Urban bookstores are undergoing challenging times. They need authors to place books on their shelves and to come in to do book signings. They need readers to drop in and support (instead of always running off to the big box or chain stores). These are OUR people, selling OUR books. Which helps us to make a living, telling OUR stories, OUR way. And we need to do OUR part to support them. So Dc Bookdiva Publications and StraightChaser.com has decided to do just that. We will now be bringing you a weekly profile of the independent bookstores/vendors across America. We’re doing our part, so, please do yours and contact these locations for book signings, or simply call them up and order a book. Oh, and don’t forget to always ask about the latest DCB titles. At DC Bookdiva Publications and StraightChaser.com we are always seeking new ways to serve the literary community we love, so hit us up, if you own a bookstore/retail outlet, if you know of a store/outlet/vendor you’d like for us to spotlight, or if you’ve simply got an idea or two. We always love to hear from you, and so would your local vendor. So call them up, to let them know you’ve read their spotlight and tell them you appreciate that they are there. LET’S ALL DO OUR PART!
Today’s BOOKSTORE SPOTLIGHT is on:
ZitrO Books
504 N McPherson Church Rd.
http://zitropublications.wix.com/zitropublications
zitropublications@yahoo.com
910 475 7919
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZitrOBooks?ref=hl
(Twitter:)@AuthorDivineO
1. How long has your bookstore/outlet been in business?
We opened this particular location on October 3rd, 2014, but we had another location before that for a month and a mobile bookstore before that.
2. Do you carry just urban books, or do you carry other genres as well?
As long as the author is black we will carry their books.
3. What other items do you carry besides books?
Just books.
4. Have you ever written a book? What brought you to the retail market?
Yes. I have written several books that are published under my publishing company, ZitrO Publications. My online sales are doing very well, but I wanted to make a strong paperback presence and give other authors an opportunity to have their books on my shelves.
5. What are the challenges for book vendors today?
My challenge has been inventory. It is sometimes hard to get decent wholesale prices for the newer titles that readers are looking for.
6. How has eBooks effected your business?
It has spoiled a lot of readers.
7. Author support. What actions do you need from authors, to help grow your business?
Better wholesale prices.
8. Publisher support. What actions do you need from publishers, to help grow your business?
Again, better wholesale prices.
9. What are your buying/purchasing arrangements and how often do you pay out?
I purchase books from several different sources, both online and through various distributors. I try to offer my readers a large variety of titles to choose from. If I accept books on consignment I try to pay for those books as soon as possible. I do not return any books to the authors whether they sell or not.
10. Any last words to readers, authors or publishers?Any special events or announcements?
I am planning a large author book signing for November 29th, but our doors are always open for any authors to come and do a book signing.
Urban Literary Review 
Awesome interview.Her novel “Love Changes” has such vivid writing that you’ll forget its ficition. She also is such a giving author with her writing process. Thanks for breaking it down REAL! Can’t wait for ,”Chocolate Love”.