Love Your Indie: The Contest
Updated March 13th, 2009/Updated March 19th, 2009
Okay, been thinking about this whole March-is-love-your-Indie-Bookstore month, and I realized trying to guilt people into going shopping with their local guy sucks. We don’t need guilt here; we need a contest.
So here’s introducing March-is-love-your-Indie-Bookstore: The Contest.
How to Play: Go to a local independent bookstore. Buy something. Save the receipt. Send a photo or scan of the receipt to this address: indie@joehillfiction.com. Make sure either your e-mail or your receipt includes the name and phone number of the bookstore in question.
Prize: At the end of March I’ll have a random drawing, and send the winner a signed slipcased copy of GUNPOWDER.
BUT WAIT! There’s more. As this thing goes along, I’ll be adding other signed editions of other books for other randomly drawn winners. Stay tuned. (March 19 update: as promised, lots and lots of other prizes have been added since the contest began; there will now be at least 24 winners, with a rare or limited edition of something going to each randomly drawn entry; see here, here, and here)
And remember, even if you lose you win, because you will have supported a small bookstore, and come away with something worth reading.
Ground rules:
1. I’m backdating the contest to March 1st. So if you made a purchase earlier in the month, and you’ve still got the receipt, you’re good to go.
2. Your purchase must exceed 99 cents. You do not have a chance at a prize if all you did was go in your local bookstore to buy some mints and use their free internet to browse my twitterfeed.
3. Only one entry per household, please.
4. I’ll play nice, but if necessary, I reserve the right to modify rules for fairness.
5. Contest ends 12PM EST on March 31st, 2009.
6. What happens if you cheat? Well, if you email me a fake receipt, I probably won’t find out. But your soul will shrivel a little inside you, and you will find your luck turning unexpectedly sour. You will lose your house keys and pinch something sensitive in a zipper. You will step in dog doo on your way to an important event and everyone will think you beshat yourself and try to sit far far away from you. You will have a row with someone you love, learn you owe the IRS money, and grow a third nipple. The cosmos, in other words, will roughly wipe its ass with your karma. Of course if I do find out your entry was bogus, you’re instantly disqualified, and you will still find yourself getting soft parts stuck in zippers.
March 13th Update: Entries should include a shipping address, so I know where to mail your prize if you win, and to prevent multiple entries. (If you entered before March 13th, and didn’t provide a shipping address, don’t worry… your entry is still valid. But entries from the 13th onward that fail to provide a shipping address may be thrown out) Remember, per rule 3, only one entry per household. That means you only get to enter once, no matter how many receipts you email me. Finally, many prizes have been added to the contest, see the Subterranean Shockwaves entry for more info.
That’s all (for now). Now go to your indie bookstore and buy yerself a book.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Wonderful contest. I was going to buy a book anyway [see note below], so this is just icing on the cake.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Cool. Im already going to get stuff this weekend.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Rock on. Way to make a great idea even more enticing.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Great idea. Time to spread the word via twitter.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Wait, growing a 3rd nipple is a bad thing? Hmm. I am still going to go buy a book.
March 11th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Joe, if we currently catch soft parts in zippers are you willing to guarantee in writing that this will stop happening as long as we follow the rules?
March 11th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Do comic book stores count?
March 11th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
If other contestants are in Halifax, Canada, here is an indie in my city:
http://www.schoonerbooks.com
March 11th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
I’ll definitely let my customers know! Can there be multiple receipts from a household if they are from different bookstores?. . .just checking.
March 11th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I’m all over this. The funny thing is that I thought I had a receipt here for the 2nd copy I had of 20th Century Ghosts I had to buy. My mom borrowed the first one and apparently decided to keep it
Anyway, pulled up the receipt, and it was for February. Thought I had another….but nope, nothing yet this month. As soon as I can drag my sick body out of bed, I’m going to make it a point to find a local indie store and actually physically go there instead of shopping online. But damn, thought I’d get extra credit with the 20th Century Ghosts receipt….
March 11th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Doh just bought a few second hand books there and binned the receipts there last week!!!
ah well to the book shop, for more books, now what can i buy this time I wonder!
great contest idea Joe!!
March 11th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
[...] many reasons to love Joe Hill and get ready to add another to your list. He’s started the “Love Your Indie” [...]
