Laurie’s Consulting Services


During my thirty years as a retail bookseller I was regularly asked to sell books at “out of store events”.  These events included Teacher’s Conventions, library sessions, specific organizations who brought in authors for their members, trade shows – anywhere people saw the need for a bookseller.   Over the years I have spoken to approximately thirty groups a year with topics ranging from running a small business, the importance of reading to simply recommending good books.   Anything is possible and we will look at all requests of this nature to see if we can help you.  For example, here are a few highlights of the many events that have been keeping me busy since closing Volume II:



  1. Bullet   Speaking Engagements


  1. ✦    Festival of Ideas, University of Alberta, Board Member

  2. ✦    Attended WORDFEST in Calgary

  3. ✦    Attended the 2008 ScotiaBank Giller Awards in Toronto

  4. ✦    Master of Ceremonies for "Room to Read" at the Lois Hole Library

  5. ✦    2008 Windsor Park School Book Fair

  6. ✦    Speaker at Alberta Education Professional Development Day

  7. ✦    Teacher's Conventions, Greater Edmonton, North Central, North Eastern

  8. ✦    Young Reader's Conference at Highlands School

  9. ✦    Book Launch for Wendy Davis's "Dal & Rice" at the Winspear Theater

  10. ✦    Book Talk with Phi Delta Gamma at Robertson Wesley United Church

  11. ✦    Writer's Corner at the Edmonton Public Library with Steven Galloway

  12. ✦    Family Literacy Center's Volunteer Appreciation Night - Book Talk

  13. ✦    Pure Speculation panel member - "Which book stays on the island?"

  14. ✦    Keynote Speaker at Read-In Week Official Opening at King's University College


Please note: There is a minimum $150 fee to have Laurie come and speak to your group anywhere in Edmonton and a $200 fee for surrounding cities and towns. 



  1. Bullet    Laurie’s Bookmobile


Many of you have heard me talk over the years about my desire to have a travelling “bookmobile” so that I can make it easier for those living some distance from Edmonton to buy books for themselves, their friends and family.  Well, I’m doing it!  I went to Edson, Hinton and Jasper before Christmas and over the past few weeks have been to St Paul and


I’m so excited about this venture... and here’s the way it works. You provide the room, a table and at least 20 individuals and I’ll come and speak to your group about exciting new and classic books for children and young adults, and the latest in fiction and non-fiction for adults and seasonal books (if desired). Books make wonderful gifts for everyone, even non-readers who enjoy cooking, gardening or music.  All the books discussed will be available for sale afterwards using all the regular methods of payment (debit, credit card, cheque or cash).  It’s like bringing a small bookstore right to your doorstep! I’m happy to  customize an hour-long talk to fit your needs. Whether it's 100 elementary children or a high school class, I’ll address current issues and/or recommend great books for appropriate age-level reading.


There is a charge of $150 per one-hour talk, with a minimum of two talks per location. My visit can include several different schools and will feature a general public talk in the evening, preferably at the local library. This fee also includes promotional posters and personal contact with local media.



  1. Bullet   Book Fairs -- or “Small World in a Suitcase”


In addition to my “Bookmobile” -- which, by the way, isn’t really a bookmobile, but is actually my not-very-new-but-always reliable Ford Focus packed with books -- I’m pleased to be collaborating with Greenwoods’ on their “Small World in a Suitcase” venture, a high quality, GST-free, Book Fair that comes directly to your school and helps build your school’s library collection!


And what’s in the Small World Suitcase? The best in current must-have books for kids. Our knowledgeable staff will ensure a great selection, do set-up and takedown, and provide book talks for students, parents & teachers.  In addition, we’ll offer a “Donate to Your School” program to encourage family participation. We’ll provide a special table with your library’s “most-wanted” books on it from which parents can buy and donate (with bookplates for dedications & tax receipts upon request). Of course we’ll take requests for which books you want on that table!


For more information, just give me a call, or, contact Gail/Karen at Greenwoods’

at 780-439-2005.



  1. Bullet    Writing & Publishing Inquiries


We are often approached for advice on writing and getting a book published and while thirty years of book selling certainly offers some insight into the process, the publishing process is quite different than selling books. 


We still have a shelf of books that aspiring authors requested our professional opinion on and now that we have the time to do that, Laurie’s Book Company is offering a “Reader’s Service”.  If you want us to read a piece of  your work and then offer advice on what to do next, we will be happy to for a fee of $100.   We guarantee reading the first three chapters (if not more) and will respond with suggestions, groups you may want to contact or agent’s names.




For any & all requests for information and/or consulting services,

please contact us at lauriesbookcompany@shaw.ca












      


       











laurie’s book company

consulting services