Reader Meet Writer Spring 2021

“The Reader Meet Writer events have been a fantastic way for my store to sell books that we most likely would not have sold, and to stay present in the minds of our customers, especially since we have not been curating our own online author events until recently.” - SIBA Bookseller, submitted via anononymous member survey.

The Reader Meet Writer Author Series now includes events scheduled through the end of June.

It was nearly a year ago that SIBA launched its first Reader Meet Writer virtual author event, on March 31, 2020, with Taylor Branch, who spoke about his (then) new book, The Pride of Eden. Since that time, Reader Meet Writer has hosted 57 author events, featuring "A-list" authors like Sarah Broom, Lee Smith, Alan Gurganus, and TJ Klune; breakout and debut writers such as Odie Lindsay, Yaffa Santos and Genevieve Hudson; Southern favorites like Lisa Wingate, Silas House, and Jill McCorkle; and media personalities and social media influencers like Julia Fowler and Miles McKenna.

I came to enjoy the Allan Gurganus interview, which was a beautiful example of the moderator trying to keep the philosopher from telling the entire story of humankind in one answer... but seriously, thanks for making this a significant part of the legacy of the great Southern and American author. -- RMW attendee

What a great event! -- Deb Seager, Grove/Atlantic, on RMW with David Zucchino

We were thrilled to be a part of this program.” --Jessica Dorman, New Orleans Historical Collection, on RMW with Fatima Shaik

Originally started to help bookstores whose event programs had been cancelled due to the pandemic, Reader Meet Writer has established itself as a premier author series with an excellent reputation among booksellers, publishers, and most importantly, readers. It was cited as one of SIBA's most popular and valuable programs by booksellers in 2020.

That trend has continued in 2021. Of the eight RMW events hosted far this year, the average attendance has been over 100 people. (109.5, to be exact!). Post-event videos on YouTube are averaging 100 views and climbing.

What RMW does for bookstores:

Currently about 80 bookstores participate in Reader Meet Writer.

RMW is an opportunity to host authors who might otherwise never visit your store. For stores without a virtual events program, it can work as your own store-branded event schedule. For stores with a virtual events program, RMW can fill in some of the gaps in your schedule, and bring authors to your customers that you might not otherwise reach.

Event promotion, ticket and book sales are done through SIBA stores. SIBA provides resources for stores to use in their own promotions:

RMW Bookseller Resources [You must be logged in to view]

RMW events are also promoted on SIBA's consumer-facing website and newsletter, The Southern Bookseller Review. Authors also often promote their upcoming appearance to their own fan base, a source of potential new customers for SIBA stores.

Each RMW event begins with an exhortation by host Wiley Cash for listeners to support their local stores. The event Q&A also includes call outs to thelocal bookstore of every view who asks a question.

After the event is over:

RMW events are recorded and posted on SIBA's YouTube channel. All are available for stores to link or embed on their own websites as part of their event programming and store marketing. Click here for the RMW playlist

Events are recapped in The Southern Bookseller Review newsletter.

Booksellers: if your store is not on this list, contact Linda-Marie to be added to the RMW program.

Publishers: to submit an author for RMW, click here.