The online jungle is slashing prices, and the big box stores are following suit by undercutting each other by a penny. What’s an indie bookstore to do? Well, how about giving away books? For free? Yes, for free!
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Last night I attended an event at the Concord Bookshop, one of a number of independent bookstores that are distributing the latest book from Concord Free Press. The publisher calls their model “a revolutionary experiment in generosity-based publishing.” Each book in the run of 2,500 will be given away free via the select independent bookstores and online at Concord Free Press.
Readers are asked to make a freewill offering to a charity of their choice, or directly to a person in need. Then, pass the book along to a friend (many have been shared via BookCrossing), and the cycle begins again.
The books are numbered; I’ll log my name and location and will be able to track where “my” book has traveled, and what type of donations it has inspired. Pretty cool, right?
So, you’re probably wondering what book I got … can it be any good, a book that a publisher is willing to give away for free? Is the author able to string words into sentences? Will it be worth my time to read it? Yes, yes, and yes! The first two books published by Concord Free Press “sold out” their limited edition printings, but are still inspiring charitable donations to be logged on the website. These are Give and Take by Stona Fitch and Push Comes to Shove by Wesley Brown.
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The third book published by Concord Free Press is The Next Queen of Heaven by Gregory Maguire. Can you guess what he signed for, what his contracted rate was? That’s right – zip, zilch, nada, nothing, goose eggs! The author receives no monetary compensation for the time and effort he put into writing this novel. I imagine the satisfaction of being part of this process is, as they say on the MasterCard commercials, priceless.
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The event began with Stona Fitch, founder and editor-in-chief, handing out books to the audience. This is one of those just-missed-it pictures, taken after he tossed a handful to the back rows. Fitch then introduced a gospel trio from a church in Roxbury. He dubbed them “the Maguire Choir” for the evening; they sang for about 20 minutes, setting the stage for Maguire’s reading from The Next Queen of Heaven (follow link to synopsis and interview).
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Maguire read a 15-minute section from the perspectives of two of the main characters, then Andy Newman read a 5-minute piece from a third character. The shift in readers and character voices really whet my appetite for more; I’m looking forward to reading the novel and finding out more about Leontina Scales and her pre-Y2K life in upstate New York. I’ve agreed to pass the book along after reading it, so you know there will be a giveaway coming up!
After a short Q&A, the event broke for mingling, autographing, and cake and other treats. A gorgeous art print commemorating the first anniversary of Concord Free Press and t-shirts with their logo were available for sale. Shhh, don’t tell J, he’ll find one of these under the Christmas tree this year. Is that Paul Revere reading a book on horseback?
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Shirts (two designs) can be ordered on the web site. If you act fast, you might be able to get a book; if not, keep an eye here for my giveaway. Concord Free Press graciously accepts support in the form of a tax-deductible contribution.
I love it when people get innovative like this. What a great story! Thanks for sharing and for all of the pictures. I’ve not tried bookcrossing. I have to do that one of these days.
This is such a wonderful idea – I imagine that book will be inspiring people for years to come. The event sounds like a lot of fun too!
I read about this over at Frances’ blog. It is an incredible idea!
This is such a cool idea!!! It must have been a great event to attend – and I love the idea behind the whole thing. Very, very cool.
What an amazing idea! Great post!
As a writer…yeesh, I don’t know.
This is such a very cool idea, and I am wondering how well it is going to do, and if it will inspire more publishers to think of handing out books for free. I am curious to hear what you think of the books as well. It would be really neat if this succeeds.
What a creative marketing/business idea. There is a lot to this “free” business model right now and this is a perfect example in a tough industry. I’m glad you were in on the fun at the start.
I signed up for this yesterday! How lucky you were to get to visit. I am looking forward to seeing how this model works for them…and to reading the book.
I love the tshirt! I’m sure if you sent each of your readers one, we would hold back from contacting J and informing on the Christmas present!
Nicole – bookcrossing is like freecycle for books – no money is exchanged, you don’t get credits. Just drop a book somewhere (local Starbucks), log on and say it’s there, and someone else picks it up and logs the rescue.
Kathy – I think the audience was evenly split between people who are intrigued by what Concord Free Press is doing, and people who wanted to see Gregory Maguire. I’ll admit to being in both camps.
Sandy – Thank you for pointing me to Frances’ post! I’ve just subscribed to her blog. Here’s the link, everyone: http://nonsuchbook.typepad.com/nonsuch_book/2009/10/generosity-based-publishing-the-next-queen-of-heaven-by-gregory-maguire-for-free.html
Heather – it was a gorgeous (warm, for October) night, too. Everyone was happy … yeah, all around feel-good evening.
Julie – ‘pay it forward’ attitude
Caroline – I should have pointed out that Maguire wrote the book specifically for Concord Free Press and this generosity-based experiment. He’s in a position to be able to contribute in this way (they’re not trying to convert all authors or suggest this is the future of publishing … I don’t think they are, anyway!)
zibilee – oh, I’ll report back on the novel, and of course, I’ll be giving it away. I’ve only read a few of Maguire’s novels; can’t wait to read the full story of THE NEXT QUEEN OF HEAVEN, his reading was a teaser!
Margot – It’s especially nice to see this effort in our tough economy!
Priscilla – we’ll have to compare notes on the novel itself and where ‘our’ copies travel.
rhapsody – the back says “free their books and their minds will follow” J never reads my blog
so I think my secret is safe! 
Nice try, though!
The kids at my school (and a few adults I know) call me the book fairy. But I can’t hold a candle to these good folks. And for Maguire to sign on for this too? I just feel warm and fuzzy all over, and after reading about your great night out, I can’t wait to get my hands on my book. And then make a donation and pass it along. I think I will make a donation to First Book, rock stars when it comes to putting good books in the hands of needy kids. Adding you to my blogroll and GR now. So nice to make your acquaintance.
Very cool!!!
Very nice idea and I like that it inspires donations and to a variety of organizations. Great!