GLIBA Regional Newsletter: August 15, 2025

Important Links & Deadlines



• August is Black Business Month! -- See ABA's list of Black-Owned Indie Publishers
• Heartland Fall Forum Attendee Registration
• Voice of the Heartland Nomination Link
• HFF Hotel Booking Link -- September 20th, 5pm EST

Marquee Author Breakfast Panelist Announcement!

Get your tickets! The Marquee Author Breakfast on Thursday, October 16 will feature FOUR incredible authors in conversation:

• Anika Fajardo with The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore (Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster)
• Jennifer Eli Bowen with The Book of Kin: On Absence, Love, and Being There (Milkweed Editions)
• Terah Shelton Harris with Where the Wildflowers Grow (Sourcebooks Landmark)
• John U. Bacon with The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald (W.W. Norton / Liveright)

Opening Reception Author Announcement!

No tickets needed for the Opening Reception on Tuesday, October 14, featuring a moderated panel of FIVE authors:

• Paige Lewis with Canon (Penguin Random House / Viking)
• Tolani Akinola with Leave Your Mess at Home (Penguin Random House / Pamela Dorman Books)
• Cadwell Turnbull with A Ruin, Great and Free (Blackstone Publishing)
• Michelle Collins Anderson with The Moonshine Women (Kensington)
• Alice Stoehr with Again, Harder (Feminist Press)

Heartland Fall Forum Registration is Now Live!!

Join us in Indianapolis, Indiana for a three-day celebration of independent bookselling, including awards celebrations, author events, bookstore tours, education, networking, and a vibrant trade show floor where booksellers and our industry partners can do business together and get to know one another. Heartland Fall Forum is hosted collaboratively by the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association and the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association. We can't wait to see you all in Indy!

Hotel Booking Information

Heartland Fall Forum has a block of rooms reserved for attendees at the location of the conference:

​The Indianapolis Marriott Downtown:

350 W Maryland, Indianapolis IN 46225

View Heartland's booking link

$239 per night, booking deadline September 20, 2025 at 5pm EST

Subject to availability, our group rate is available to attendees for three days prior to, and three days after the dates of the show. 

Exhibitor Registration is Open!

Thank you for supporting this event! We have lots of info on the way for exhibiting at and/or attending Heartland Fall Forum 2025 in Indianapolis. Click HERE for a full list of exhibitor table cost and options. If you have any questions, please email Larry Law [email protected] or February Spikener, [email protected].

Heartland Fall Forum Virtual Office Hours

Below are the sessions for August 2025:

• August 5th & 19th, 10am & 4pm CST: Attendee and Exhibitor Registration

Click here for the Google Meet link for sessions, or click the button below to the Events page on the GLIBA site. For any questions, reach out to Executive Coordinator February Spikener at [email protected].

It's Time! Renew Your GLIBA Membership!

It's that time of year: Membership Renewal! We have updated our GLIBA membership form so please update your information. Renewal takes less than 5 minutes! Once updated, you'll receive an email invoice from us for your membership dues.

• Bookstore Membership Annual Dues: $150
• Publisher and Affiliate Annual Dues: $200
• Prospective Bookstore Membership is Free!

Click here to read the list of GLIBA membership benefits or opportunities. If you have questions about the form or GLIBA membership, feel free to reach out to February at [email protected].

Pages and Grapes (Wyoming, MI) Featured In USA TODAY!

Every week, USA Today spotlights an independent bookstore on the USA Today Books page! For an opportunity to be featured, ABA member bookstores can fill out this google form and pitch your bookstore to USA Today. Read the profile on Pages and Grapes here and enjoy the preview below!

What’s your store’s story?

In 2023, I was knee deep in classes for my Bachelor's degree. In an entrepreneurship class, we had to create a business plan for our term project. My professor told me to dig deep and use a hobby or passion to start the foundation. I love reading and reminded myself that I dreamed of owning a bookstore years ago. My dream was re-envisioned into a romance bookstore because it is the genre that I read.

From there, I knew that I wanted to create a romantic atmosphere and selling wines seemed like a logical pairing since it has been associated with romance since ancient Rome. As my research progressed, I realized that my dreaded course project had turned into a viable business idea, and at the end of the course, I had a good start to my official business plan. 

Pages & Grapes is a distinctive literary destination that brings together a passion for romance novels and a refined appreciation for fine wines. We are a romance-only bookstore and opened on Nov. 23, 2024. James Jones and I own the 1,676-square-foot bookstore. In addition to its literary offerings, Pages & Grapes features an elegant selection of locally sourced wines, enhancing the overall experience. It is also a community space that embraces romance and celebrates life's finer pleasures in a welcoming and judgment-free environment. We also sell Michigan-made products from wine to bath & body items. 

