Meet Debbie Beamer of the Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop.
BACKGROUND: The store, established in 1990, sells only crime stories — mysteries, espionage, thrillers, and so on, both new and used, and related other items, such as gifts. They will also do special orders for any book. Their customer base is all ages, in a diverse community, but with the majority being women in the later-40s-early 50s age range. They would like to attract more children.
RETAIL: Debbie agreed that the retail book business is settling down after a long, difficult period, but also adds that her area is often about five years behind the trends. Her business, overall, never slumped as badly as it did elsewhere. What she has noticed lately is that she is selling more used books.
CHOOSING STOCK: Press releases that emphasize a good background story are helpful. She pays attention to customer requests and staff recommendations.
WHAT IS POPULAR: Her customers have very eclectic interests and are open to new books with hand selling. The interests of her discussions groups cover the mystery genre gamut. A staff recommendation all it takes for her customers to try someone new.
CONTACTING HER: Use email. Or, if you want to send an ARC, include a note. ARC’s alone do not get her attention, though she uses them for new ideas and as gifts, at conferences and so on.
EVENTS: This seems to be a specialty of the store. She tries to use her imagination and often partners with other businesses, such as a local coffee shop with an appearance by Cleo Coyle, author of the Coffeehouse Mystery series. The store sponsors a mystery conference, Murder As You Like It, in September, and they have a full schedule of non-mystery, book-related events.
If they expect a large crowd, they will look for a larger space, such as the library.
She would certainly consider any idea from an author, and says, “Think about how to make it into event! Is there a way to include an inn, ice cream, wine tasting?”
An idea for a ready-made panel would certainly be considered. She hosted one of Canadian authors who were nearby after attending Malice.
The initial contact can come from the authors or from her. She prefers that the author do it by direct contact, though, not through the publishers. Other authors recommendations are welcome, and as everywhere else, (except maybe New York City) local authors are popular.
She does believe events are helpful for selling new books, and also that they bring new customers in to the store.
WHAT WOULD SHE LIKE FROM MWA? She is frustrated that she cannot get through to some writers directly but must go through a PR person.
Watch this space for another indie boookstore profile next week.