Monday 27 February 2017

How to Get Your Hands on That Book You Want...


By Karen M. Davis

You are standing in line, waiting for a coffee from your favourite cafe and you overhear two ladies in front of you gushing about the latest book they've read. Being an avid reader your ears prick up and you can't help but politely interrupt and ask the name of the book they are talking about. One of the ladies tells you the author and title... 'Oh but unfortunately it's not on the shelves anymore,' she says. 'My friend lent it to me and there is a reserve list at the library a mile long.'


Bummer, you think, already excited about what sounds like an exciting read.


I can't remember how many times I've been asked (and I'm sure other authors get the same thing) 'How do I get your book? I can't find it anywhere.'


As you may already be aware, with many new authors being published all the time and established authors putting out a new book each year, book retailers only have limited space on their shelves for all these amazing books. I've been told there is about a three month turn around, sometimes less. And if a book is really popular and sells out they are not always replaced because new books are constantly replacing them.



Image courtesy of bookbitesoz.BlogSpot.com
So what to do when you can't find THAT book you are looking for???

Visit a bookshop or give them a call and order the book you want. You want to buy it and the retailer wants to sell it.


Or, go to your local Library. If they don't have it because it seems to have constant reserves on it, they may be able to borrow a copy from another Library.


If you like to read from a Kindle or ipad there are plenty of apps and online options for download. Or you can order online using the printed form from Booktopia, Amazon or Boomerang Books. You will have to wait for a few days but hopefully it will be worth it.

Image courtesy of freepngimages.com

Disclaimer: this blog was inspired by a blog post by author Jenn J McLeod.
I love to laugh at old Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em shows. I love Frank Spencer.
I would love to learn a musical instrument when I can find the time.
I love to love my family obviously but also my pets; Heidi the cat, Benny the Moodle, and his very old dad, Billy the wonder dog.


11 comments:

  1. Hi Karen, I just love the search for an elusive book - it's so much fun to track it down. Kindle is an excellent quick option, or another ereader. Libraries are my BFFs. Another quick and easy way to find a book that may not be in the shops at present is through www.booko.com.au. This finds the book, gives you best price - including postage - and options for ordering. It even includes secondhand prices for the bargain hunters. Such a good book-finding tool. Have fun!

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  2. Hi Malvina, thanks for the info on www.booko.com. I didn't know about that site. There are so many out there that are great to know about for book lovers.

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  3. Hi Karen. Back in the day when the digital age was a science fiction concept I used to rely on the library to find a book. Now the internet makes the search so much easier. I usually just use Google.

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    1. Hi Enisa, you can't go past Google for almost anything can you?

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  4. Hi Karen, I mostly read on my kindle these days. You are right. It definitely makes searching for books easier.

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    1. Hi Sharon, I have recently discovered reading ebooks also but I must admit I still like the feel of a book. Either way, as long as we get to read that book...

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  5. A worthwhile post, thanks Karen.

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  6. Hi Karen

    I once wanted a book that I knew was out of print (in the days before e-books) and searched for months until I found it on a site that sold second hand books. Bingo! I still have the book today and had it signed by the author when she came to the RWA conference a few years back. Where there is a will there is a way and now it's easier than ever.

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    1. Hi Cassandra, good on you for tracking it down and then getting it signed. You should be a detective...

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