24. Jewish Book of the Month Club
This next idea is another one so stunningly obvious, you have to cringe at the fact that it doesn’t yet exist. Jewish Book of the Month Club anyone?
I admit it. I’m a satisfied member of PBC. Great titles, great discounts, and all I have to do is check the mail. So nu? Why isn’t there a Jewish BOMC? There are dozens of quality Jewish and non-Jewish publishers printing a diverse array of thoughtful and provoking Jewish works who are dying to push their new releases, and a nation of well-read Jews out there, looking for good books.
Create an online Jewish bookseller that offers discounted titles on everything — Chabon, Aleichem, Wieseltier, Oren, Heschel, Sacks, Michaelson, Ruttenberg — books that are not too academic or religiously heavy-handed, that may or may not be ideologically charged, but which are thoroughly intelligent, well-written, enjoyable to read and, most importantly, topical and generating buzz.
Overcome the segregation of Orthodox, non-Orthodox, secular Jewish and non-Jewish booksellers by offering a truly pluralistic and inclusive catalog. Push out one highlighted selection each month, automatically charging members’ cards, but offer the ability to decline the monthly selection online. Offer the option of audio and ebook editions.
Publish original book reviews and author profiles, as well as podcasts and video of author interviews and book readings to help drive sales. Offer members real-world and online events with authors, as well as online moderated discussions and local meet-ups to foster community (and peoplehood, wink wink) among readers.
With the right taste and standard of quality, a Jewish Book of the Month Club could a highly profitable business, connecting Jewish readers and publishers at a time when publishing needs all the help it can get.
Once again, shockingly surprised it doesn’t exist.
