It seems to be well known that supermarkets charge cereal companies for prime display space. It seems to be less well known that bookstores do the same thing. They do, though. For example, the publisher of The Big Questions is paying for prominent front-of-the-store display space at all Barnes and Noble and Borders stores—except for those located in Manhattan—through the month of November. (At least the B&N contract runs through the end of November; I’m unclear on whether the Borders contract runs as long.)
There have been several reports of individual stores failing to honor this commitment. My publisher will be having a chat about this with the Barnes and Noble folks in a couple of days, and prior to that discussion it would be useful to know just how widespread the problem is.
So—if you happen to be going past a Barnes and Noble (or a Borders) in the next couple of days, I’ll be most grateful to know whether you found The Big Questions out on the front table where it ought to be. You can comment here or email me at “questions at landsburg dot com”. Please include the address of the store, or the street it’s on, or the town it’s in —whatever you’ve got. Thanks for your help!
When I bought my copy the day after the book’s release date, there were no copies at the front table, but maybe the front display simple hadn’t been updated yet. Also, and I know authors hate hearing this sort of thing, I only found one copy in the store, which is the one I purchased. It was shelved in the philosophy section.
Today, Nov 16, I stopped by the Sugarhouse district Barnes and Noble in Salt Lake City. The Big Questions was not on the most prominent display just inside the front door, but it was on the “New Non-Fiction” table just to the entering customer’s left of the main display. Other books next to The Big Questions included The Infinity of Lists by Umberto Eco, The Book of Genesis Illustrated by R Crumb, and several books about Sarah Palin.
I hope this helps. I enjoy your blog!
Franklin and Alan: Thanks (and thanks to all who emailed responses as well). This information is extremely helpful.
I just purchased the book at the Barnes and Noble at the City Center in White Plains, NY and the book was on the second “New Non-Fiction” table. Not the table right in front of the door, but just a bit away. The other “New Non-Fiction” table had books that were being sold at 20% off.
Best,
It’s on the New Non-Fiction table at B&N in LA on Pico.