March 11th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
A 3rd nipple IS a bad thing….unless it was upon a 3rd boob, which in that case would be a good thing. Also always nice to see (and use) the word “beshat”. Wonderful idea for a contest, Joe, you are awesome! Almost like a 3rd boob.
March 11th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Top Notch! I like it!
March 11th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Is it for americans only???
March 11th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Excellent plan. And combined with Small Press Month, which March also is, I think I know what to do.
March 11th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Do comic book stores count?
I love that you’re supporting indie bookstores. I wish we had one where I am. We have areseller, but that’s as good as it gets for bookstores. Unless you want to go to Joseph Beth, B&N, or Borders. (I prefer Borders, their coffee is better.)
March 11th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Great idea! I love it! Very creative and fun!
March 11th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I just realised that someone else already asked this. I guess I should have read the replies first huh?
March 11th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Joe
Great idea. I work at a small indie bookstore, and I love it when authors stand behind us.
Kevin
March 11th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
L-edMAO!! I love coming here! “I laughed like hell.” (HOCUS POCUS–Vonnegut).
Don’t worry Sam…I was gonna ask the same thing. I have been having a lot of trouble finding an indie bookstore. I was also gonna ask if “religulous” bookstores count ’cause it looks like those are the only indies we have other than used bookstores.
March 11th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
[...] My favorite horror writer, Joe Hill, is doing his bit to help independent bookstores. If you email him a receipt for a purchase of at least $1 from an independent bookstore you’ll be entered into a draw for a signed, slipcase edition of his latest book, Gunpowder, which is from PS Publishing so it is guaranteed to be a beautifully crafted object. Other books may be added later. Joe doesn’t say anything about overseas entry, so maybe you’d better ask if you are not in the US, but otherwise go ye forth and enter. Full details from Joe’s blog. [...]
March 11th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
What if the indie store is outside US? What is my address is outside US?
March 11th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Just totally terrific–viva indie booksellers! And viva Joe Hill!!
March 11th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Does a used book store count???
March 11th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Hey Melissa…I hope so. Although I think I may have finally found an indie bookstore here. Did a Yahoo search and found that it was featured on NPR in a story about…INDIE BOOKSTORES!! Cool, huh? Anyway, it’s a drive but it’ll be worth it. And I hope you’re feeling better.
March 11th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Good contest Joe. Could it possibly count as a double entry if we buy the particular book or books from a really obscure indie bookstore. I’m not sure how one would prove the bookstore was considerably obscure but there has to be some way?
March 11th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Hey Joe!!! Rocking. As an indie bookseller, we appreciate the love. If you are on Facebook, I hope that you join over 7600 others in supporting the Indie Book Sellers cause. Here is the link.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/27743
Hope to see you there.
Peace
Rob
March 11th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Great contest, I think I need a new book!
March 12th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Hey…
The stripper on Total Recall had a fourth
nipple…attached to a teet of course.
I’m in…to the Book Nook I go.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:00 am
[...] Joe Hill’s Indie Bookstore Contest [...]
March 12th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Wondering if picking up the new Locke & Key at my local comic store counts
March 12th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Im always looking to buy a good book. So, im not exactly worried if my entry is valid.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Well there goes my self imposed book buying ban…time to hit up the used bookstore down the street that I walk past every day. Bought a movie from my favorite independent and very awesome video store today…
March 12th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Joe linked to it on twitter, but I wanted to link it here just in case–you can find independent bookstores (and lots of other indie businesses) here: http://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder.
You can also buy books from indies online there, too!
March 12th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Bless you, Joe Hill! For the Indie-less, find the Indie bookstore closest to you by going to http://www.indiebound.org and entering your zip code. Many thanks to Joe for supporting Indies, from Cornerstone Books in Salem, MA.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
[...] For more details, go to his post. [...]
March 13th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Joe, this is such an awesome idea!!! I completely agree with your opening statement here — I’m tired of using guilt as a “marketing” technique to remind the people in my area to shop local, shop indie. We try to have a lot of fun, free events and invite local nonprofits to do stuff with us, so that we’re involved and welcoming, instead of nagging.
And your contest is a super way to reward people for doing what they already want to do! Thank you thank you thank you thank you. I wish more authors would do what you are doing. Thanks for putting your money (and your books) into the hands that feed you. Cheers, Kasey at “From My Shelf” in Wellsboro, PA
March 13th, 2009 at 9:00 am
[...] Ray Bradbury, Elizabeth Bear, and a bunch of others. Check out Joe’s blog for details – basic contest here, expanded bits [...]
