Being a Bookseller: What They Don't Tell You!
I
have been a bookseller for approximately 3 weeks now, and already it
feels like the most perfect job. The book shop is a safe haven for
the bookish, and an extremely comfortable work place. I could be
there forever.
Yesterday
I freaked out a little because I had money in my account – money
I'd been paid by Waterstones, for being in that book shop. For
helping people find the perfect read, stacking the shelves and
arranging the tables as I wished, making orders and checking in
deliveries...doing what I love. That was pretty cool.
I
recently participated in the angelic Jasmine's new blog series, Q&A's with booksellers! I was honoured to help out and answer her awesome
questions. That was early on in my new life job!
In
the past 3 weeks I have learned a lot. Discovered even more. Here are
some of the things nobody tells you about being a bookseller...at
least, the things nobody told me...
Shelving
is a workout.
Moving
stacks of books here and there, shuffling them around and turning the
odd one to face out, lifting them from the delivery boxes and
planting them wherever they belong – it aches.
In a good way. It's like a quick and breezy lifting session. 'Do you
even lift, bro? books??'
You
get all sorts.
Yesterday
I spent 20 minutes checking the balance of about 30 gift cards
for one man. I ended up printing each balance out and stapling it to
the gift card envelopes he'd brought along. Each gift card had
approximately 38p on it. Except one, which had £4.03. Madness.
I
have also, in the past week maybe, served lots of international
students all of whom are aged around 13/14 and in dire need of YA, of
course. I've talked them through every other book in that section and
they've then bought 3 each.
At
the moment a lot of parents and kids are coming in to buy GCSE study
guides, or set A Level texts (all seem mega boring and British, sorry
students of today! Bring back the Angela Carter and the poorly
translated poetry!). I am so happy that part of my life is over...but
I also miss it somewhat.
The
alphabet song is always in your head.
I
have actually caught myself stacking kids' books and quietly mutter-singing 'Ay
bee cee dee eee eff gee...' Bloody alphabet. I sometimes wonder if
the books would look better, and be easier to unload, if shelved
according to colour or subject matter...
You
wanna rec that book? Face it out, write a little review? Go ahead.
You think that one deserves a table, while that one needs to be hidden amongst
the dregs on the shelf? Shoot.
In related news, yesterday
the gorgeous 'Songs About A Girl' came in. The first copy. Ahead of
the release next week. I freaked out and shelved it so fast, rec'd it
so hard. (Read my thoughts on that beauty HERE).
Being
given access to a computer system that orders books in is dangerous.
Simple
as. Same with the store email address with which I can demand proofs
from every possible publisher. *head explodes*
Sometimes,
people are idiots.
Oh
no wait, I already knew this after working in customer service jobs
for the past few years of my life. Hahahahahahahahahaaaha.
That's
all I got so far! I'm sure I still have a lot to learn, and I am
excited to do so. Life as a bookseller is treating me well, and long
may that continue!
Follow me on Twitter @GracieActually AND my store on Twitter @wstoneshastings, because that's basically me being slightly more professional...maybe.
Ugh, dream job.
ReplyDeleteYour new job is cool! I would be uncontrollable if I was ordering in new books for a store. Fair to say I'm really envious!
ReplyDeleteJemima x
anotherrantingreader.blogspot.co.uk
I am totally coming to see you next time I'm in town... I was in there yesterday actually, not realising you worked there! Looking up the blurb on The Muse... X
ReplyDeleteLiterally dream job...one day! *gets on knees and prays*
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad all is going well Grace, I'll have to pop in one day! :) xoxox
I worked as a Waterstones bookseller for 5 years (I've now left to train as a primary teacher). It's a great job! You do get to meet a variety of people ... just watch out for the ones who assume you're an encyclopedia ("but you work in a book shop, you MUST know!").
ReplyDeleteHave fun at your new job!
Dani :)
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