s favorite under-read title.

The Backlist Book Swap will take place from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on January 23 in the Sheraton Denver Downtown’s Plaza Building Foyer, located on the hotel’s concourse level. Swap participants are asked to drop off their book and fill out a “Recommended By” bookmark at the Registration/Ask ABA Desk, also located in the Plaza Foyer, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, so ABA staff have ample time to set up the party.

Booksellers can also pick up an “Ask me what I’m swapping” pin while dropping off their title at the desk, and then snap a few photos with their book at the first-ever Winter Institute Photo Booth, which will be set up nearby. All guests are welcome to have their pictures taken, with or without a book, and are encouraged to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #Wi11.

Also at the book swap, publisher sponsor Simon & Schuster will be videotaping quick “bookseller-on-the-street” spots, so guests who are looking for their 15 minutes of fame will have a chance to try their “hand” at handselling to the camera.

Following the event, ABA will compile and share the complete list of favorite backlist titles with all Winter Institute 11 attendees, the media, and publishers.