I spent part of Independent Bookstore Day promoting my novel The Ghost of Jamie McVay to local shops. I found out not all bookstores are equally friendly to authors. Some owners throw their arms wide with enthusiasm, while others have limited programs with strict guidelines for accepting new works into their stores — and I guess some don’t seem to support local authors at all.
The first store to accept a book right from my hands was the Book Shop Batavia where 
owner James Stickling has been featuring local writers since the store opened a year ago. Beyond the walls of his small shop, James has sponsored my book launch party at nearby Bar Evolution, and contributed to the founding of an open mic and the Batavia Lyceum, among other literary commitments. James has been handling the library of the late Frank Rutledge, holding numerous sales and benefits for the poet’s family.
Another Fox Valley bookse
ller of note is David Hunt of Town House Books in St. Charles, Illinois. David is very welcoming to authors, hosting book signings and readings to promote their works. This is an awesome shop in a historic building, with a nice cafe attached. A very comfortable place to shop for books!
A little farther from the scene of the crime, but no less enthusiastic, is Barbara’s Bookstore in Burr Ridge’s Village Center neighborhood. A longtime fan of Barbara’s in Chicago and Oak Park, I am pleased to have my book on the shelves of this Chicago institution.
Other stores that have local author programs acknowledge the great number of requests they get, promising only that they will review the books provided and will decide which ones they can find room for on their shelves. Right now I’m waiting to hear from Anderson’s in Naperville, The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn, Harvey’s Tales in Geneva, and Prairie Fox Books in Ottawa, Illinois. I’m also expecting Barnes and Noble in Naperville to order some books soon.
The only disappointing experience I’ve had was at Prairie Path Books of Wheaton, where I was sent off with disdainful looks and condescending remarks explaining that they just weren’t interested in self-published books or even small press publications. The attitude was indignation that such authors, if you can believe it, would probably even expect a book signing or something! Officially, no one ever deigned to return a phone call or email. I felt bad about this missed opportunity, for, as readers know, much of The Ghost of Jamie McVay takes place on the actual Prairie Path, and Wheaton area readers would be most likely to enjoy descriptions of the book’s fictional “Winston” setting. Ironically, this store had a table at the Wheaton Public Library’s recent local author fest. Not sure why.
Overall, though, I’m encouraged by the positive attitude of the independent bookstores in the Chicago west suburban area, and I look forward to selling more books to readers all around.
R. G. Ziemer 