12.11.25 CALIBA Publisher News & Information

Publisher Newsletter,

For Your Considerations - Booksellers start voting on January 1st
CALIBA Publisher Newsletter Banner

IN THIS ISSUE

WINTER INSTITUTE 2026

CALIBA PROGRAMS & EVENTS

2025 Golden Poppy Book Awards Finalists Announced & For Your Consideration Promotions

How Booksellers Will Promote the Golden Poppies

JAMES PATTERSON HOLIDAY BOOKSTORE BONUS RECIPIENTS

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

*DUE DEC. 18TH* January Social Media Book Submissions

*DUE JAN. 15TH* February Social Media Book Submissions

*DUE FEB. 3RD* Spring 2026 Shelf Insider Book Submissions

PLANNING YOUR 2026 BUDGETS

*OPENING SOON* 2026 Spring Forums: Call for Authors, Rep Picks Interest Form, Sponsorships & Promotional Opportunities

SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Dates and Deadlines

Bookseller Shoutouts

Bestseller Lists

Classifieds

CALIBA Currently Reading

Resources

CALIBA Bookstore Map

CALIBA Staff

MEMBER CORNER

Natalia's Coffee and Books logo

Welcome to CALIBA, Natalia's Coffee and Books! 

Owner Name: Natalia Cervantes

Location: Yreka, CA

Established: July 1,  2024

About Our New Member: Natalia's Coffee and Books is a Latina and female owned small town independent bookstore and coffee shop located on Main Street in downtown Yreka. We feature several different genres, which include local authors and books on local history in Siskiyou County. The goal of Natalia's Coffee and Books is to create a place of community for locals and visitors of all ages. 

TOP 5 BESTSELLERS

Point Reyes Books logo

FLYING OFF THE SHELVES AT...

Point Reyes Books in Point Reyes Station

1 - We Survived the Night by Julian Brave NoiseCat

2 - The Extremities! by Samantha Kimmey

3 - Sun House: A Novel by David James Duncan

4 - The Water Remembers: My Indigenous Family's Fight to Save a River and a Way of Life by Amy Bowers Cordalis

5 - Water by Rumi, Translated by Haleh Liza Gafori

For the week of November 16th

REP DIRECTORY

WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU CHECKED YOUR LISTING? CALL FOR REP DIRECTORY UPDATES

It's that time of year again! The directory is alphabetized by publisher/rep group and remains keyword searchable. Please take a look and email Valentina if any corrections are necessary!

WINTER INSTITUTE 2026

Winter Institute 2026 - blue background

Winter Institute 2026 program announced. Click here to view the full schedule.

Will you be attending the Winter Institute? Hannah will be attending; if you'd like to schedule a meeting, please email Hannah.

CALIBA PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Golden Poppy Book Awards

2025 GOLDEN POPPY BOOK AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Golden Poppy Committees submitted their finalist lists and the staff has started promoting them! Click here to view the 2025 Golden Poppy Award Finalists. Congratulations to the authors and publishers whose books made the lists! The Shelf Awareness finalist email was sent to the public on December 2nd. Bookseller voting will take place January 1st-11th. The Virtual Golden Poppy Awards will take place on January 29th at 7 PM PST.

Golden Poppy For Your Consideration Eblast

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION PROMOTIONS

Promote your Golden Poppy Finalist in our weekly Bookseller Newsletter with a Banner Ad or an E-Blast. For Your Consideration Promotions open soon and will run November 25th-January 11th.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Now-January 11: For Your Consideration Promotions sent to Booksellers
  • January 1-11: Bookseller Voting Period
  • Week of January 12: CALIBA Office Will
    Reach Out to Winners' Submission Contacts
  • January 29: Virtual Ceremony
  • January 30: Shelf Awareness x
    Golden Poppy Awards Winners Emails Sent
    to Bookstore Customers

2026 Golden Poppy Book Awards Timeline

Learn about the Golden Poppy Awards History

HOW BOOKSELLERS WILL
PROMOTE THE GOLDEN POPPIES

Golden Poppy 2024 Display Contest Winner: Linden Tree Books

GOLDEN POPPY DISPLAY CONTEST that will be running through January 11th2024 Display Contest Winner: Linden Tree Books (pictured).

