Dear Independent Bookseller,

Four years ago, we introduced the "I Love My Independent Bookstore" contest to remind readers that there are intangible, subtle elements that neither the chains nor the web can provide. The feel of cozy corners. The knowledgeable but unobtrusive guidance of book-loving owners. The aroma of good, well-loved books. We're delighted to announce the reintroduction of this popular contest.

Each month we're going to give a $50 gift certificate (for use at your bookstore) if you uncover the winning answer, the best customer response (in 15 or fewer words) to "I Love My Independent Bookstore Because..." (one new national winner every month, starting in June.)

It's an easy contest to do. You don't even need to sign up with us. Just display the contest poster (PDF file, 447KB, 87sec download via dialup, 2.7sec via cable/DSL.) Harvest the names and responses any way you like—have your customers write their response on their business cards, on small scraps of paper, whatever (use 'em for your store mailing list.) Each month, pick a finalist from your store. (Have fun with it!) Then mail/email/fax/carrier pigeon us your selection. From the pool of finalists, we'll select a monthly national winner. (Then next month, start over again.)

We'll send out a press release to the national media announcing each month's winner, and mentioning the independent bookstore involved.

We hope you have fun with it. We hope it generates a lot of interest and brings in some new customers. And we look forward to meeting all of you—at Book Expo, and local tradeshows this year.

If you need more information, please contact us directly at Contest@PublishingGame.com, or fax us at (617)630-0945.

And thanks for all your hard work, and for keeping our independent bookstores alive and flourishing.

Best wishes,

PublishingGame.com
(A division of
Peanut Butter and Jelly Press)

P.S. If you'd like to stock our bestselling “Publishing Game” books, “Terrorism and Kids: Comforting Your Child”, or our perennial bestseller “The Infertility Diet: Get Pregnant and Prevent Miscarriage”, you can order them from Ingram or Baker & Taylor.