What makes your independent bookstore unique?

At Pages & Grapes, our mission is to cultivate a community of romantic readers who can connect and discover their next great read in a judgment-free environment. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer experiences, fostering meaningful relationships and supporting local businesses and products. 

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?



A Tribute of Fire was my first romantasy book. Sariah Wilson is an amazing writer. I loved the book and cannot wait for the second one to come out this year. 

The Tomorrow Bookstore Launches Cover Prize and Helpful Insight for Customers on Book Covers

Helllloooo! Long time no see ;) 



This month, we're diving deep into the world of book covers. We hear it all the time in the store: "It's so bad, but I often just buy a book based on if I like the cover."



And I ask you: Is it really that bad? When buying a book, you mostly have four things working to sway you: the cover, the blurb, reviews/publicity, and word-of-mouth. So if you're in a store and you're seeing a book you've never heard of before, cover is accounting for 50% of what will or won't convince you to pick up.



So I thought this week I'd give you a little insight into how covers are created, and how best to read them -- so that when you vote for the best covers over on our instagram this month, you'll be ready and well-informed.

Abraham Associates is Hiring a Full-time Field Sales Representative (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana)

Abraham Associates is hiring a full-time field sales representative, to be based in Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana. We are shifting territory responsibilities for some accounts this fall/winter to expand our coverage around the entire Midwest. This will be a new position in addition to our existing team.

Our expectation is that this new sales rep will cover the eastern part of our territory – including key accounts and new accounts. The exact territory boundaries and responsibilities may shift, depending on the best candidate’s location.

Success in this job will involve a steep learning curve about our publishers’ policies and terms, their expansive backlist of titles, a wide array of booksellers across the Midwest, and how we operate in the middle. Abraham Associates is a collaborative work environment with decades of experience and history in this field. The ideal candidate will be stepping into an established rhythm of meetings, reading, service, support, and outreach – with a solid team at their back.

The official job posting is here at Shelf Awareness.

https://www.shelf-awareness.com/jobboard/2025-08-12/sales_representative_(based_in_michigan_ohio_indiana).html

If you have any questions about the position, or want to apply, send an email to John Mesjak, [email protected].

The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB²), founded on Juneteenth in 2025 as a 501(c)(3), is a membership-based organization dedicated to promoting literacy, amplifying Black voices and preserving Black culture.

More information on the association's founding, mission, and membership opportunities can be found on their website, www.nab2.org.

PBS: Bookstore Year One

The Professional Booksellers School has a great new project in development: Bookstore Year One!

The course will go live in the fall of 2025. Sign up now and you'll be given a private, pre-enrollment period!

Indie-to-Indie August Playlist:

Women in Translation

Publisher members of the Independent Publishers Caucus have curated a lists of titles to help populate and distinguish your displays this month. The theme for August is Women in Translation. Click here to View the list in Edelweiss!

Indie-to-Indie September Playlists:

Back to School & Breakout Books

The themes for September are Back to School (click here to view this list in edelweiss) and Breakout Books (click here to view this list in edelweiss), but there’s also a Back to School list specific to the Young Reader’s Edition (click here to view this list in edelweiss)!

Send us your store's news to be included in our future newsletters!

Professional Booksellers School Links



A Learners' Guide to PBS Independent Study

Basic Bookselling Self Guided

Basic Bookselling Store Subscription

Bookstore Financial Literacy Bundle

Upcoming Courses

BINC Links



Binc Mental Heath Wellness Program

Financial Assistance for BOOKSELLERS from Binc

Scholarship Opportunities

ABA Links

Apply for Winter Institute 2025 Scholarships

Take the Annual Membership Survey Now

Independent Bookstore Day Planning Guide

ABFE: ABA's Free Expression Initiative

Indies Take the Gold Campaign Assets

Current and Previous ABACUS Data

Monthly Marketing Calendars

Nominate Someone for the ABA Board

Download the Bookseller Resources Poster

ABA Event & Program Calendar

Indie Next List Deadlines

Report Sales to New York Times, Indie Bestseller Lists

ABA Affiliate Partnership Offers for Members

GLIBA Regional Newsletter: August 8, 2025

Important Links & Deadlines



• August is Black Business Month! -- See ABA's list of Black-Owned Indie Publishers
• Heartland Fall Forum Attendee Registration
• Voice of the Heartland Nomination Link
• HFF Hotel Booking Link -- September 20th, 5pm EST

Author Announcement!

