It’s book buying time. Every January and February I spend a fair amount of time ordering books from the publisher’s summer 2010 catalogs. It’s always a little strange to be thinking about summer when we just got two feet of snow, but it’s also a great contrast to sub-zero temperatures.
I’m lucky that, with very few exceptions, I actually get to see sales reps in person. I find the face to face meeting to be more collegial (not that my telephone reps aren’t great, but it’s easier to build a relationship over coffee than on the phone) and probably more profitable for the publishers. Before I meet the rep, I usually get a sales kit in advance. This allows me time to actually look at the F&G’s (this means folded and gathered sheets, and it’s the galley equivalent of a picture book) without being rushed. I never have time to look at these kits at work, so I take them home. I learned a great trick from a fellow bookseller: I read through all the books in the kit and then two days later I go through the catalogs. Books that I remember get my attention, books I can’t remember, I don’t need to order. If I can’t remember it two days after reading it, then it doesn’t belong on my shelves.
Hardcover picture books have become increasingly difficult to sell, so I tend to buy only the books that I feel extremely confident I can handsell. I try to approach every buying session with several things in mind. Budgetary constraints do loom large these days, but I’ll never pass on anything I love. What budget issues do is make me really think about passing on books that I’m wavering on. Sadly, this usually means that the mid-list books, the books I might have gotten one or two of a few years ago, I’ll pass on now.
So, now I buy fewer titles, but more copies of books. This is risky, but there’s a comfort level customers see with multiple copies of a single title. It sends a message that we like this book enough to have five on hand. Multiple copies are also easier to display, thus making them easier to see and to buy.
In a perfect world I love every book I buy, but every buyer must keep their customers in mind. There needs to be consideration for the breadth of your collection. I don’t really care for tractors or trucks, but my customers do. So, it’s my job to make sure I have the best of the transportation books. The same thing goes for the princess and fairy books.
A picture book needs to work on many levels for me to buy it. I need to love the art, or at least see why a child would love it. The story has to be good, the rhyme needs to not be sing-songy. It can have a message, but not be preachy. There are lots of intangibles that go into me loving a book. Stunning art works for me: The Lion & the Mouse has rapidly become one of my all-time favorites. The level of detail is stunning. Funny books are a favorite of mine as well. Arnie the Donut is a favorite: full of fun art, great humor, this book pleases kids and parents alike. Skippyjon Jones is another treat because Skippy is such a great character and the story is great to read aloud.
Lastly, I listen to my rep. If I’m not in love with a book but she is, well, I’ll give it more consideration. Getting to know my reps and letting them get to know me and my store makes for a lovely relationship. After working together for years, I have reps who know exactly what will sell in my store and what I can pass on. They work for me and highlight local authors who might be available for store visits and whose books might be sleeper good sellers.
I love buying picture books. The only problem for me is, as I get older, I find ordering books six months before they come out means I won’t necessarily remember them until they come in. This makes for a lovely surprise when the boxes get unpacked, and that makes it fun all over again.