We got a sad e-mail from Queen Anne Books owner Patti McCall this afternoon. For personal reasons, she can't continue on as owner of Queen Anne Books and is looking for a buyer who's interested in keeping the bookstore in the neighborhood. (You can find the full text of the e-mail, along with the QAB e-mail address, after the jump.)

In many ways, Queen Anne Books has been the smartest bookstore in town, embracing e-books and e-commerce way before every other Seattle indie bookseller. (So far as I know, they're still the only new bookstore in town that teaches people how to use their e-readers, which is a pretty smart move.) I think they're positioned well as a neighborhood bookseller—no other brick-and-mortar bookseller is going to horn in on the top of Queen Anne—and they've got a strong and loyal customer base. The lease for the store is up at the end of October, but there is a five-year option available. Let's hope someone steps in to save the bookstore.

February 20, 2012

Dear Friends of Queen Anne Books,

Almost 14 years ago, Cindy Mitchell and I met with Randy and Alice to discuss the possibility of buying Queen Anne Books, sealing the deal July 31, 1998. It has been an amazing ride: Borders Books and Barnes & Noble were the 'big, bad, box stores'; Amazon was a new and far-reaching idea just beginning to take off; Tower Books was our nearest competitor; and there was no such thing as an e-book. After a couple hundred book club meetings, four amazing Harry Potter parties, countless author events and 14 Holiday Magics, I have decided it is time to turn over Queen Anne Books to a new owner — someone who will bring fresh energy and ideas to a business undergoing a radical and exciting transformation.

As most of you know, I lost my husband to cancer last May and I am eager to move on and discover what the next stage of my life will hold. I initially believed I would continue to be a bookseller but, because the business is changing so much, I have realized the store requires more than I can give right now. I am hoping someone in the Queen Anne community will find the business as fulfilling and exciting as I know it can be.

The Sale:
I am selling the business for the value of the inventory, computers and fixtures.
My lease is up October 30, 2012 but there is a 5-year-option available.
I am currently working very hard to settle the details of losing a husband — probate, taxes, etc. So Cindy Mitchell, who knows the business as well as I do (even though she "retired" four years ago), has volunteered to answer the initial queries into the store's possible sale. You can reach her through the store email: QueenAnneBooks@queenannebooks.com. Please put Attn: Cindy in the subject line.

The Serious Buyer:
· Reading is essential, but you must also be an astute business person. Margins are tight in this business; skill, constant appraisal, and reappraisal are required to make a profit.
· You need to plan on working in the store. The presence of the owner in the store on a regular basis is key to the store's financial success.
· You must be open to the expanding presence of ecommerce, ebooks and social media in the book industry.
· Plan to work hard, learn a lot, and be surrounded by an amazing community who will support you and celebrate the richness of the written word with you!

Thank you for your many years of support. I will do my best to ensure Queen Anne Books continues to be a vital part of this community.

Sincerely and Gratefully,

Patti McCall
Queen Anne Books