We just lately lined how bookstore staff usually aren’t paid a residing wage, nevertheless it would possibly shock you to know that numerous authors face the identical subject. One queer indie bookstore is working to alter that, particularly the place LGBTQ authors are involved. This marginalized group has been hit notably onerous by growing anti-LGBTQ legal guidelines and e-book bans. That’s not all: in keeping with StoreQueer.co, most authors solely obtain about 10% of the income any time their e-book is bought.
Many write on the aspect of a full-time profession or juggle a number of jobs simply to make ends meet. Tiktok celebrity writer Xiran Jay Zhao just lately posted about how they weren’t paid sufficient for his or her first e-book — regardless of hitting The New York Times Best Seller List — to work full-time on the sequel with out working different jobs.
StoreQueer.co is working to fight this subject by splitting income with the queer authors they characteristic of their retailer. Not solely that, they’re working to make LGBTQ books extra accessible for everybody by making a secure, queer-focused e-book group. Just wait till I inform you concerning the rainbow e-book bus that’s within the works! (More on that down under.)
There’s at all times an inflow of articles and social media posts about supporting queer authors and creators each June, however LGBTQ authors must make a residing 12 months spherical. Pride Month is a greate alternative to deliberately concentrate on studying, requesting, selling, and buying queer books written by queer authors, sure, however May, July, August, and even September are as properly. Especially in mild of the transmisogynists and anti-LGBTQ crusaders who’ve develop into more and more loud and emboldened in recent times. Proudly supporting queer books, queer authors, and queer bookstores is a good way to battle again in opposition to all that hate.
Now please permit me to gush for a second as I’m going by all the opposite issues I completely love about StoreQueer.co:
Signed Books!
You know I like a signed e-book, and the signed e-book part of StoreQueer.co presents a shocking array of beloved authors to select from: Steven Rowley, Freya Marske, Adam Silvera, Carmen Maria Machado, Sarah Waters, Emma Donoghue, TJ Klune, Kosoko Jackson, and our very personal Susie Dumond, simply to call a number of. According to StoreQueer.co “over 100 authors have signed their books for you, at no extra cost” to point out their gratitude for supporting their work.
Book Selections and Recommendations By Both Genre and Identity!
Wow, wow, wow, can I simply say how a lot I like this? As somebody who writes — and reads — about queer books so much, it’s so useful to have the ability to seek for books by id. You can browse books based mostly on gender id, sexual id, and racial id to search out precisely the illustration you’re on the lookout for, in addition to looking out by style or age group.
Discreet Packaging!
I like the brilliant pink packaging StoreQueer.co makes use of to ship books, nevertheless it’s an unlucky actuality that publicly studying queer books isn’t secure for everyone. Maybe sometime that can now not be the case, however till then discreet packaging is offered upon request in the course of the ordering course of.
Rainbow Book Bus!
Because opening an indie bookstore and supporting queer authors isn’t sufficient for the sensible minds behind StoreQueer.co, they’re additionally working with the nonprofit wayOUT to fund a rainbow e-book bus that can deliver queer e-book gala’s to cities all throughout the nation. You can assist their efforts on Patreon and even snag a reduction on all StoreQueer.co orders whilst you’re at it. Don’t thoughts if I do!
There’s a lot to like about StoreQueer.co, and I do know I’ll be doing a great little bit of my on-line e-book buying from them going ahead. Now, please excuse me whereas I’m going get much more books for my already overflowing rainbow e-book cabinets.
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