Recently we asked some of our friends about Shelf Awareness's birthday and heard wonderful things back. We thank them and all the others in the industry who have supported us in so many ways. (Add your own comments at info@shelf-awareness.com.)
"All of us are bombarded these days with in-box deliveries and gradually choose what to read and what to discard based on what we need to know and how well it is presented. On both counts, Shelf Awareness is a valued asset. Congrats to John, Jenn and the staff. What we said about PublicAffairs after five years applies to you now: No longer a start-up; not yet an anti-trust case."
"I've loved Shelf Awareness from the day it was born. It's been
fun to watch it grow and grow. It's the first thing e-mail I read daily.
It has enlightenment, wit, pathos, good gossip and much food for
thought. We often share pieces from it in our weekly e-mail newsletter. I
think its five years are like animal years--as in each year is actually
seven years--it's 'matured' that much. Did I mention that I love Shelf
Awareness?"
"It doesn't seem possible that Shelf Awareness is only five years old, it has become such an essential part of our daily reading, a touchstone to what is happening in the world of bookselling! Congratulations on creating such an informative, enlightening, and fun communication. With best wishes on your anniversary."
"Shelf Awareness is the first word in bookselling and publishing. As an advertiser, an agent, and a reader, kudos and Happy Fifth Birthday to my friends at Shelf Awareness for enlightening all things literati."
"My daily addiction to the Shelf is due to its two most enduring qualities: heart and humor. It reminds me of why I'm so fond of the book industry and the people in it, and it inspires me to think in different ways about our customers and titles. Plus, Jenn and John are super cool. Happy Fifth."
"True to its name, Shelf Awareness is always enlightening. I always think of it as my 'morning pages' as I ease into the work day. And what could be better that the voyeurism of Book Brahmins? Still one of my favorite parts of the Shelf, five years later. Congratulations, and I'm looking forward to the next five years' evolution!"
"Aside from its obvious value to those in the book industry who look for it in their mailbox every weekday, Shelf Awareness also has tremendous appeal to readers in general--'civilians' who want to know what books are coming out, what their favorite authors are up to, and how their favorite bookstores are faring. It's not just a business resource, to many of us it's also a fan magazine. There's nothing else like it in publishing."
"Five years ago, when John Mutter and Jenn Risko talked about launching Shelf Awareness, some of us wondered if the book business really needed another industry publication. Would anyone read it? Would there be sufficient advertising to support it? Well--five years later--Shelf Awareness has become an industry staple, a must-read for its interesting, timely, and unique perspective on what is happening in the book business. I eagerly look forward to it arriving in my mailbox every weekday morning. Warmest congratulations to John and Jenn from all of us at ABA for a great first five years. Here's to the next 20!"
"Bows to the entire Shelf Awareness staff for five wonderful years! Each morning the Buddha of Books is dutifully sitting and serenely smiling with humility and good humor--authors are praised; booksellers and librarians are extolled; and publishers noted! Publishing is lucky indeed for all that they do!"
"In five short years, Shelf Awareness has become the web destination of choice when it comes to industry news, insightful and often in-depth book reviews, and special features--like Book Brahmin, which I always enjoy. Long live the Shelf!"
"It was a pleasant surprise when Shelf Awareness made its debut, providing the trade a daily dose of what was going on, with timely detail, balance and humor. Five years later and you have become an indispensible source of information to the bookselling community. Now that's a great story! Congratulations John and Jenn, we look forward to another five years of daily enlightenment."
"Ever since the day Shelf Awareness made its debut, I have relied on it to keep up to date on all of the important news and happenings within the book trade. I can't imagine starting my day without this informative, vital, and, yes, extremely entertaining e-mail newsletter. Congratulations to John Mutter, Jenn Risko, Marilyn Dahl, and the entire Shelf Awareness staff for five enlightening years!"
"Congratulations on your fifth anniversary--my how the years fly by! I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy and look forward to receiving Shelf Awareness everyday. In fact, I find it addictive... John, you and your team do a terrific job covering the book industry -- please know that your efforts are most appreciated."