Monthly Archives: March 2009

Tweet Tweet: Who’s Twittering in the Christian Book Trade?

Posted on March 31, 2009 by | 25 Comments

twitter

Last Updated December 1, 2010

Twitter. It seems you can’t turn on the TV or radio, pick up a paper or open a magazine without someone twittering on about twitter. Even April’s Christian Marketplace, p.39; but I’m to blame for that one.

So what’s it all about? What’s the point? Two words: twitter connects. Bookseller to bookseller: bookseller to customer: bookseller to publisher and supplier: bookseller to author; and vice-versa, as well as every other possible which way. It connects us professionally but, perhaps more importantly, as people. So let’s make it three words: twitter connects people; and people, surely, is what this trade of ours is ultimately about.

So who amongst us is twittering? Here’s a list of those I know of so far, with a few from beyond the Christian trade thrown in for good measure — because we wouldn’t want to be just talking to ourselves, would we? Since UKCBD is a UK focused project, I’m initially restricting this list to UK users or those with a clear UK crossover. Other users are very welcome to comment, of course!

Index: Bookshops and Booksellers | Authors | Publishers and Suppliers | Others


Bookshops and Booksellers (A-Z by Shop Name/Surname)


Authors (A-Z by Surname)
With links to authors’ blogs and UKCBD Reviews where available.


Publishers and Suppliers (A-Z by Company/Surname)


Others

Index: Bookshops and Booksellers | Authors | Publishers and Suppliers | Others

If you’re on twitter, have some sort of connection to the UK Christian book trade and would like to be added to this list, please leave a comment on this post and/or follow/tweet me @notbovvered and I’ll gladly add you.

For a list of who’s twittering in the wider book trade, check out @jennifertribe‘s  Directory of Book Trade People on Twitter; and be sure to visit the christianbookshopbods twibe and blog set up by @unicorntreebks.

If you’re not on twitter and can’t quite figure it out, check out these posts from a couple of guys who’ve been at it for longer than me:

If you’re not convinced after reading those, then I guess twitter really is not for you. No worries: the world will keep on turning.

Where Next?

→ 25 Comments

Posted in Bookshop Ramblings, Christian Bookshops, Christian Publishers

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Mystery Shopper: In Many Bookshops with Mr Charmley

Posted on March 30, 2009 by | 1 Comment
Introducing the Highland Host...

Introducing the Highland Host...

There’s a mystery shopper out there, and it might be your shop he visits next: the mysterious Mr Charmley, aka ‘Highland Host’, has been touring a few of the UK’s Christian bookshops and reporting back on them on his blog, Strict and Particular.

Look out for him coming your way — apparently you can recognise him by his ‘Spurgeon’ style beard — and be sure to give him a warm, strict and particular welcome.

Shops visited so far, most recent first:

Shortcut URLs:

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Christian Bookshops, News

Tagged , , , ,

USA: Disappointment at Low Turnout for Christian Book Expo

Posted on March 26, 2009 by | 1 Comment
Cbejpeg

Christian Book Expo

The overwhelming feeling expressed by those involved with the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA) Christian Book Expo, held at the Dallas Convention Center, March 19th – 22nd, is a sense of disappointment at the low turnout.

Michael Hyatt, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers as well as Chairman of ECPA, who has been twittering throughout and reporting at greater length on his blog, got straight to the point in his closing reflections on the show:

The attendance at the show was abysmal. There’s no way to spin this or ignore it. We only got a fraction of the audience we were anticipating. According to ECPA (as quoted in Publishers Weekly), only about 1,500 consumers showed up. Frankly, we were hoping for 15,000 to 20,000.

Yet by the end of his analysis he remains cautiously optimistic:

I am not sure publishers are going to want to try this again next year. With the current economic realities we are all facing, we really can’t afford to try too many things that don’t promise an immediate payback. That doesn’t mean that Christian Book Expo is a bad idea. It may just mean that we have to re-launch this at a different time with a different model.

Hyatt is not alone in remaining hopeful: both Tyndale House and Baker were amongst the exhibitors and are cited by Christian Retailing as remaining upbeat and expressing interest in the possibility of future shows:

 Tyndale President Mark Taylor said CBE was a “bit of a gamble” in putting together, but would be “interested in doing this again.” Dwight Baker, president of BPG, echoed those sentiments, saying “we’re not giving up on this event.”

