Frequently Asked Questions
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The type of reading experience or book requested on the form is my guiding framework. I begin by compiling a list of books I’ve personally read or heard about that I think would be a good fit. I then use any additional criteria or requirements (paperback vs hardback, author of color, etc.) to narrow down and refine the list. This is why I ask all those questions!
Your answers allow me to truly customize and create a meaningful selection of recommendations. I will also supplement my research with reviews from a variety of sources, and of course, check the customer’s Goodreads or Storygraph to make sure they haven’t read them already. If I’m feeling stuck or haven’t landed on just the right list of books, I will reach out to the Chapter One Book Store team and my personal circle of bookish colleagues for some additional ideas.
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Simply put, an actual conversation where I can ask clarifying questions and build upon what you share with me will always result in more nuanced recommendations. I will still have you complete the form as the first step, and I will come to our conversation with a list of book ideas. You get to help me refine and narrow that list down real-time! You end up with a longer list of recommendations. I will follow up shortly with the emailed list including reasons for the selections.
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Yes! Checkout our Literary Getaways book and recommendations bundle.
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Just email me, and I will send more recommendations to you. It might involve some follow up questions to help me understand what’s missing.
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Yep! I was partially inspired to launch this service by a no longer active podcast: Book Riot’s Get Booked. I loved hearing about people’s book requests and what the hosts recommended. You can follow along on social media or sign up for my newsletter to hear about some of my recommendations. These are always free and accessible to all!
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Click here to see a sample form.
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Once I receive payment and your filled out form, I anticipate taking about 1 week to research and write up your recommendations. If I have life events that will slow me down, I will definitely let you know if it will take longer. One of the questions on the form also allows you to let me know if you have a specific deadline for getting your recommendations.
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Beyond having worked for a small business and living in a small town that is vibrant and unique because of its locally owned businesses, it is part of my sustainability background. Besides recycling and reducing your carbon footprint, there is a whole aspect of sustainability work focused on creating vital and sustainable local economies.
Simply put, your spending has a bigger impact when you shop with small locally owned businesses. It keeps your money within the local economy, creates local jobs, and makes a difference in your community and those you choose to visit.
Studies show that for every dollar spent at a small business, a significant portion is reinvested locally, supporting other businesses, jobs, and local services. Local businesses contribute to the local tax base, which supports essential community services like schools, parks, and infrastructure. (I can provide research sources if you like. Just ask!)
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Of course! Here’s a link to contact me.
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Great question. What I think you are really asking is what makes my service special or unique? There are plenty of podcasts and social media platforms out there in the universe providing lots of ways to find book reading inspiration for free. This is meant to be a passion project to keep me engaged with conversations and news in the bookish community. I’ve done quite a bit of research, and I’m not finding many other personalized recommendation services out there. I believe my unique professional and life experiences provide me with the knowledge needed to give value to what I’m offering. And the very short response is I am going to have some operating costs that I would love to have covered by the time I invest into making recommendations.
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Click here to see a book recommendation example.
LET’S PLAN YOUR NEXT READING ADVENTURE!