Read Local Proposal

Steve Linstrom

1. Authors are in charge of their own marketing

2. Authors don’t get rich3. No bookstores in SW Minnesota4. Traditional retail is set up for bestsellers5. There is a demand for regional/local

writing6. Author contact sells books7. Author contact improves the community

Learnings from a small press / independent Author

There are limited venues for local authors to sell their work.

Consumers have only a few options to purchase literature in SW Minnesota.◦ Big Box stores – mainstream◦ Bookstores – limited shelf space◦ Online – Local interest gets lost in the mass

Some gift shops sell books by local authors on an individual basis but there was not critical mass to draw consumers.

The Need

To create series of community venues with a high level of reader/author intimacy where readers can purchase writing produced by local or regional authors and books with

local or regional significance.

Proposal

1. To provide the public with a marketplace to purchase published works by local authors or with a local focus.

2. To provide Local Authors an outlet to market their publications.

3. To enhance the community literary arts environment by promoting locally focused literature.

4. To generate income for Read Local Partners through sale of the books and through increased customer traffic through the storefronts.

Goals

MAFAC in Summer of 2014

Winter 14/15◦ Add one or more venues to sell Read Local Books◦ Add 10 or more Authors/ Titles◦ Add more “Shoulder Events”

Long Term Vision: A series of Read Local Kiosks

in communities across Southwestern Minnesota

Growth Goals

Partners are presented with a list of Read Local Authors and Publications.

The Partners select the books they want. Read Local will provide a draft consignment

contract. Contracts are between Author and Partner. Partners and Authors work together to

schedule appearances.

Session Operational Summary

Read Local – ◦ Acts as a co-op – provides central listing / point of contact◦ Match making - Authors with Partners ◦ Read Local is not making a value judgment on the

applications, only providing a one stop shop for communication.

◦ Sets the basic operational parameters. Partners –

◦ Drives the retail side – display, hours etc. Authors –

◦ Provide the product. Marketing / Promotion is a joint responsibility.

Roles

Contract is between Authors and Partners These provisions are consistent

◦ 6 month Session◦ 75/25 split◦ Partner pays Sales Tax◦ Promotional Appearances◦ Payment at 3 months and 6 months

Uniform Read Local Contract

Application: Read Local will solicit proposals from Authors and Publishers.

Selection: The Partner Selection Committee will determine the books included based upon the selection criteria.

Operation: ◦ The books will be available for sale at the Read

Local Partner venue and the Author will be reimbursed 75% of the purchase price.

◦ Promotion: The Partners will coordinate promotional activities to increase the visibility and sales of books in the program.

Operational Phases

Residency of the Author Regional focus of the book Genre and contribution to the community

literary environment Publication Date Sales Potential Professionalism Appropriateness of content to Partner

mission

Samples of Selection Criteria

Marshall Area Fine Arts was the only venue. Four months of operation 19 Authors – 25 Titles Approximately 70 books sold grossing about

$1,000 total revenue. All of the Authors but 3 made it to Marshall.

Thursdays on Third Street Fair. We have established a relationship with the

Cable Access TV Station.

First Session Activity

Website

Facebook

The community is still learning to value regional and local writers.

Authors need to make appearances to sell books.

The community is still learning how to access Authors with “shoulder events.”

MAFAC / volunteer commitment. Getting audiences to events is difficult.

Sales are good if an audience is addressed. Authors are interested and appreciative.

Learnings