The article continues with mention of a decision last year by Thomas Nelson “to redirect some of its marketing strategy away from trade shows and to the new consumer show model” — but the strategy quite clearly didn’t work out as hoped for. Here in the UK we perhaps need to be asking questions about what — if anything — this may imply for CBC, the Christian Booksellers Convention: is this year’s model, a combined trade/consumer event, a better way forward or a recipe for confusion?

For links to more Christian Book Expo reports and updates, follow @CBE2009 on twitter.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in News

Tagged , , , , ,

Wesley Owen Want You – and a New Name for STL UK?

Posted on March 25, 2009 by | 12 Comments
Wesley Owen Volunteer Search

Wesley Owen Volunteer Search

Wesley Owen want you — but they don’t want to pay you, they want you to volunteer, which is nothing new in the Christian sector.

They also want you to know that they’re a worthy cause: 100% Charity, apparently. So no commercial or business interest, then? No competing with other retailers? I find myself wondering what, exactly, we mean by the term ‘Charity’ in today’s world: as Melanie Carroll from Unicorn Tree Books, Lincoln, asked in a recent tweet, “Is it fair for charities running commercial & retail businesses to compete claiming 100% charity?”

Excerpt from the Wesley Owen Volunteer Leaflet (PDF, 104kb)

Excerpt from the Wesley Owen Volunteer Leaflet

But alongside those questions I’m also intrigued by a little snippet at the bottom of their Volunteer Leaflet: “IBS-STL U.K. will soon be re-named Biblica.” No doubt there’s some strategic — and 100% charitable — rationale behind this which will be revealed in due course. Another tweet from Melanie, however: “they can rename it anything they like – a rose by any other name – but if they ain’t fixed the problems it won’t matter anyway!”

And finally, some good news for would-be Wesley Owen volunteers: “You don’t need any special skills or experience as you will receive on-the-job training and support…” — but to be on the safe side: “Literacy, numeracy, enjoyment of meeting people and an interest in Christian books and music will stand you in good stead…” Application form here.

(H/T to the anonymous ‘Christian Bookseller’ who pointed me towards the Wesley Owen Volunteer Search: thank you.)

→ 12 Comments

Posted in Christian Bookshops, Christian Suppliers, News

Tagged , ,

House on the Rock: New Christian Bookshop Opens in Bury

Posted on March 23, 2009 by | 1 Comment

Christians in Bury, Greater Manchester, had cause to celebrate last week at the Official Opening of The House on the Rock, Bury’s new Christian Bookshop and Café, by the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, Bishop of Manchester. The opening ceremony, held on Tuesday March 17th, was attended by representatives from local schools, churches and businesses along with local dignitaries including the Mayor and Mayoress.

The shop — based inside Bury Parish Church — opened its doors in December 2008 as the culmination of the Church’s long running ‘Step Inside’ appeal, which was reported on by BBC Manchester back in March 2006 and has attracted local media attention several times since:

Bishop opens new Christian Bookshop - Bury Times, 20/03/2009

Bishop opens new Christian Bookshop - Bury Times, 20/03/2009

More Info 

→ 1 Comment

Posted in News

Tagged , , ,

The Bicycle Thieves

Posted on March 23, 2009 by | Leave a comment
UKCBD > Christian Book & Music Reviews > Music > The Bicycle Thieves

The Bicycle ThievesThe Bicycle Thieves

Superhero 
Product Code: 837654175941 / SH1CD3 
SH1 Music, 2009 
£9.99

Category: Music 
Reviewed by: Phil Groom

Coming in to land somewhere between Delirious and U2 but no pale imitation of either, Superhero’s The Bicycle Thieves brings us Christian rock at its best: distinctive, sometimes melodic, sometimes brash, but always sharp. It’s an album you can leave on repeat play with no regrets as the lyrics mesh with the music to haunt your imagination. The title track is well chosen:

We are all just bicycle thieves 
Looking for a new set of wheels… 

And anyway, it’s hard for me to steer 
with all these stones in my hands 
This is definitely not the way it was originally planned…

SuperheroThis is the group’s third album but their first under their own label, SH1 Music, and the combination of Tim Cheshire’s songwriting with Sam Gibson’s mixing skills behind the scenes makes for a dynamic, powerful and professional sound: excellent.