March 13th, 2009 at 9:29 am
What a neat idea for a contest. I’ve got some books on hold at Murder by the Book and just hadn’t had a chance to get there to pick them up. Guess I’ll do it this weekend and scan you the receipt…LOL
What I won’t do for a free book.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:22 am
This is so great – thanks for doing something tangible to support us!
March 13th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Love the idea! Hope to be the winner.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I’m psyched that the contest includes places outside of the U.S.A. There is nothing to do here in Winnipeg with -37C weather than read books, have sex and drink hot chocolate. Hey maybe the next contest could include an amalgamation of all three!
March 13th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I love it! I’m in! I was at two great independents last weekend in Long Beach, {open} and Once Upon A Story. For those who get hooked, we have a year long Independent Bookstore Reader’s Challenge to encouage people to visit new stores, check it out at http://www.bookstorepeople.com/independent-bookstore-readers-challenge/
We’ll be posting about this contest on our blog today.
March 13th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
[...] bookstore, scan the receipt and e-mail it to Joe. All of the rules and information are on his website. I entered, it’s [...]
March 14th, 2009 at 7:50 am
[...] Hill announces a contest that promotes independent bookstores. Calling all [...]
March 14th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Thanks for the support! I work at an indie bookstore, so I printed out your contest and set it on the counter next to your books (which are easy hand-sells for me). Go Indie!
March 15th, 2009 at 7:17 am
What a great idea! I bought some books yesterday so will be mailing the details to you
March 15th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Does it count if they buy something from an Independent Publisher who has an online store? They get receipts. And if it does count they can buy any paperback title from Echelon Press http://echelonpress.com/directory.htm and get a FREE PDF download of their choice as we close up “READ AN eBOOK” week.
The deals they are a flying!
http://karensyed.blogspot.com
March 15th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I hope this isn’t considered spam? If used book shops count, then check out the website http://www.WeSellUsedBooks.com which is a free database of used bookstores.
March 16th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Karen: yes, buying something from a small press with an online store counts.
March 16th, 2009 at 10:48 am
My comic dudes never give me a receipt…..and I never ask for one, lol! I was just there last week getting my 2 copiesof L&K and Dark Tower….but I have to go back for the newest of The Stand. I hate the thought of sending a receipt with a $3 purchase price but rest assured- I’ve spent loads in that little comic book shop!! One time, my total was over $50 (which is a lot for me in 1 go) stocking up on The Walking Dead collected Graphic Novels.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
[...] March by Brady According to Joe Hill, March is Love Your Independent Bookstore Month, and he’s cooked up a contest to celebrate it. You can read all about it at his site, but the gist is this: buy a book at an independent [...]
March 16th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I’ve been thinking about all the indie bookstores from my life and they are all gone. The last one I really loved going to was Murder Ink on 92nd and Broadway in NYC. It’s so sad that Amazon and ebay are destroying indie bookstores. Thanks Joe for reminding us to be aware of our local booksellers.
March 16th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
[...] Shaped Box, takes care of part of that equation. Joe’s running a contest called “Love Your Independent Bookstore.“ How to Play: Go to a local independent bookstore. Buy something. Save the receipt. Send a [...]
March 17th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Thank you Joe! As the owner of an independent used book store, I appreciate your efforts to encourage folks to shop with us. I run a listserv for owners of brick and mortar shops like mine. I have over 300 members, and I emailed a link this contest to the entire list. I wish you the best!
Joe
March 17th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
[...] Love Your Indie: The Contest : Joe Hill Fiction "Okay, been thinking about this whole March-is-love-your-Indie-Bookstore month, and I realized trying to guilt people into going shopping with their local guy sucks. We don’t need guilt here; we need a contest. [...]
March 19th, 2009 at 6:25 am
don´t need the bribe cos i only ever buy at small indie bookshops and recordstores, heh anyway, but what a neat idea.
love, from overseas
March 19th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Does this apply to independent comic book/gaming shops? There’s a fantastic store here in Fargo I shop at all the time.
March 19th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
[...] contest finishes up (those just hearing about the contest will find all the basic info here), and there are still a few prizes to announce. Here’s two [...]
