#SignForOurBookshops

November 6, 2020

I’m thrilled to be supporting #SignForOurBookshops during lockdown. A cheery wave to wonderful author Holly Bourne, whose brilliant idea it is.

A national lockdown in what is traditionally the busiest period for bookshops (the run-up to Christmas) could prove disastrous for many independents. Even the chains like Waterstones, Foyles and Blackwell’s will struggle. Whilst book-sales increased during the first lockdown, the benefit was almost entirely felt by online retailers, one in particular. Wouldn’t it be nice if this didn’t happen again?

How does it work? Well, when you buy a book from a bricks and mortar bookshop* during the four weeks of lockdown, the author (if involved in the scheme) will send you a signed and personalised bookplate to make your purchase completely unique – or a brilliant Christmas gift. Over 200 authors are taking part, including some very big names, so do get in touch with your favourites on social media to see if they’re involved.

To claim your signed, personalised The Split bookplate**, email me on author.sjbolton@gmail.com, attaching receipt or similar proof of lockdown purchase, and letting me know how you would like your bookplate personalised. Be sure to include your postal address.

Not sure where your nearest bookshop is? Here’s a link to a map of bookshops that are still running through lockdown. www.booksellers.org.uk/bookshopsearch

#SignForOurBookshops will run from November 5th to December 2nd.

*Not including WHSmith as most of their stores are remaining open. (Hurray!) If I have any bookplates left at the end of lockdown, I’ll gladly open this up to WHSmith customers.

**Maximum of 50 bookplates, first-come-first-served, UK only.

#SignForOurBookshops. #KeepOurBookshopsOpen