Sep 18 2007
Borders and Gather.Com in conjunction with Simon & Schuster held a contest for unpublished authors which began with 2600 contestants and was whittled down to 10 finalists. The winner was Terry Shaw with his entry, The Way Life Should Be. The first runner up, Geoffrey Edwards, was compelling enough to the panel that his book,(…)
Sep 17 2007
Borders has lauched a beta of its new online store. The romance page has a top section of featured books and then book covers of upcoming and currently on sale romances (and some that may be loosely described as romances). I like it and find it more attractive than Amazon. How easy it will to(…)
Aug 13 2007
Borders is offering its 30,000+ employees the opportunity to be published. Starting now and ending in January of 2008, Borders is running a fiction writing contest for its employees. The winner will be awarded a book deal with marketing from Borders including “being featured in the Borders “Shortlist,” an e-mail promotion for Borders Rewards(R) members,(…)
May 31 2007
Two male authors were chosen as the winners of the Gather.com’s First Chapters Writing Contest. Simon & Schuster’s Touchstone imprint will publish Terry Shaw’s, The Way Life Should Be, featuring a reporter who investigates his friend’s death, and a historical thriller by Geoffrey Edwards titled, Fire Bell in the Night. Yes, I pulled the sex(…)
May 11 2007
This is a special post by Bookseller Jolie after talking with some other booksellers and readers. Readers want to buy your books; booksellers want to sell your books. Even though this article is all about the peeves, it’s really about how to help authors get connected to readers. The only way to do that is(…)
Apr 4 2007
Publishers’ Weekly calls the contest that Borders is holding at Gather.com, the “Literary Idol” and today, Borders announced its top 20 semi-finalists. 12 men and 6 women and 2 initials. The winning contestant supposedly determined in part by the readers’ votes and comments, will win a contract with Simon & Schuster’s Touchstone Imprint and $5,000.00.
Mar 27 2007
Yesterday, Borders Rewards members received an email announcing changes to the Rewards program. Last year, when you made purchases, a percentage of those purchases were rebated back to you to spend during the Holidays. This year, you’ll receive a $5 Borders Buck coupon for every $150 spent. This is akin to other shopping programs such(…)
Mar 23 2007
Borders severing times with Amazon is getting alot of play in the business world. One analyst from Citigroup believes that Borders accounts for 2-3% of Amazon sales. I have real questions about the profitability of the digital download centers. Borders currently buys direct from the publisher at a 40% discount as do most bookstores. It’s(…)
Mar 22 2007
Borders announced an unexpected fourth quarter loss despite increased sales. Sales rose 2.9% but posted a loss of $73.6 Million versus a profit of $119.1 M posted in the 2005 4th quarter. There was no explanation for the loss but indicated that there would be a re-evaluation of its overseas outlets and an unveiling of(…)
Feb 12 2007
Borders is having a Buy 4 Get 1 Free Romance Book special. Usually these are only at Waldens so I am glad to see Borders picking up these types of promos when the Waldens seem to be closing all over the country.
Jan 22 2007
Sue Grimshaw is the romance buyer for BGI. She buys for Borders, Borders Express and Waldenbooks. Since she began her position with BGI, Ms. Grimshaw has increased romance book sales for BGI by 20%. She is a fan of the genre and is devoted toward getting the romance books into the hands of the romance(…)
Jan 17 2007
George Jones, the new CEO of Borders Group, is bringing in Robert P. Gruen as the executive vp of merchandising and marketing. Gruen is filling an open position. As executive vp of marketing, Mr. Gruen will be in charge of the product buying, inventory management, merchandising programs and marketing programs. Gruen has worked with Jones(…)
Dec 19 2006
Borders CEO, George Jones, gave a far ranging interview with Shelf Awareness. Publishers want Borders’s buyers to travel to NY to enhance relationships. Wants to increase the customer average of $25 which is low compared to the amount of time spent in the store Category management is de-emphasized. Author branding is important. Digital technology and(…)
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