Golden Poppy Marketing Materials

GOLDEN POPPY RESOURCES finalist posters, QR code sign, and shelf-talkers for bookstore displays.

Golden Poppy stickers

GOLDEN POPPY MERCHANDISE & SUPPLIES
CALIBA Bookstores can request FREE removable Finalist stickers and purchase Golden Poppy merchandise to sell in their stores!

If you're interested in sponsoring the Golden Poppy Display Contest prize, please email Hannah

BINC Year-End Campaign

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 JAMES PATTERSON HOLIDAY BOOKSTORE BONUS RECIPIENTS!

James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program

Author James Patterson has selected the independent booksellers who are beneficiaries of his Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program, which in October he said would go to 600 booksellers in $500 increments. As he has done in previous years, Patterson pledged a substantial amount—$300,000 this fall—to fund the program. The complete list of recipients can be seen on the ABA website.

Adam Hill (Hill's Bookstore)

Adrien Sdao (Children's Book World)

Allison Bainbridge (Book Passage)

Amy Lee (The Daily Planet Bookstore)

Angela King (Sausalito Books by the Bay)

Angelica Muller (Bay Books Coronado)

Aurora Anaya (Bloom Wild Bookshop)

Bel McNeill (Rakestraw Books)

Blanche Richardson (Marcus Book Store)

Brian Massey-Todd (Readers' Books)

Bridgitte Jackson-Buckley (Little Visioneers)

Chris Tuffli (Chevalier's Books)

Christina Pappas (Black Bird Bookstore)

Ciara Bettencourt (Reach and Teach)

Cindi Whittemore (Ink Spell Books)

Claire Siegal (Bookshop West Portal)

Courtney Padilla (Bookish Modesto)

Cristyn Cardenas (Vroman's Bookstore)

Debby Rudd (Abednego Book Shoppe/Bank of Books)

Diana Gallardo (Mysterious Galaxy Books)

Emily Armstrong (Annabelle's Book Club)

Emily Autenrieth (A Seat at the Table Books)

Erin Rex (Green Apple Books)

Eva Lopez (Claremont Forum Bookshop)

Gary Butler (Two Birds Books)

Heidi Goodman (Face in a Book)

Jack Gingold (Newsboy Books)

Jae Chang (Skylight Books)

Jenna Johnson (Ruby's Books)

Jennifer Lockhart (Word Horde)

Jessica Amodeo (Book Soup)

Jessica Rasmussen (The Book Seller)

Josh Amparan (Arvida Book Company)

Erin Rex (Green Apple Books)

Eva Lopez (Claremont Forum Bookshop)

Gary Butler (Two Birds Books)

Heidi Goodman (Face in a Book)

Jack Gingold (Newsboy Books)

Jae Chang (Skylight Books)

Jenna Johnson (Ruby's Books)

Jennifer Lockhart (Word Horde)

Jessica Amodeo (Book Soup)

Jessica Rasmussen (The Book Seller)

Josh Amparan (Arvida Book Company)

Josh Franke (Small World Books)

Karmina Beltran (Olivia & Daisy Books)

Katherine Wessel (Wild Sisters Book Company)

Kathryn Norris (Buteo Books)

Katie Mullin (In Bloom Bookery)

Katie O'Reilly (Capital Books)

Kris Nelson (Bluestocking Books)

Kristi Millard (Ruby's Books)

Laura Rinaldi (Warwick's)

Leigh Atkins (East Bay Booksellers)

Leslie Sevier (Chapter Two...a Bookstore)

Lisa Martin (The Booksmith)

Marie Hall (Scrawl, Scribble & Smirch Bookshop)

Matthew Hein (Hey Books!)

