Simon:
We had a look at a premises today. It's a nice size (700 square feet), and has an impressive shopfront. The windows are great, and offer lots of possibilities. It's not directly on the High Road, where rents are insane, but it's on a road leading off it, and is still very visible. There were two small offices inside that the bloke who was there to show us around didn't have keys for. Despite Tim throwing himself against the door, and the bloke ramming a screwdriver into the keyhole(?), we couldn't get in. We pretty much got the idea though.
We're going to see the estate agents on Monday.
We've also got an appointment with Haringey Council's Economic Regeneration Team on Monday. They're going to see if there's anything they can do to help, as, thankfully, they can see that the bookshop is something that will make a positive impact on the community. There'll be a small business adviser there as well.
Tim's been getting quotes for shop fittings, and also we've found a local sign-maker, so things are moving on at a pace.
wishing you the mightiest of luck with your venture Si. The stars are crossed in your favour, just look at that Championship table. You will triumph also. You'll get loads of events/signings/launches- kepp the publicity going- S.Pack will be the first of many.
ReplyDeleteOh I love a good "birth of a bookshop" blog having sat through the labour of the wonderful Mostly Books, it was time someone gave birth to another one.Good luck and I have lots of tips based on my own experiences in my local.
ReplyDelete1/Please don't wrap my lovely new books whilst eating a greasy, smelly Cornish Pasty, it upsets me and the books never quite get over it.
I'm afraid to have to inform you Dove that (through experience) Simon is quite partial to the odd baked good on the shop floor...
ReplyDeleteJoe is right, we will get loads of authors in the shop for you, whoever you need... xx
Just found you through dovegreyreader ... the VERY best of luck with the estate agents this morning and the council ... the more independent bookshops there are, the better.
ReplyDelete.....also meant to say that you could consider Inpress too as distributors of fantastic writing from Indie publishers....
ReplyDeleteCan you give an email address on your blog so I can send you something about fundraising? ta
ReplyDeleteidea for funding- secure an advance from Scott Pack's T.F.P., who will agree to publish this blog ( your great adventure ) in book form some time next year after you've broken all book retailing records for your first six months trading etc., etc.. Needs some work ( the idea not your blog ) but worth a go, maybe ?
ReplyDelete...and the film rights to Richard Curtis, of course.
ReplyDeleteJoe Melia, how gorgeous to hear from you, I trust you are chipper. Thanks for the kind words of support, and for the Scott Pack / Richard Curtis advice. I'll put together a proposal first thing in the morning.
ReplyDeleteEmma, I've put my email address on my about me bit of the blog.
I'll try and stay up to date with all that's happening, so keep coming back!