My husband and I are interested in opening a Christian bookstore. What advice can you give us on getting all the resources we need to get started?
–A. Memphis, Via e-mail
Your decision to open a Christian bookstore gives you an advantage of managing a specialized category. Therefore, the only thing left is to find companies that distribute the books you want. Expect to pay cash for your book inventory until suppliers become comfortable enough with your operation to reward you with a credit line.
Compiling a list of resources is an excellent start. Conduct an online search to find a listing of Christian book publishers who can supply you with the books you intend to carry in your store.
Here are a few online resources that provide information about book suppliers and launching a successful Christian bookstore: American Booksellers Association (www.bookweb.org) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to meeting the needs of independently- owned bookstores with retail storefront locations. Christian Booksellers Association (www.xulonpress.com/ index.htm), one of the largest Christian publishers in the U.S. is a good place to start if you want to find a supplier. Library of Congress Book Fair Locator (www.loc.gov/loc/ cfbook/bookfair.html) offers information on book fairs and other literary events across the Country.