Keep your bookshops close

As an author living in France I’m ideally placed when it comes to creating vivid settings in my work. My current novels are all set in different French regions and, let’s just say, research is more than a pleasure. Having lunch in a tiny bistro? Research. Visiting a lakeside beach? Research. Strolling around sun-drenched markets? Research. 

The problem? Whereas my location in the heart of the French Limousin is the ideal place to inspire my writing, when it comes to publishing my English-language novels, it’s rather harder to establish a relationship with a bookstore. The local ‘librarie’ in my town stock one of my French translations and the little airport in Limoges agreed to pop a few copies of my English-language books in their shop but I can’t help but feel I’m missing out when it comes to the special relationship many authors in the UK have with their local bookstore. 

Nothing beats the "we’ve-got-your-back" attitude that bookshops have when it comes to supporting authors who live on their doorstep. They become the go-to place to hold a launch or event, the place that will always stock signed copies of your latest work. Your cheerleaders in a crowded market.

Back in 2020, when my debut came out, I had a whole trip to Blighty planned. A launch arranged in Waterstones Liverpool Street, several bookshops close to family earmarked for drop-ins. Despite being—like many authors—a bit on the introverted side, I was looking forward to making real-life introductions.

When that fell apart, I felt a sense of loss. But once things had started to return to normal I realised that just because I hadn’t been able to launch my career with a physical trip didn’t mean I had to give up on the idea of connecting with bookshops altogether.

Nothing beats the ‘we’ve-got-your-back’ attitude that bookshops have when it comes to supporting authors who live on their doorstep.

Using a combination of email, Zoom and the endeavours of a couple of enthusiastic relatives, I have been able to make some connections in the UK with what I have termed my ‘honorary’ local shops. The Book Nook in Ware—close to my old stomping ground—has been brilliantly supportive, hosting an online event and championing my novels in store. Waterstones in Hitchin agreed to display a set of bookmarks advertising my books (thanks to my persuasive aunt). Tea Leaves and Reads—an online independent bookshop—has reviewed all of my books and stocked some in its fabulous book boxes.

Heffers in Cambridge (where I lived for three years while studying at Anglia Ruskin University) also treated me as a ‘local author’ for my 2021 release, going as far as to create a special display of my novel. It was just after the worst of the pandemic and so the first time my parents had been able to see one of my books on the shelves. To be honest (and whisper it) I think they might even have been a little bit proud.

My ‘honorary local bookshops’ have sent me pictures of customers with my books, shelfies that I can share far and wide. They’ve been my port of call when wanting to arrange an event or stock signed copies on their shelves. They care about books in a way that less specific retailers simply can’t and are always willing to help an author out.

While I no longer live in the UK, I still class the country as home—and there are certain places I see as friendly and familiar. And there’s something lovely about knowing that bookshops in these places have got my back. Plus, my protagonists all hail from UK shores—even if I’m not local, my fictional counterparts are.

I’m still at the stage where most of my sales are online and realise that the difference these connections have made to my numbers is probably slight. The real difference comes with the sense of belonging: the personal relationship with genuine book lovers that simply can’t be fostered with internet giants. 

For my part, I’ve tried whenever I can to support them right back. My little clutch of local champions will be the bookshops I suggest to readers seeking to buy my work. I remind friends and family to buy from their local bookshops rather than online. I’ll always try to share shops’ Facebook and Twitter postings far and wide. While I’m still in the first stages of my author career, I hope as time moves on to be able to do more and more.

Later this year, on a long overdue trip to see family and friends, I intend to include a little bookshop tour in my itinerary and finally make the in-person introductions I’ve craved.

I’d urge anyone living abroad who feels disconnected from the bookshops in the UK to make that call or send that email. Because in my experience, you will be welcomed with open arms.