F or authors, one of our rewards after living a hermit-like existence of writing and talking to our pets is a celebration when our new book finally hits store shelves. We emerge, freshly showered, to re-connect with friends and readers, eager to introduce our new book baby to you. The Library of Legends is scheduled for release on April 28 and I had the celebration all planned. Dragon dancers. A live performance from Silk Road Music. Wine. Dim sum buffet catered by Floata Seafood Restaurant (because I was raised to feed people if they’re kind enough to show up when you invite them). OK, maybe not dragon dancers.
N eedless to say, none of that is happening now.
I'm not in the mood for a celebration. Our local independent small businesses are suffering as people go out less and shop less. People with low incomes are in danger of not making rent if their employers cut hours or shut down. The homeless can’t self-isolate. They need more from the charities that help them.
So I’m re-allocating those dim sum dollars. They’ll be spent on gift coupons to benefit some of our independent bookstores and on donations to a charity that provides solutions to homelessness. If you live in British Columbia, this promo is for you.
Even if you'e not interested, please consider what you can do to support your local independent small businesses and charities as we all work to flatten the curve. Cash flow is the life blood of small business. If you can’t shop or pick up goods in person at a local store, buy stuff online or over the phone and have it shipped or ask them to hold for you until you can pick up. Many stores are able to arrange pick-up times even if they reduce their hours or change to phone and online sales only. Or order some gift cards that can be delivered via email or Canada Post.
The Library of Legends will be released in Canada on April 28, but if you put in your order now to the bookstores listed below, you'll be helping their cash flow.
Order by May 5 and you will:
(1) Get a $5 gift coupon: For each copy sold, the store will give you a $5 coupon to use toward future purchases. With my compliments.
(2) Make a donation to relieve homelessness: For each copy sold, I will make a donation to Lookout Housing and Health Society because more low-income people/families are going to need rent subsidy assistance in the days ahead.
Vancouver Lower Mainland: Main Street Book Warehouse is delivering to the Lower Mainland.
Vancouver Island and BC: Munro’s Books is delivering to any BC address.
NOTE: Both bookstores are offering flat fee shipping per order, regardless of weight. So buy more books while you're placing your order for The Library of Legends !.
4118 Main Street, Vancouver
https://www.bookwarehouse.ca/
Tel: (604) 879-7737
Email: mainstreet@bookwarehouse.ca
The store is taking book orders via email or telephone. Book pick ups at the door. Please check their website for staffed hours.
$8.00 flat-rate shipping within the Lower Mainland
1108 Government Street, Victoria
https://www.munrobooks.com
Tel: 250-382-2464 or toll free: 888-243-2464
Email: service@munrobooks.com
The store is taking book orders via email, telephone, or online. Book pick ups at the door. Please check their website for staffed hours. $5.00 flat-rate shipping anywhere in BC
23 Comments
Hi Janie, Congratulations on your new book.
I’ve downloaded the ebook, and look forward to reading it!
Thank you for your support, Genni! How I look forward to the day when we can all gather for a potluck again. xo
Ordered from Main Street, and looking forward to it!! All the best and thanks for thinking of our local independent book sellers.
That’s great Sarah. I’m glad you also want to support our indies.
Ordered! Great idea in these times… looking forward to reading the new book. Congrats. – Eric
Thank you for supporting the homeless, an independent bookstore, and me!
Hi Janie, it’s Valerie, Simon’s sister. I just ordered online. I introduced my husband to your work and he finished your two books back to back a couple of days ago. We both look forward to “Library of Legends”.
Thank you!
Thank you for your kinds words Valerie! And for your support.
Thanks Janie…fab idea. I will be ordering a couple of books, at least. Thinking of a few friends who could use some good reading material while they self-isolate at home…
Karen
I appreciate your support, Karen. And I hope your friends will enjoy The Library of Legends
PS. I just ordered two. My sister is a big fan of yours.
Thank you Simon, for your support. And your sister too!
Congratulations Janie.
This is a brilliant initiative, setting the gold standard for innovative and collaborative book marketing. I love the colours of the book cover, now I can’t wait to read it. Looking forward to the big day. All good wishes.
Congratulations on Book #3!
Janie this is a wonderful way to launch your book. The donation to Lookout Housing and Health Society is needed especially at this time. Your support of small local business is close to my heart and I will be ordering more than one book.
Thank you for bringing so much thought to your book launch.
Looking forward to getting my copy of The Library of Legends.
Karry
I am grateful for your support. So are the bookstores. So is Lookout. Thank you, Karry
How inventive you are, Janie. I’ll be placing an order.
Elbow Bumps,
Roberta
Just had to do something to recalibrate, Roberta. Thank you! And please check your email.
Okay Janie – your wish is my command… Maybe we can plan some other events later in the year… and I can bring my Chinese Lion costume… and Chinese parade Dragon …
I will hold you to that offer, Todd!
A superb idea Janie! Wendy and I will definitely order a book. Good luck with the campaign and keep safe.
Thank you, Jay! I was hoping to see you guys at the Victoria event. Stay healthy. xoxo
Bless your heart for this inventive response to the challenge.
Small world. I know Qiu Xia He! She was briefly in my ESL class at VCC a very long time ago. Years later, I heard her and Andre — Jou Tou at a small folksong club on West 10th — it doubled in the day time as Celtic Woolens, a sweater store. And I think you had this couple play at a previous launch. Their music is lovely.
I will pass the message on to those who may be unaware, and I’ll definitely be getting a book.
Sending you love in the time of COVID.
Many thanks Carol. And small world indeed.