One of my more enjoyable tasks at work is collection development. If you're not a librarian or library adjacent, you might not be too familiar with that term. Collection development is the cultivation of the items available to patrons. This task includes researching which items to purchase, placing them in the correct area of the library, and deciding when an item is no longer in demand.
When I was growing up, this meant physical books and videos and newspapers on microfiche and periodical databases. But the range of items can be much different these days. Libraries still have books and videos and music cds and magazines. But libraries also have what many call their "Library of Things". Basically, items that patrons might only need briefly or want to test out before purchasing their own. My previous library has a record player, a giant jenga game, a telescope, a metal detector, and D&D dice, among other items. My current library has a bocce set, a croquet set, a projector, a scanner, a laminator, and various cake pans among other items.
I select and order books for the library though. If an adult fiction title is available to patrons, then I ordered it. Once publishers set a definitive release date for a title, that information will become available to book distributors. Libraries often order from Baker & Taylor or Ingram, the two main book distributors in the US. Amazon is one which is also available to the general consumer. Independent bookstores also have the ability to share and preorder items not yet published. Which is to say there can be a big buzz about a book many weeks or months before that title is available to be purchased and read.
So how early are new titles listed with these distributors? Months in advance. Right now I am mostly concerned with a book that is being released eight weeks from now. What book?
My brother's book.
"One of Barack Obama’s longest-serving speechwriters reveals the public speaking lessons that will help you become a more confident and compelling communicator and leader.
In Say It Well, Szuplat shares the life-changing lessons he learned from Barack Obama—one of the most admired speakers of our time—and how he applied these techniques to become a better speaker himself. In every chapter, he shares never-before-heard advice from Obama on speaking well, along with riveting behind-the-scenes stories of writing for a president—so you can master every step of public speaking.[...]
Along the way, Szuplat introduces you to remarkable people from all walks of life—students, advocates, business executives, veterans—who have used these techniques to give speeches that have gone viral and inspired millions of people around the world. At a time of division and distrust, Say It Well also shows how we can all speak with the empathy, civility, and honesty that we need now more than ever.
In sharing his journey to find his own voice, Szuplat will help you find yours. Written with humor and warmth, this is your new guide to the art of public speaking. And the next time you speak—whether you’re giving a toast or a eulogy for a loved one, a presentation at work, or an impassioned appeal for a cause you care about—not only will you know what to say, you’ll know how to say it well."
Say It Well will be released on September 17th.
Look.
I know you probably think I am biased, but this is an important read for any and every one.
Ok, maybe I'm just a teensy bit biased.
But!
That doesn't mean that this is any less important of a read for many.
So, where do you come in?
You need to preorder it.
Whether that is through Amazon, Bookshop, your favorite local indie bookseller,
or your local big box bookstore I'll leave up to you.
But, what's that you say? You're a big library user?
Request your local library orders it.
It's easy to do. Just ask a librarian how.
For more information about Say It Well, check out
Preorders really help publishers gauge interest,
so please preorder Say It Well!
And keep an eye out for his book tour the second half of September!
