Reader Tim Frederick writes to us from Atlanta with some dire news - Wordsmiths, one of the finest stores of the region, is in trouble. Here's what he tell us:
Here in Atlanta our favorite local indie bookseller, Wordsmiths Books, has found themselves in a tight spot due to a poor choice for their initial location (now in a great spot) and a little bad luck. The owner says:
At our new location, business has been steady, walk-in traffic consistent, sales are up and costs are down. Everything you want out of a business and everything it needs to be as long it's not carting a debt that continually drains its resources. Given the opportunity to grow in our new location, given the opportunity to balance things out, we will thrive and continue to provide the entertainment and service that you have all come to appreciate. But we can't get there without help.
Wordsmiths has been great in helping to create the lit scene in Atlanta that we've always wanted. They have great readings, often paired with complimentary live music. To lose such a great bookstore coupled with other local recent indignities (AJC book editor fiasco) would be a crushing blow. Any help that you might lend to getting the word out would be greatly appreciated.
There is considerably more detail in a post at the Wordsmiths blog. They are undertaking a fundraiser and planning events. We urge you to do anything you can to help.
UPDATE: TEV reader (and Wiley VP of Marketing) Larry Olson has made a personal $500 donation to the store and is offering his expertise to help Wordsmiths get attention and raise money. We are blown away by his generosity, and urge everyone to do what they can to support the store, whether you're in the region or not - the loss of another independent hurts us all, wherever we are. Stay tuned for a possible ebay benefit auction.
Thanks for the help in spreading the word and thanks for the gracious comments. We hope to be around for many years and with just a bit of help now we can be. The lit scene in Atlanta is beginning to thrive and I'd like to think we have played a part in it. If anybody out there is willing to lend a hand, no small amount will be unwelcome. Thanks again.
Posted by: Zachary Steele | August 05, 2008 at 05:08 AM
Does anyone know of A Cappella? In my opinion they are at least as good, if not better than Wordsmiths.
Posted by: tara | August 08, 2008 at 09:37 AM