The ASA was sorry to see the news last week that Booktopia has entered into voluntary administration following weeks of uncertainty about the business, particularly for all staff affected by layoffs. While the administrators are exploring options to recapitalise or sell, we know that this news has generated worry among authors, particularly those authors who are publishing or distributing books through Booktopia Publisher Services. According to the Financial Review and Sydney Morning Herald, Dymocks, Kogan, and QBD have registered their interest in the sale, and our hope is that a local buyer will be found. 

For Australian authors and illustrators, having a broad range of thriving local book retailers is essential. As all authors know, we must support bookshops today so they’ll be here tomorrow. 

Aside from buying books, as an author or illustrator there are several things you can do to support local bookshops and ensure those Booktopia customers aren’t permanently lost:

• The fact is, most bookshops have online shops or facilitate online sales and can deliver books right to your readers’ doors. When promoting your books, encourage your readers to buy from local bookshops at every opportunity!
• Do you have links to retailers on your website? Don’t forget to add a link to Find Your Local Bookshop, which helps your readers to find a bookshop near them.
• When promoting your audiobooks, send your readers to Libro.fm – a platform that enables readers to purchase audiobooks with some of the proceeds going to a local participating independent bookshop of their choice.
• If you have social media or run a newsletter, consider giving a shout out to your favourite local bookshops or engaging with their posts.
• Support your local bookshop on Love Your Bookshop Day! Find out more.

If you want to find out more about what booksellers do, how they work, and how to have a great relationship with your local bookshop, join us for Bookseller Perspective on Friday 19 July.