March 20th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
[...] done it. Buy, preferably from an indie bookstore (Kazoo Books is a great one!) and you can even win prizes doing so! I am going to pick up The Surgeon’s Tale by Cat Rambo and Jeff VanderMeer on Thursday. Not [...]
March 20th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
[...] Love Your Indie: The Contest : Joe Hill Fiction – Buy from an indie bookstore, potentially win FABULOUS PRIZES [...]
March 21st, 2009 at 3:57 am
Great great contest. A question: Are Non-US adresses & bookstores eligible? (Specifically Israely ones), and if so should I get the receipt in english?
March 21st, 2009 at 7:03 am
[...] to guilt-trip people into parking their dollars at the local non-chain joint, he’s decided to turn it into a contest. With very [...]
March 21st, 2009 at 11:11 am
Love Your Indie Bookstore Month « Lazy Thoughts…
[...] I’m going up to the Mystery Bookstore this weekend and buy myself something–it’s been too long. And, this is too worthy and the contest too cool to ignore [...] Kudos to you, Joe!
March 22nd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
le0pard13, thanks for the heads up on this contest. I finally got my scanner (halfway) working today, so my entry is in.
Joe Hill, kudos to you for actively supporting indies. Great idea.
March 26th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I started reading mystery books after my first visit to MBTB in Houston about five years ago. It was the beginning of a “love affair” that continues.
While I haven’t done it for long, my quantity buying has made up for the few years. I will always support the MBTB, because they are the best.
March 27th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Hey Joe…so the contest ends on Tuesday, right? I’ve been wondering how you are going to choose the winners. You gonna draw the receipts out of a hat? I’d love to know how many folks entered, too.
March 29th, 2009 at 8:50 am
[...] a chance to win one of the nearly 30 superkeen limited editions that are up for grabs. Rules listed here. C’mon, go to your little guy this weekend, pick yerself up a little sumpin sumpin, and get [...]
March 31st, 2009 at 5:32 am
[...] superkeen limited edition for your bookshelf. Which reminds me: this is the last day to get in the Love-Your-Indie contest. Spend $1 or more in your local indie, send me a pic or a scan of your receipt at [...]
April 1st, 2009 at 4:22 am
Great contest! I sent in my entry yesterday, just in time
However I just received a notification that delivery of my email has been delayed though…so I’m resending the email…hopefully my entry still qualifies.
April 1st, 2009 at 10:59 am
I sent my entry last night and got a delivery notification error. I resent it and I hope it got there this time.
April 2nd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
[...] 2009 So, the month of March is all about loving your indie bookstores. And Joe Hill Fiction has a contest going on all month — buy a book at an indie store, send in your receipt, and you could win something cool. Oh [...]
April 27th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Did I miss the announcement of the winners?
May 8th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
[...] and the British Fantasy Award. He tweets about writing and his work, and even created a contest, #loveyourindie, to encourage readers to shop at their local independent book stores. A sample [...]
May 8th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
[...] and the British Fantasy Award. He tweets about writing and his work, and even created a contest, #loveyourindie, to encourage readers to shop at their local independent book stores. A sample [...]
May 8th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
[...] the nation Fantasy Award. He tweets most composition and his work, and modify created a contest, #loveyourindie, to encourage readers to class at their topical autarkical aggregation stores. A distribution [...]
May 9th, 2009 at 1:41 am
[...] and the British Fantasy Award. He tweets about writing and his work, and even created a contest, #loveyourindie, to encourage readers to shop at their local independent book stores. A sample [...]
August 20th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Существуют два метода…
Существуют два метода искусственной инк…
August 21st, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Межведомственное взаимодействие…
Межведомственное взаимодействие Межве…
September 20th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I like to watch Supernatural and also Lost, becous the sexy cast lol. BTW found this site on google, searched for some TV Show Plot.
September 26th, 2009 at 7:52 am
[...] GO TO FULL STORY [...]
September 26th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
bookstore…
Your topic A DUTY TO THE DEAD by Charles Todd | Lost Lenore was interesting when I found it on Saturday searching for bookstore…
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:49 am
[...] You can find more info about entering the contest here. [...]
November 16th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Great blog!!! Very informative and inciteful. Excellent!!!
November 27th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
[...] and the British Fantasy Award. He tweets about writing and his work, and even created a contest, #loveyourindie, to encourage readers to shop at their local independent book stores. A sample [...]