It’s not enough for an author to write a good book, heave a sigh of relief and look forward to resting her oars.
Not a chance.
Forget lesser known authors, because in the age of Facebook, Netflix and Twitter even books by familiar writers and famous figures require intense marketing to pierce through the thick wall of countless distractions enveloping readers.
An unfortunate sign of the times we live in.
And getting authors to talk about and read from their latest works at the big bookstores is one of the marketing tricks in the arsenal of publishers.
But the good part is that these Reading events are FREE for the public.
And an opportunity to see your favorite writers in flesh and blood, kiss their hands and feet and bore them to tears with your blah-blah-blah of endless admiration for their talent.
Barnes and Noble Stores
With Borders kissing the dust, Barnes and Noble is the last big book store chain still left standing in New York City.
And to Barnes and Noble’s flagship Union Square store (33 E.17th St) is where the writers, young and old, established and new, American and Foreign, head to read from their works or sign copies of books for buyers.
Former U.S. Secretary of state Madeleine Albright was listed recently on the B&N web site as visiting the store on April 24, 2012 to speak about her new book Prague Winter and sign copies.
The Union Square store also has a special event series called Upstairs at the Square that pairs writers with musicians.
By the way, if you happen to buy the Nook e-book reader the Barnes and Noble Union Square store provides free tutorials on using the device.
Barnes and Noble’s store at 2289 Broadway (82nd St and Broadway) also gets several writers to talk about their books and sign copies for fans.
To get advance information on speakers, book readings and signings at any of the NYC Barnes and Noble stores, visit the book store’s web site, click on Stores & Events in the top right. Enter your zip code, hit enter and you’ll get a list of stores along with upcoming events.
Readings and talks by the author are usually in the evenings, mostly at 7PM. But get there early.
Web Site: http://www.barnesandnoble.com
But Barnes and Noble is not the only game in town for free readings.
Hey, NYC is a big city and there are other options too.
Book Court
163 Court St
(Between Dean St and Pacific St)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Ph: 718-875-3677
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-10PM Sun 10AM-9PM
Subway: F, G to Bergen St.
Book Court in Cobble Hill has an active events calendar where you can meet authors, participate in the Q & A, listen to the writers and get autographed copies of your purchases.
At Book Court too, the readings are in the evenings at 7PM. Click on the Events tab on Book Court’s web site.
Web site: http://www.bookcourt.com
192 Books
192 Tenth Ave
(Between W.21st St and W.22nd St)
New York, NY 10011
Ph: 212-255-4022
Hours: Daily, 11AM-7PM
Subway: C, E to 23 St
This Chelsea general interest bookstore organizes frequent readings by authors in the evenings, usually at 7PM.
Since seating is limited, it’s better to make a reservation by calling the store.
Check event listing on the bookstore’s web site.
Web site: http://www.192books.com
McNally Jackson
52 Prince St
(Between Lafayette St and Mulberry St)
New York, NY 10012
Ph: 212-274-1160
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM; Sun 10AM-9PM
Subway: N, R to Prince St; B, D, F, M to Broadway-Lafayette St; 6 to Spring St
This downtown bookstore has an active events calendar with a variety of authors stopping by.
Weekday Conversations with authors are in the evenings, usually at 7PM.
Weekend Readings for kids are held at 11:30AM on Saturdays.
Don’t forget to click on the Events tab of McNally’s web site for details.
Web site: http://mcnallyjackson.com
Revolution Books
146 W.26th St
(Between 6th Ave and 7th Ave)
New York, NY 10001
Ph: 212-691-3345
Hours: 12PM-7PM, Daily
Subway: 1, N, R to 28 St; F, C to 23 St
No, Revolution Books is not your mother’s or grandmother’s bookstore.
Here read the opening lines of their Mission Statement:
If the new winds of global resistance give you hope … if you find the current state of the world intolerable … if you yearn for a better future … Revolution Books is the place for you.
Organizes events centered around books, both old and new.
Check out web site http://revolutionbooksnyc.org
Three Lives and Company
154 W.10th St
New York, NY 10014
Ph: 212-741-2069
Hours: Wed-Sat 11AM-8:30PM; Sun 12PM-7PM; Mon-ue 12PM-8PM
Subway: 1 to Christopher St-Sheridan Sq; A, B, C, D, E, F, M to W.4 St
West Village bookstore organizes occasional “Evenings” with authors but not as frequently as some of the other stores listed above.
Check the Readings tab on the Three lives web site.
Web site: http://threelives.com
Pete’s Candy Store
709 Lorimer St
(Between Frost St & Richardson St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Ph: 718-302-3770
Hours: Mon-Wed 5PM-2AM; Thu, Sat 5PM-4AM Fri 4PM-4AM Sun 3:30PM-2AM
Subway: L to Lorimer St or Bedford Ave; G to Metropolitan Ave
Free Reading Series. Every other Thursday at 7:30PM. Check the web site for current season’s schedule.
Eat, drink, live music but cramped place
Web site: http://www.petescandystore.com
KGB Bar
85 E. 4th St
New York, NY 10003
Ph: 212-505-3360
Subway: F to 2 Ave; 6 to Astor Place
Very active reading schedule at KGB Bar in downtown Manhattan.
No cover but drinking encouraged. Hey, they have to make a living too.
Check the schedule on KGB’s online home.
Web site: http://www.kgbbar.com
Happy Ending
(Between Forsyth St and Eldridge St)
302 Broome St
New York, NY 10002
Ph: 212-334-9676
Subway: F to Delancey St; J, M, Z to Essex St; J to Bowery; B, D to Grand St
Hosts reading events (second Wednesday of every month) and Red Umbrella storytelling on intersection of sex and money (first Thursday of every month).
Web site: http://happyendinglounge.com