Get your tickets! The Marquee Author Breakfast on Wednesday, October 15 will feature three incredible authors in conversation:



• Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. with America, U.S.A. (Grove, an imprint of Penguin Random House)
• Kao Kalia Yang with The Blue House I Loved (University of Minnesota Press)
• Shaka Senghor with How to Be Free (Authors Equity)

Heartland Fall Forum Registration is Now Live!!

Join us in Indianapolis, Indiana for a three-day celebration of independent bookselling, including awards celebrations, author events, bookstore tours, education, networking, and a vibrant trade show floor where booksellers and our industry partners can do business together and get to know one another. Heartland Fall Forum is hosted collaboratively by the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association and the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association. We can't wait to see you all in Indy!

Hotel Booking Information

Heartland Fall Forum has a block of rooms reserved for attendees at the location of the conference:

​The Indianapolis Marriott Downtown:

350 W Maryland, Indianapolis IN 46225

View Heartland's booking link

$239 per night, booking deadline September 20, 2025 at 5pm EST

Subject to availability, our group rate is available to attendees for three days prior to, and three days after the dates of the show. 

Exhibitor Registration is Open!

Thank you for supporting this event! We have lots of info on the way for exhibiting at and/or attending Heartland Fall Forum 2025 in Indianapolis. Click HERE for a full list of exhibitor table cost and options. If you have any questions, please email Larry Law [email protected] or February Spikener, [email protected].

Heartland Fall Forum Virtual Office Hours

Below are the sessions for August 2025:

• August 5th & 19th, 10am & 4pm CST: Attendee and Exhibitor Registration

Click here for the Google Meet link for sessions, or click the button below to the Events page on the GLIBA site. For any questions, reach out to Executive Coordinator February Spikener at [email protected].

The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB²), founded on Juneteenth in 2025 as a 501(c)(3), is a membership-based organization dedicated to promoting literacy, amplifying Black voices and preserving Black culture.

More information on the association's founding, mission, and membership opportunities can be found on their website, www.nab2.org.

PBS: Bookstore Year One

The Professional Booksellers School has a great new project in development: Bookstore Year One!

The course will go live in the fall of 2025. Sign up now and you'll be given a private, pre-enrollment period!

4th Annual Black Lit Weekend

The 4th annual Black Lit Weekend will be held in Newark, NJ from August 14th - 17th, and be a weekend of community building, development, and empowerment. Register today!

Indie-to-Indie Playlist:

Women in Translation

Publisher members of the Independent Publishers Caucus have curated a lists of titles to help populate and distinguish your displays this month. The theme for August is Women in Translation. Click here to View the list in Edelweiss!

Send us your store's news to be included in our future newsletters!

Professional Booksellers School Links



A Learners' Guide to PBS Independent Study

Basic Bookselling Self Guided

Basic Bookselling Store Subscription

Bookstore Financial Literacy Bundle

Upcoming Courses

BINC Links



Binc Mental Heath Wellness Program

Financial Assistance for BOOKSELLERS from Binc

Scholarship Opportunities

ABA Links

Apply for Winter Institute 2025 Scholarships

Take the Annual Membership Survey Now

Independent Bookstore Day Planning Guide

ABFE: ABA's Free Expression Initiative

Indies Take the Gold Campaign Assets

Current and Previous ABACUS Data

Monthly Marketing Calendars

Nominate Someone for the ABA Board

Download the Bookseller Resources Poster

ABA Event & Program Calendar

Indie Next List Deadlines

Report Sales to New York Times, Indie Bestseller Lists

ABA Affiliate Partnership Offers for Members

Several bookstores have reported scam emails and calls from groups posing as publishers, demanding immediate payment on fake overdue invoices. Please double check sender details and contact your publisher rep or credit agent directly if anything seems suspicious. 

GLIBA Regional Newsletter: August 1, 2025

Important Links & Deadlines



• Heartland Booksellers Award Winner - August 6th
• Heartland Fall Forum Attendee Registration
• Voice of the Heartland Nomination Link
• HFF Hotel Booking Link -- September 20th, 5pm EST

Vote for Heartland Booksellers Award Winners!

Your vote will help determine the winners of the 2025 Heartland Booksellers Award. Titles were submitted by publishers and booksellers in our region.

The Heartland Booksellers Award is a joint award given annually by the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association and the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association. Please rank each title based on your choice. #1 being your top pick and #4 being your lowest pick.

Celebrate the winners by joining us at the Heartland Booksellers Award Ceremony on Tuesday, October 14th during Heartland Fall Forum in Indianapolis.

Voting deadline is Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Thank you for voting!

Heartland Fall Forum Registration is Now Live!!

