We can have our ebooks and support local stores, too!

When I founded Reina Books, one of the cornerstones of the business was to make books available through independent bookstores. First, I like visiting small bookstores. Second, they are an author’s best friend. Bay Books in Coronado and New & Recycled Romances in Costa Mesa were my first big supporters in that they shared all the gossip about who was a diva and who wasn’t, as well as hosted well-attended book signing events. But as I was planning Lost in the Light, I was concerned because my initial plan was to launch it only as an ebook. But family and friends urged me to try print-on-demand not only for those still devoted to print books, but also for local bookstores to carry. So even if it meant delivering stock out of the trunk of my car, I was ready to do it. But then Kobo Books and Indie Bound launched a partnership that saved me gas money, not to mention countless bookstore staff from the harassment of an independent author!

If you love the convenience of ebooks but you’re devoted to supporting locally-owned bookstores, check out this list of participating booksellers on Indie Bound. Through the Kobo eReading Program, you can purchase and read ebooks on Nook*, iPad, Sony Reader and Android Devices. Participating bookstores receive credit for your purchases.

Here’s the how-to:

1. Click on the bookstore of your choice and from their website, set up your Kobo account.
2. Or, purchase a Kobo Mini or Glo eReader bought from the store.
3. Download the Kobo app onto your device. You can then designate your participating independent bookstore in the settings. (*With Nook, you need to side load your Kobo titles onto the reader. It’s easy and I’m happy to share. Just leave a comment at the end of the post.)
4. Through your Kobo account, browse, search for, and buy ebooks with a clean conscience!

If you have questions,ask away in the Comments.

Disclosure: I am not a tech expert. But I do love to play with gadgets. I own a Nook device but also carry the Nook, Kobo and Kindle apps on my smarty-pants phone.