Melissa Allen (Russo's Books)

Michael McGrail (The Avid Reader)

Monique Fesler (The Reading Nook Store)

Niambi Walker (City Lights Books)

Nikki Coffey (Copperfield's Books)

Paige Jackson (The Book Loft)

Patrick Shea (Pegasus Books Downtown)

Sarah Pineda (Browser Books)

Sarah Prindle (Chaucer's Books)

Sasha Tropp (Camino Books)

Senna Karellas (Towne Center Books)

Shiara Coleman (Timbre Books)

Susan Peck (Banter Bookshop)

Tee Minot (Christopher's Books)

Trish Triumpho Sullivan (Downtown Book & Sound)

Vanessa Martini (Green Apple Books)

Zanny Jacobsen (Zibby's Bookshop)

Zinna Riley (A Great Good Place for Books)

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Get your books in front of the most reliable influencers: California's Independent Booksellers

Click here for more information.

REACH BOOKSELLERS AS THEY HEAD INTO THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON!

Ensure your book is top of mind as booksellers prepare for the biggest show of the year. Our various promotional options will give your titles the spotlight they need right when booksellers are making key decisions.

CALIBA Publisher Promotions
Bird Nerd by Jennifer Ann Richter 9780823461837

JANUARY SOCIAL MEDIA - DUE DEC. 18TH

Booksellers have voted - and they would like to promote National Bird Day (1/5/26). Submit your bird related titles for inclusion in our social media assets by Dec. 18th.

The Perfect Pet:  Discovering Your Next Best Friend Rachel Foo (Illustrated by), Altea Villa

FEBRUARY SOCIAL MEDIA - DUE JAN. 15TH

Booksellers have voted - and they would like to promote Love Your Pet Day (2/20/26). Submit your pet related titles for inclusion in our social media assets by Jan. 15th.

Limit to 1 title per publisher. Spaces limited. Price: $100

Have more marketing ideas or special events members would find useful? Send in your ideas here.

SPRING 2026 SHELF INSIDER - BOOK SUBMISSIONS DUE FEB. 3RD

Want to maximize visibility for your latest titles? Our seasonal newsletters offer prime space to showcase your books to our engaged booksellers and their audiences. Your book will be included in an email listing with cover art, blurb, and a contact link for ARCs or galley requests. Reaching over 1,000 booksellers, our first Shelf Insider had a 48% open rate. Member Price: $275 | Non-Member Price: $300

CALIBA Shelf Insider Newsletter

PLANNING YOUR BUDGETS FOR 2026?

Save the date for these future Sponsorship Opportunities with CALIBA Programs & Events:

OPENING SOON

-2026 Spring Forums: Call for Authors,
Rep Picks Interest Form, Sponsorships & Promotional Opportunities

OPENING IN JANUARY

-2026 Summer Reading Guide

-2026 Golden Poppy Book Awards Ceremony

OPENING IN MARCH

-2026 Winter Catalog

OPENING IN MAY

-2026 Tri-West Summer School

OPENING IN JUNE

-2026 Fall Fest

SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

The James Patterson + Bookshop.org Prize

JAMES PATTERSON & BOOKSHOP.ORG LAUNCH $15,000 LITERARY PRIZE FOR DEBUT AUTHORS Click here for more information.

BLACK BOOKSTORE HERITAGE GRANT Applications are now open. 

Have a grant or scholarship for booksellers? Email Alecia to be listed on our site.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Proud Member of CALIBA window decal

Publishers, Sales Reps & Book Industry Professionals (Non-voting)

Individual: $150

Small House & Commission Groups: $250 (up to 3 sales reps)

Large House: $550 (up to 6 sales reps)

Membership Perks:

  • Discounted admission/exhibit space to our annual Fall Fest
  • Free or discounted rates at education and member programs
  • Subscription to our weekly e-newsletter & bestseller list
  • Stay up-to-date with industry, association and bookstore news
  • Access to our online Rep Directory
  • Post your job openings in our classifieds

