Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Launches The Okra Picks

Posted on June 8, 2009

The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance is launching a book program called the Okra Picks. The Okra Picks will focus on Southern books. 12 new books will promoted at the organization's 250 member stores each quarter.

The Washington Post says Oprah's Book Club did help SIBA think of the name. Wanda Jewell, executive director of SIBA, told the Post, "I've had the title in mind for a long time, trying to figure out how I could use it."

It sounds like it could benefit some authors of southern books who get on the list. The first nomination period is between now and September 1st. SIBA will be soliciting publishers for galley offers and "advanced access" requests which it will then forward on to SIBA bookstores. You can find out more details here.