The Last Book Signing: Local Ottawa Author Weighs in on Collected Books Closing

Dec. 14, 2012 - PRLog -- Ottawa, ON- When local author Michael J McCann arrived at his book signing at the Collected Words Bookstore and Coffee Bar on Dec 8th little did he know that it would be his last book signing there. Since his appearance on December 8th, the bookstore announced that unless a buyer could be found for the store, it would be closing its doors in two weeks (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/looks+like+Collected+Works+will+latest+Ottawa+independent+book+store+close/7673930/story.html) and as of writing they have cancelled all but one open mic night event for the store.

“As a local author having an independent bookstore like Collected Works means that someone is willing to take a chance on me at a time when I’m just beginning to establish a foundation, build a fan base, and develop some recognition as a crime fiction author. It also means that someone will put my books on their shelves and help me sell them.”

He goes on to say, “Without this kind of bookstore, it means for the print version that I have to negotiate with big chains that historically have little interested in carrying authors who are still unfamiliar to most readers. There is now a greater emphasis on marketing the e-book versions where there’s more of a level playing field now for independents like myself, [but we lose the direct connection with the readers],” McCann, has just launched his third independent title in his crime novel series – The Fregoli Delusion (http://www.mjmccann.com/).

For McCann and other Ottawa authors the intimate atmosphere of an indie bookstore is irreplaceable. “They are the purest and most genuine connection that readers have to the authors and books that enrich local culture”, and it's indeed a sad day to see another bookstore disappear from the cultural landscape of Ottawa.

Michael has blogged about his experience here:  http://michaeljmccannsblog.blogspot.ca/

His website is here: http://www.mjmccann.com/

-30-

To book an interview contact
Rachel Sentes, Publicist
604-366-7846

www.gal-fridaypublicity.com
gal-friday publicity