This is the second post in my series exploring the different bookstores where you can buy The Ideal Countess (or really any book!). Check out my previous posts here and here.
Independent bookstores are some of the many small businesses struggling right now, but they have also gotten really creative. Today’s feature is a really forward-thinking bookstore that constantly has new initiatives that make it stand out.
The Bookstore:
Bookstore Location:
3806 Main Street
Culver City, CA
90232
The Ripped Bodice is physically in California, but they have a strong online presence, with a virtual bookshop and a great Instagram.
Why I Recommend This Bookstore:
The Ripped Bodice is an amazing bookshop for the romance community. For one thing, it is dedicated to the romance genre. For another, they’re constantly coming up with new ideas.
1. The Ripped Bodice is dedicated to the romance genre
The Ripped Bodice was founded off a Kickstarter campaign by two sisters who dreamed of a store dedicated to all subgenres of romance (plus, cute gifts that support independent, women-owned businesses!). Read more of the origin story at HelloGiggles.
2. The Ripped Bodice is Creative Book Selling
Book selling is an old profession, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for innovation. For example, during the pandemic, The Ripped Bodice is offering care packages of books and other goodies that you can order for a loved one (or yourself). They also run an affiliate book selling program, and have a deal with Sony Studios to develop television projects based on romance novels.
3. They Foster the Romance Genre Beyond Bookselling
The Ripped Bodice doesn’t just sell romance: it upholds the genre to a higher standard. They do this in a couple of ways:
Annual Diversity report, which tracks the publication of books written by authors of color and indigenous peoples in the romance genre (click through to read more about why that’s important)
Plus, their Pateron account features short stories from Romance Authors
Drawbacks to This Bookstore
The only real drawback is that (as of now), you can’t buy ebooks from their store, so if you prefer the ereader experience, you’ll have to go elsewhere.
What Are You Waiting For?
Buy The Ideal Countess from The Ripped Bodice now!