Book Sense

The deadline for nominations for the January 2008 Book Sense Picks list is Friday, November 2. There are a number of intriguing titles set for publication in January, and this list has the potential of beginning the new year with a strong selection of titles, but only if Book Sense receives a wide representation of bookseller nominations.

BookSense.com was recently added as an online book purchasing option on both the National Public Radio and The New York Times websites. Now, when NPR or NYTimes.com readers are interested in a featured book or bestseller, they are offered an option to buy from local, independent bookstores, as well as from Amazon.com.

In 1969, the Baum family opened Greetings & Readings book and card shop in a 1,800-square-foot space in a Towson, Maryland, strip mall.

Thanksgiving and the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season are just three weeks away. To make booksellers' lives a bit easier as they prepare to meet increased consumer demands, Bookselling This Week presents a helpful list of deadlines, supply resources, and marketing suggestions.

Knock Knock, a five-year-old gift and stationery company, has created its own genre of witty, whimsical, and fun products. Founded and headed by Jen Bilik, Knock Knock, a division of Who's There, has earned kudos and an enthusiastic base of retailers who are charmed by the contemporary wit in vintage design. Launched in 2002, with 13 products, Knock Knock now offers several hundred items, including a new line of books.

This November will be a big month for Tulsa's Steve's Sundry, Books & Magazines and for Steve himself. The bookstore will turn 60 and its co-owner and founder, Steve Stephenson, will celebrate his 90th birthday. "We'll have an all-day affair," said Stephenson's daughter-in-law and store co-owner, Joanie Stephenson. "A live remote radio show will broadcast from the store and local authors will read.

This month, Above the Treeline began adding Book Sense Bestseller data to its new interface. Bookstores using Treeline software to optimize their inventory selections can now scan weekly Book Sense Bestseller Lists and find which of those titles they have in stock and which they may need to order, among other features.

Just in time for the World Series... Book Sense presents the "Play Ball" Bestseller List, based on sales at independent bookstores with Book Sense nationwide for the eight-week period ending October 23, 2007. 1. Watching Baseball Smarter: A Professional Fan's Guide for Beginners, Semi-Experts, and Deeply Serious Geeks Zack Hample, Vintage, $13.95, 9780307280329

One night isn't going to be enough to celebrate the silver anniversary of South Florida's Books & Books, which has hosted thousands of locally and nationally known authors over its two and a half decades. So Books & Books' website suggests customers and friends "Save the Month" for the flood of anniversary celebrations throughout October.

For the eight-week period ending October 7, 2007, and based on sales in independent bookstores with Book Sense nationwide. 1. The Secret Rhonda Byrne (Ed.), Atria/Beyond Words, $23.95, 9781582701707 2.