But don’t just take my word for it: head on over to the band’s website, where you can listen to two tracks online and make up your own mind.

If you’re a Christian retailer this is an album to seriously consider stocking: Tim Cheshire’s contact details are on the website and you’ll find him happy to discuss trade terms. Anyone else reading: if you like what you hear — just buy it.

Phil Groom, March 2009

Phil Groom is this site’s Webmaster and Reviews Editor. He’s a regular contributor to Christian Marketplace magazine and is the manager of London School of Theology Books & Resources. Any opinions expressed here are personal and should not be taken as representing the views of London School of Theology or of any other group or organisation.   

More Reviews | SH1 Music

Authors | Categories | Publishers | Reviewers | Titles

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Music Reviews

Tagged

Christian Publishers Representatives (CPR) Disbanded

Posted on March 20, 2009 by | 16 Comments

Christian Publishers Representatives (CPR), the SPCK sales force which amongst others also represents Oxford University Press, Wild Goose and OneWorld, is to be disbanded. The news emerged yesterday in a comment left here by Melanie Carroll of Unicorn Tree Books:

It would seem STL are not the only ones now resorting to losing the Rep Force – SPCK seems to be following suit in swift action. Doesn’t bode well really does it.

I Have just had my CPR rep in – Howard Corn – who has told me that He, along with other CPR reps, were last week given their notice that CPR is been disbanded. Howard say’s he leaves at the end of June after 16 Years service (I think was the figure he gave, with Jeremy Bakewell leaving in September/October.

He say’s he has no idea how the new structure for sales will work, whether it will be Telesales or some other method.

I would just like to say thank you to Howard, who I have seen for a number of years now, for all his good work and service during this time. Today, as ever, he was unfailingly polite and pleasant whilst showing the lists. I will see him for one more cycle and after that he will be much missed. Thank you Howard for all your service.

→ 16 Comments

Posted in Christian Publishers, News

Fasting and Feasting

Posted on March 10, 2009 by | Leave a comment
UKCBD > Christian Book Reviews > Seasonal > Lent & Easter > Fasting and Feasting

Fasting and FeastingFasting and Feasting 
Daily Bible Readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day

Gordon Giles 
ISBN 9781841015699 (1841015695) 
BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship), 2008 
£7.99

Category: Seasonal 
Subcategory: Lent & Easter 
Reviewed by: Jody Stowell

The theme of ‘fasting and feasting’ seems perfectly at home in the season of Lent. But Gordon Giles brings a fresh look at what these things might actually mean to us, taking us through the Old and New Testament meanings and challenging us to a deeper understanding of this season which will refresh our discipleship.

Giles begins by rooting Lent in the practice of confession and absolution, pointing out that Shrove Tuesday is less about feasting on pancakes, or even about using up the luxuries of our kitchen cupboards, and more about the meaning of ‘shrive’: Shrove Tuesday, drawn from the word ‘shrive’, literally means to be forgiven. This is the day when we prepare for the fast of Lent, when we present ourselves for absolution, when we turn ourselves to God in repentance. This is an excellent place to start our journey over the following six weeks.

Over the six weeks Giles uses the topic of ‘food’ to draw on a wide variety of themes. From the literal starvation and obesity that plagues our world, through the provision of God, to the spiritual food that must sustain through all things, and which is found in turning to the Lord for all our needs.

It is amazing how ‘food’ is continuously found in Scripture – there is much material there for Giles to draw on. For the majority of the notes, I found the engagement creative and well researched. We are challenged to take responsibility for all sorts of things – having presented ourselves to God at the beginning of the journey through these notes – for the food and drink that enters our bodies, to consumption on a global scale. I found the way that Giles poses these questions helpful, we don’t feel completely helpless in the face of world crisis, but see how our own choices affect the whole.

At the back of the book there are notes that might be used for groups. As I tend to find with these type of notes, these will be helpful for groups where the individual members are able to share openly with each other and are well experienced in doing their own reading and preparation, otherwise there might not be enough material.

