I plan to start a “bookstore” in Dupont Underground featuring local, small-press authors who otherwise would have difficulty getting their books into a brick-and-mortar store. While I believe many people want to read local authors, it can be hard to know where to find their work. There is not currently a place in DC where you can physically pick up, peruse, and make a selection of a book by local authors, including those published by small presses.

Because of the economics of book selling, it is easiest and most profitable for stores to work with large distributors. Some sell local authors on commission, usually a 50/50 split, but for talented small press authors who typically earn a 15% royalty, this means losing money. Having a place to display and sell your book is a big deal to small press authors, not only for potential sales, but also as a sign of legitimacy.

Dupont Underground is an eager partner. They already host regular poetry readings and allow/encourage poets to sell books at the events. They even have empty bookshelves! They don’t, however, have the manpower, depth of knowledge about small presses, and available capital to build a curated inventory of books by local authors without the Awesome Foundation and me!