Pandemic Help
James Patterson extended his philanthropy toward independent bookstores with a personal donation of half a million dollars to help stores impacted by coronavirus closures. The funds were administered by the Book Industry Charity Foundation, with money to be distributed by May 15, 2020. Patterson joined with the American Booksellers Association in the #SaveIndieBookstores fundraising campaign, which ran in April. The funds “will go toward helping hundreds of indie bookstores across the country replace lost sales, keep employees on the payroll, cover employees’ insurance premiums, and pay rent, utilities, and monthly bills.” Patterson explained,
The White House is concerned about saving the airline industry and big businesses – I get that. But I’m concerned about the survival of independent bookstores, which are at the heart of main streets across the country. I believe that books are essential. They make us kinder, more empathetic human beings. And they have the power to take us away – even momentarily – from feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and scared. I hope that the funds we raise keep bookstores alive at a time when we need them the most.
For more: <www.saveindiebookstores.com>.
Abrams launched the #HELPABOOKSELLER fundraiser to benefit the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, pledging to donate at least $50,000 to help indie stores. To donate: <secure.donationpay.org/bincfoundation/covid.php>.
PEN American expanded their Writers’ Emergency Fund to help writers “meet an acute financial need, especially one resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak,” with grants of $500 to $1,000 available. For more: <pen.org/writers-emergency-fund>.
Audible has increased author and narrator royalties for self-published audiobooks for sales in April, May, and June, “to reduce the financial impact of COVID-19 on the creative community.” Royalty rates rise to 30%, and up to 45% for those distributed exclusively via Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Royalty Share rates have increased to 22.5%.
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