As we go through Lent, I hope that you have found notes which grow your relationship with the Lord: I’m sure that these will not disappoint you.

Jody Stowell, March 2009

Jody Stowell is a theology student at Spurgeon’s College, which trains baptists for ministry and mission. She, however, is an Anglican, and soon to begin training for ordained ministry in the Church of England. She is also a self-confessed internet junkie and can be found commenting about most things on her own blog www.radical-evanglical.blogspot.com and on Fulcrum forums, where she is on the leadership team.

BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) | Order from www.christianbookshops.org

Authors | Categories | Publishers | Reviewers | Titles

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Book Reviews

Tagged , , ,

Kingsway Buys Fierce! Distribution

Posted on March 3, 2009 by | 8 Comments
Kingsway purchases Fierce! Distribution - Press Release

Kingsway purchases Fierce! Distribution - Press Release

In a Press Release issued yesterday, Monday, March 2nd, 2009, Kingsway Communications announced its acquisition of Fierce! Distribution. This places the actual distribution process in the hands of STL. The announcement was accompanied by a note asking retailers for patience whilst the transition takes place, reiterated in the press release itself:

All sales placed on and after today (Friday 27th February) will be processed by STL. Please allow a period of grace for this transition.

The merger should secure the future for Fierce!, which was inevitably brought into question following last year’s announcement that Delirious? would be disbanding. It takes place with the full blessing of Martin Smith and the band, who commented:

Fierce! has been our UK/International distributor for the last 8 years and we are so pleased to be passing our ‘baby’ onto Kingsway to take forward the Delirious? catalogue and our future releases.

→ 8 Comments

Posted in Announcements, News

Tagged , , , , ,

Farewell to Tim Alban as STL Cuts Sales Team

Posted on March 2, 2009 by | 7 Comments
Tim Alban

Tim Alban

In the March 2009 issue of Christian Marketplace, just out this weekend, Richard McChesney, Business Development Manager at STL, writes:

As concern over the UK economy continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to be properly prepared for these financially testing times…

… if you’re feeling the pinch, you may need to consider job cuts but it is also important to retain your key employees. Their strengths will help you through an economic downturn and you will need them when business picks up…

… smart businesses continue to market through a downturn and position themselves to take advantage of the upturn as soon as it starts. In tough times the marketplace becomes more competitive — you may need to market more vigorously, not less…

Have to confess that I’m having some difficulty working out the relationship between Richard’s recommendations and  Tim’s redundancy. To quote Melanie Carroll:

Given how the systems don’t seem to be working I can’t see ditching reps will do much to increase confidence in their performance and increase sales.

Tim, I take this opportunity along with Melanie to wish you all the best wherever you go from here. Here are Melanie’s comments from Saturday morning, responding to my post The Lost Message of Eugene Peterson:

I would normally ask my STL Rep but he’s just been made redundant!!

See normally on something like this query I contact my rep from whatever company and ask them and they are usually pretty good at getting me some sort of answer.

Tim Alban from STL has alway been pretty good on this sort of thing in getting me an honest answer – however as this morning I recieved an email from him saying that he has been made redundant! I guess I won’t be doing that anymore.

I find this sad as Tim has moved around the country with me in my 12+ years in christian bookselling and he has been my STL Rep in all that time.

Perhaps rather than culling staff they should look at fixing systems – or better yet not having invested in an expensive new system that doesn’t work and has decreased their otherwise decreasing sales anyway.

I fear this is just the tip of the iceberg and wonder how many others will be sacrificed by IBS-STL.

Given how the systems don’t seem to be working I can’t see ditching reps will do much to increase confidence in their performance and increase sales.

I also wonder how many other reps have been effected as I have recieved nothing from STL directly to let me know about this – but then maybe I got overlooked as I seem to be getting overlooked in delivery of my orders due to system glitches.

I checked the STLD blog but there isn’t anything up there either which I would have expected as at least it’s a place most people can get news from and should be reactive – its a blog!

To Tim, and anyone else in this situation, my prayers and hopes for their futures go with them.

→ 7 Comments

Posted in Bookshop Ramblings