Bookseller Blueprints
Learn. Collaborate. Build.
Bookseller Blueprints is a virtual education series created just for our bookstore members! Each month, we’ll dive into a different aspect of MIBA membership and bookselling — from events and marketing tools to networking opportunities and growth resources — giving you practical takeaways, tools to strengthen your store and get the most out of your membership.
What you need to know:
- Each month’s session happens during the second full week, with two times to choose from
- Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. CST or Thursday at 6:00 p.m. CST.
- Every 30–45 minute session is recorded and archived (link at the bottom of this page), so you can revisit the ideas anytime.
- All resources shared during sessions will be provided in a follow up e-mail to attendees.
- Session surveys will also be emailed for feedback and improvements to the series (we want to hear your ideas for future sessions!)
- Future sessions are added on a rolling basis!
New Registration Process:
- Log in to your Member Compass account.
- Visit the event page of the session you want to attend (using the links below).
- Click the 'Register Now' button.
- Select your name from the dropdown list (your profile info will automatically fill in).
- Submit your registration.
-
You’ll receive a confirmation email right away, followed by event reminders closer to the date!
Important Access Items:
- Individual Registration Only: You can only register yourself.
- Unique Join Links: The system generates a personalized link just for you. If anyone else tries to use your link on the day of the event, they will be blocked from accessing the session.
- You may join the session up to 5 minutes before the start time.
Upcoming Sessions:
July: A Day in the Life with Edelweiss Omnibus
Omnibus is Edelweiss's new platform for running a bookstore: one place connecting your POS with inventory, ordering, and Edelweiss catalog and analytics. Square integration is available now, with more on the way.
In this session, we'll open up the platform and walk through what a real bookselling day looks like inside it: managing inventory, receiving shipments, tracking special orders, and setting up events — with Edelweiss catalog and analytics woven in throughout. We'll flag the shortcuts and settings that tend to save booksellers the most time and answer any questions you might have.
Takeaway: You'll leave with a clear sense of whether Omnibus fits your store, along with the resources to take the next step.
August: Building Author Relationships
Cultivating strong author connections is a major asset for bookstores, but navigating the industry can feel entirely different depending on the author's reach. This session offers a high-level roadmap for managing both sides of the coin: learning how to interface with major publishers for touring authors and building meaningful, sustainable relationships with local writers. We’ll explore the core principles of professional outreach, communication, and long-term partnership strategies that you can scale to fit your store’s size and capacity.
Takeaway: Gain a clear framework for navigating professional author relations—from understanding how to approach corporate publishers to effectively collaborating with your local writing community.
Tuesday, August 11 at 10:00 am | Thursday, August 13 at 6:00 pm
Sponsorship Information:
Sponsoring the program means the session is yours to plan, with our help producing and marketing it. Ideas include: sharing updates, highlighting specific information, teaching on a specific area of expertise, and getting feedback from booksellers. It's the chance to communicate directly with our indies in an intimate setting.
Marketing includes a stand-alone e-blast, call-outs in the weekly newsletters, a listing on our event calendar, and inclusion on our dedicated web page (this one!).
Purchase here or reach out with any questions.
