Speculation, Fact and Fiction

Today sees this from The Bookseller (courtesy of desperance)

Waterstone's is introducing a raft of new bookseller-originated promotions throughout its stores, following concerns from publishers that its
acquisition of Ottakar's would put paid to the latter's popular sci-fi and
crime promotions.

New Talent, based on Ottakar's Bookseller's Choice, will highlight new and
emerging talent in hardback fiction and non-fiction based on feedback and
choices from booksellers at store level. Waterstone's general fiction buyer
Janine Cook, who was formerly at Ottakar's, will co-ordinate the activity. A
similar promotion called Children's New Talent will be run by children's
buying manager Sarah Clarke.

Waterstone's will also introduce crime and sf/fantasy "book of the month" promotions throughout its stores, with bookseller panels organised by head office fiction buyers Simon Robertson (crime) and Michael Rowley (sf/fantasy)helping to select the titles. The programme of promotions will be launched in February.

Jon Woolcott, Waterstone's marketing manager, said: "These promotions have been designed to engage with our customers more deeply and highlight the expertise of our booksellers."

Fingers crossed. Because sensible promotions and even discounting can be a good tool for booksellers, publishers and authors alike. My first novel, The Thief's Gamble was an Ottakar's SF Book of the Month, as was my second, The Swordsman's Oath, come to that. So for that month only, each book was £1 off and that's a useful incentive for a customer wondering whether or not to give an unknown author a try. I know it helped get me off to a solid start.

Though that was in the days before the massed tables of three-for-two...

Whatever. I really hope this gives some useful front of store promotion to books that wouldn't otherwise get it.