Click here for more details.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

December 14-22: Hanukkah

December 24: Jólabókaflóð

December 25: CALIBA Office Closed
in Observance of Christmas

December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa

January: #JanuaryinJapan / International Creativity Month / Financial Wellness Month / National Book Blitz Month

January 1: CALIBA Office Closed in
Observance of New Year's Day

January 1-11: Booksellers vote for the 2025 Golden Poppy
Book Awards

January 29: 2025 Golden Poppy Virtual Ceremony - RSVP Here

bookseller shoutouts logo
Bookseller Shoutouts for December 11, 2025: Two Birds, Book Society, Judging by the Cover, The Book Catapult, Ruby's Books, Vroman's Bookstore, Hicklebee's Bookstore, and Mrs. Dalloway's

1 - Two Birds Books, in Santa Cruz, is celebrating 5 years! Happy birthday.

2 - Book Society, in Berkeley, is one! Congrats, here’s to many more years.

3 - Judging by the Cover, in Fresno, will be moving to a new location in 2026.

4 - The Book Catapult, in San Diego, had a very special guest, John Waters!

5 - Ruby’s Books, in Folsom, received the sweetest letter to Santa.

6 - Vroman’s Bookstore, in Pasadena, has Santa’s naughty and nice list via book display. Great idea!

7 - Hicklebee’s Bookstore, in San Jose, has a very cute Peanuts display. 

8 - Mrs. Dalloway’s, in Berkeley, has a special exhibition to help customers find unique gift ideas and support local artists.

IN THE NEWS

WINTER INSTITUTE 2026

ABA Announces Wi2026 Featured Keynote Speakers

REPARATIONS CLUB & GREEN APPLE BOOKS

Fiercely Independent: A Roundtable Chat With Three Indie Booksellers

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SALES

Indies’ Thanksgiving Weekend Sales Were a Mixed Bag

BOOK BANNING

SCOTUS Denies Petition to Hear Texas Book Banning Case

POINT REYES BOOKS

Holiday Hum: Supply Chain Issues Emerge; Handselling with a 'Deeper Purpose'

SHOP SMALL

Bookstore Video: The Avid Reader

Don't forget to follow CALIBA (@caliba_20)!

BESTSELLER LISTS

Click here for the Los Angeles Times & Southern California Independent Bookstore Bestseller List

Click here for the San Francisco Chronicle & Northern California Independent Bookstore Bestseller List

CLASSIFIEDS

  • Associate Buyer - Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
  • Bookstore for Sale - Camino Books, Del Mar
  • Bookstore Manager - Chevalier's, Los Angeles
  • Publishing Assistant - The Collective Book Studio, Oakland

CALIBA CURRENTLY READING

Alecia

Supporting Staff

Second Chance Romance

Olivia Dade

9780063215979

Hannah

Executive Director

The Everlasting Alix E. Harrow 9781250799081

The Everlasting

Alix E. Harrow

9781250799081

Valentina

Operations Manager

Our Wives Under the Sea Julia Armfield 9781250229908

Our Wives Under the Sea

Julia Armfield

9781250229908

Check out CALIBA's 2025 Reading List!

RESOURCES

Click here for a complete list.

HOUSEKEEPING

ADDRESS CHANGE AND BANK UPDATE

California Independent Booksellers Alliance (CALIBA), has changed our address and bank. We request that all ACH payments be deposited in our new account. For our updated W-9 and ACH instructions, please email Valentina Moberg at valentina@caliballiance.org.

CALIBA

266 Wood St Unit 404

Livermore, CA 94550

CALIBA Bookstore Map

CALIBA BOOKSTORE MAP

This map shows our current

bookstore members.

CALIBA Merchandise

CALIBA STAFF

Hannah Walcher

Executive Director

hannah@caliballiance.org

Valentina Moberg

Operations Manager

valentina@caliballiance.org

Alecia Reddick

Supporting Staff

alecia@caliballiance.org

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