Join us in Indianapolis, Indiana for a three-day celebration of independent bookselling, including awards celebrations, author events, bookstore tours, education, networking, and a vibrant trade show floor where booksellers and our industry partners can do business together and get to know one another. Heartland Fall Forum is hosted collaboratively by the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association and the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association. We can't wait to see you all in Indy!

Hotel Booking Information

Heartland Fall Forum has a block of rooms reserved for attendees at the location of the conference:

​The Indianapolis Marriott Downtown:

350 W Maryland, Indianapolis IN 46225

View Heartland's booking link

$239 per night, booking deadline September 20, 2025 at 5pm EST

Subject to availability, our group rate is available to attendees for three days prior to, and three days after the dates of the show. 

Exhibitor Registration is Open!

Thank you for supporting this event! We have lots of info on the way for exhibiting at and/or attending Heartland Fall Forum 2025 in Indianapolis. Click HERE for a full list of exhibitor table cost and options. If you have any questions, please email Larry Law [email protected] or February Spikener, [email protected].

Heartland Fall Forum Virtual Office Hours

Below are the sessions for August 2025:

• August 5th & 19th, 10am & 4pm CST: Attendee and Exhibitor Registration

Click here for the Google Meet link for sessions, or click the button below to the Events page on the GLIBA site. For any questions, reach out to Executive Coordinator February Spikener at [email protected].

Professional Bookseller School: Bookstore Year One

The Professional Booksellers School has a great new project in development: Bookstore Year One!

This will be year-long learning community for new store owners; new members can join any month and stay for the full year. Each month they'll cover a different topic, with videos and other learning materials created by experienced owners, then host meetings via Zoom to ask questions and get advice.

The course will go live in the fall of 2025. By signing up now you are expressing interest and ensuring you'll be the first to get news about costs and registration dates. Sign up now and you'll be given a private, pre-enrollment period!

4th Annual Black Lit Weekend

The 4th annual Black Lit Weekend will be held in Newark, NJ from August 14th - 17th, and be a weekend of community building, development, and empowerment. Register today!

Early bird registration pricing ends on June 30th, and space is filling up fast. Additionally, if you’re planning to book your stay in Newark, be sure to reserve your room under our discounted hotel block at Tryp Hotel by July 23rd. Rooms are first come, first served, and availability is limited. Use Group Name: Black Lit Weekend or code: 081425BLA Read More

Interested in being a sponsor for Black Lit Weekend 2025? This is a fantastic opportunity for brands and organizations to support and gain visibility and build relationship with Black-owned bookstores. For more information on sponsorship, tabling or other activation opportunities, please reach out to [email protected].

Apply for the Sisters in Crime

"We Love Bookstores" $500 Award

Sisters in Crime, an organization of crime writers and readers, has a long-standing commitment to supporting and partnering with bookstores. In addition to publishing the We Love Bookstores Newsletter, the organization also gives six bimonthly $500 We Love Bookstores Awards to bookstores in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Europe, where Sisters in Crime has local chapters. Find the easy online application on SinC's website here.

Please send questions about Sisters in Crime or the WLB Award application to Susan Hammerman, [email protected].

Sign Up Now For Bookstore Romance Day

Bookstore Romance Day is a day designed to give independent bookstores an opportunity to celebrate Romance fiction—its books, readers, and writers—and to strengthen the relationships between bookstores and the Romance community.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 9, 2025 -- the seventh celebration of Bookstore Romance Day! Click here for information and to sign up to participate!

Indie-to-Indie Playlist:

Women in Translation

Publisher members of the Independent Publishers Caucus have curated a lists of titles to help populate and distinguish your displays this month. The theme for August is Women in Translation. Click here to View the list in Edelweiss!

Send us your store's news to be included in our future newsletters!

Professional Booksellers School Links



A Learners' Guide to PBS Independent Study

Basic Bookselling Self Guided

Basic Bookselling Store Subscription

Bookstore Financial Literacy Bundle

Upcoming Courses

BINC Links



Binc Mental Heath Wellness Program

Financial Assistance for BOOKSELLERS from Binc

Scholarship Opportunities

ABA Links

Apply for Winter Institute 2025 Scholarships

Take the Annual Membership Survey Now

Independent Bookstore Day Planning Guide

ABFE: ABA's Free Expression Initiative

Indies Take the Gold Campaign Assets

Current and Previous ABACUS Data

Monthly Marketing Calendars

Nominate Someone for the ABA Board

Download the Bookseller Resources Poster

ABA Event & Program Calendar

Indie Next List Deadlines

Report Sales to New York Times, Indie Bestseller Lists

ABA Affiliate Partnership Offers for Members