https://bookshop.org/shop/ajcampbell

There is nothing quite like walking into a neighborhood bookstore and seeing shelves curated by people who actually know and love the stories they carry. Independent bookstores are not just retail spaces. They are gathering places for readers, discovery engines for new voices, and anchors for local culture and conversation. When we lose them, we lose far more than a place to buy a paperback.

Buying from an indie shop keeps money in the community, supports real jobs, and helps ensure that small presses and unconventional books still have a place on the shelf. These stores are often the first to take a chance on new authors, niche genres, and books that do not always fit into a big chain marketing plan. Every time you choose an independent seller over a mass retailer, you are casting a quiet vote for a more diverse and interesting literary world.

If you prefer to shop online, you can still support independent stores through Bookshop.org, which partners with local bookstores and shares profits with them. You can enter your town or zip code in the search bar to connect your purchase to a specific local bookseller, so your order directly benefits the shop closest to you.

My books are available there as well, and purchases through my page help keep that ecosystem alive. You can explore my work and support indies at my Bookshop author page: bookshop.org/shop/ajcampbell. Next time you are looking for a new read, consider ordering through a local shop or Bookshop.org instead of clicking the first big box option. It is a small shift that makes a real difference for independent bookstores and for the authors they champion.