SIBA, ABA set Spring Book Show training for independent bookstores

March 9, 2010 - PRLog -- ATLANTA, Ga. (March 9, 2010) - Independent bookstore owners from throughout the South will be at the Spring Book Show not only to buy books for as much as 85 to 90 percent off suggested retail price, but to attend educational sessions organized by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA), a membership organization for home-town independent bookstores. Training includes a Saturday morning  (March 27) session by the American Booksellers Association (ABA) staff.
According to SIBA Executive Director Wanda Jewel, the educational workshops begin on Thursday evening (March 25), with readings by two eminent Southern authors. The overall schedule includes:
Thursday, March 25 (new venue for early arrivers)
6-7 p.m. – “An Evening on a Wing & a Prayer.” River Jordan and Shellie Rushing Tomlinson read from Saints In Limbo and Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On. In addition, they will interview each other about their Southern Wing & a Prayer Tour, and query booksellers present about how they found themselves supporting thousands of writers and millions of written words every year, all of which will be featured in upcoming radio programs.
Friday, March 26
9-9:50 a.m. – “Marketing: Unmasked.” Insider tips & tricks for small business marketing
10a.m.-noon – “Consultation Station.” SIBA board members and staff will be on hand to meet with booksellers one-on-one to discuss any concerns or questions they have. Booksellers will register for half- hour slots on any topic. Topic choice will determine which person a bookseller is matched with for particular  half-hours.  There will be a total of 28 slots. Some suggested topics include Facebook, Twitter, websites, CloudProfile, blogging, ecommerce, buying, employee issues, insurance, book clubs, gift items, budgeting, used and remainder books, events, author opportunities and point-of-sale systems.  
Saturday, March 27th
9-10:50 a.m. - "Techniques and Tactics for Online Website Promotion."  Want better placement in search results? Make the most of your website, and increase your audience and your sales. From hyperlocal searches and affiliate marketing to advanced analytics and beyond, learn how to build a meaningful relationship between your website and search engines and your community. (Presented by the American Booksellers Association.)
11 a.m.-noon “Reaching Customers.” A demonstration of SIBA’s consumer site, Authorsroundthesouth.com, CloudProfile and The Reader’s Edge
“We extend a cordial welcome to the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance members to the show,” said Spring Book Show organizer Larry May. “SIBA members have a long history of partnering with the show, helping to make it the largest in the South, and perhaps the largest in the nation.”
That partnership is especially important in the current recessionary economy which is challenging independent bookstores, May said. Bargain books, which usually enjoy higher markups than new titles, can be an important part of the economic mix helping stores to survive in tough economic times.

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Anvil Publishers is an Atlanta-based company currently marketing $14 million in books and $8 million in literary properties.