Released on: August 4, 2008, 12:07 am

Press Release Author: Noel Griese

Industry: Industrial

Press Release Summary: Paige Poe of the American Booksellers Association informed
independent bookstore managers at a meeting in Atlanta on Aug. 1 on details of ABA's
new IndieBound program. She spoke at the Great American Bargain Book Show.


Press Release Body:

Atlanta, GA, August 04, 2008 - The IndieBound outreach liaison for the American
Booksellers Association (ABA) was in Atlanta on Aug. 1 to brief independent
booksellers on a new program designed to help them compete.
Paige Poe spoke Friday morning at the Great American Bargain Book Show at the Cobb
Galleria Centre.

The ABA officially launched the IndieBound program at BookExpo America in Los
Angeles in May. It is designed to help not only booksellers but all independent
merchants at a time when competing with large chains has become increasingly
difficult.
IndieBound is designed to bring together booksellers, readers, independent
retailers, local business alliances and others who believe that healthy local
economies help communities thrive.

Following a year of study and planning, the ABA designed a program to tap into a
growing national movement, creating new and interesting ways for independent
booksellers and other independent businesses to better communicate their core
strengths - independence, passion, community - to their customers.

\"America has clearly reached a tipping point - people are choosing Main Street over
malls," said Poe. "Nationwide, people are renewing their ties to friends, neighbors,
and institutions in their cities and towns. Through IndieBound, we believe
booksellers and other indie retailers are at the forefront of a movement that is
already being embraced by shoppers.\"
In a PowerPoint presentation, Poe showed her audience of ABA independent bookseller
members a number of examples from around the nation of how book stores are using
various IndieBound marketing and public relations materials.

A unique aspect of the program, she emphasized, is that all materials are available
online for free download. Member users of the materials are free to modify the
materials as they see fit.

She also discussed the IndieBound affiliates program designed for use by authors to
support the independent book stores from their Web sites and blogs.

Poe said that one of the newer initiatives, launched just before July 4, is the
"Declaration of IndieBound," a petition drive designed for community residents who
support local independent merchants.

Among the services provided at www.indiebound.org is one that permits people seeking
a bookstore near them to enter their state and city. They will then be presented
with a list of independent book stores from the nearest to those within 50 miles.
Buyers can click on any store listed for further information.

Poe also discussed how local book stores can approach local media to invite coverage
of the IndieBound initiative. Materials available at the IndieBound Web site include
am eight-page public relations primer on making media contacts.

About GABBS: The Great American Bargain Book Show is one of the three largest
bargain book shows in the United States, staged annually in time for retailers to
buy inexpensive stock for marketing during the winter holiday season. The show is
organized by L.B. May & Associates of Knoxville, Tenn. Further information at
www.GABBS.net

About American Booksellers Association: Founded in 1900, the American Booksellers
Association is a not-for-profit trade organization devoted to meeting the needs of
its core members - independently owned bookstores with storefront locations -
through education, information dissemination, business products and services and
advocacy. The association actively supports free speech, literacy and programs that
support local and independent retail shops.
Press release distributed by PressReleasePoint(http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/)

Press Contact:
Noel Griese
Anvil Publishers, Inc
Atlanta, GA
770-938-0289
custserv@anvilpub.com
http://www.anvilpub.net

Web Site: http://www.anvilpub.net

Contact Details: Noel Griese
Anvil Publishers, Inc
Atlanta, GA
770-938-0289
custserv@anvilpub.com
http://www.anvilpub.net