Some of modern literature’s best-known authors are banding together to back a campaign that aims to support local bookshops as England endures another lockdown.
Matt Haig, Malorie Blackman and Adam Kay are among hundreds of authors who have come together in a “thunderclap of support” by backing the backing #SignForOurBookshops.
READ MORE: Indie bookshops team up to take on Amazon
The campaign entails providing bookstores with signed, personalised bookplates designed by Chris Riddell to incentivise customers to buy from their local shop rather than online – especially Amazon – to help boost trade as they remain shut down because of the lockdown.
The idea was first flagged by novelist Holly Bourne, and now more than 300 other authors have signed up to #SignForOurBookshops initiative, including David Nicholls, Dolly Alderton, Jack Monroe, Holly Webb, Juno Dawson and Dorothy Koomson.
It's Lockdown 2.0 and I'm so excited to launch #SignForOurBookshops ! A campaign to support bookshops this month. Over 200 authors & counting, have pledged to sign and send personalised bookplates to shops & customers to keep us using our beloved stores. https://t.co/CZXOzM4W62 pic.twitter.com/n3Mk0zEwOG
— Holly Bourne (@holly_bourneYA) November 5, 2020
Some authors pledged to send personalised bookplates direct to customers, while others are offering to send signed bookplates to their local store.
Readers can follow the #SignForOurBookshops hashtag to find participating authors, and the scheme will run until December 2.
https://twitter.com/monisha_rajesh/status/1326495979642744832
I'm so pleased to be part of the #SignForOurBookshops campaign. I'll send a signed bookplate (designed by @chrisriddell50!) to the first 100 people who buy my books from a bricks and mortar bookshop – just drop me a DM with proof of purchase and your address. pic.twitter.com/YQkzi4YNNu
— Amγ Wilƨon (@AJ_Wils) November 5, 2020
Due to @holly_bourneYA’s fantastic #Signforourbookshops initiative, all of these books are available with signed bookplates at the fab @diallanebooks in Ipswich. So if you fancy getting your hands on a signed copy of #TheLostOnes, do get in touch! pic.twitter.com/uunKUfd657
— Anita Frank (@Ajes74) November 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/CalumMcSwiggan/status/1324315797481730048
Any bookshops who would like some signed bookplates from me, do please let me know (with the quantity required). I have a finite amount to give away, so they'll be allocated on a first come, first served basis. UK only. 😊 https://t.co/49RC4YohUu
— Auntie Malorie (@malorieblackman) November 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/amateuradam/status/1324364352577744898
https://twitter.com/junodawson/status/1324350313604784129
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