Used Book Buyer

Yesterday, I was given the task to order three more books of a title we're adapting into a script. As I come from publishing, I usually try to buy new and in hardcover. Keep those editors employed! Unfortunately, though, in this case, said book is now out of print in both hardcover and paperback. Ergo, I had to order used copies from Amazon (I'm sure I could have used another service not Amazon, but Amazon makes it easy, so...whatever. Not the point. Anyway...). Back when I started buying used, I would scope out the cheapest price as most of these blokes selling titles out of their basement actually make their money from the shipping fees. But lately, I've made a shift. I've been looking for name brands. IE Privately owned bookstores that would have been put out of business by Amazon and B&N and Borders if they didn't start using the net to their advantage. While I appreciate Uncle Jimmy's entrepreneurial spirit in hawking Grandma's old Harlequin titles, I would much rather keep Powell's alive by paying $13 for their "used-good, with some highlighter markings", than JimmyBeatsWorld's $0.99 "USED-V.GOOD, CHEAPEST PRICE ON THE NET!!!".


We live in a branded society. Afterall, when you want to satisfy that hunger, don't you reach for a Snickers? And if you cared to send the very best, wouldn't you send a Hallmark? (The answer to that last one, BTW, is YES.) I mean, perhaps I am brainwashed to believe that Hastings is going to give me better service because they're pretty big for a little chain. And, OK, yeah, I feel good whenever I buy from BetterWorld. I just can't help to picture African children crowding around a truck laden with books the same way we see footage of them clamoring for bags of rice. (Shut up.) My favorite place to buy from, of course, is the Strand. Whenever I click on "add to cart", I picture myself browsing those dark shelves or think about those times I dragged friends and family down there to sell my books for pocket change. I want the Strand to be right there in Union Square forever. Which is why, even if their prices are a bit higher than KittyKate, I'm going with them. Because I know that rent prices in NYC are awful, that the people who work there are even bigger book snobs than me and deserve a living wage, and that, in the end, by buying from a reputable place I'm still supporting the publishing structure (whether by keeping them a viable retail outlet, or at the very least as a place where Editorial Assistants can get pocket change).

Thanks to http://newyorkdailyphoto.blogspot.com for the photo.