Local Booksellers Receive Holiday Bonus

Three local booksellers were among 600 independent booksellers across the country to receive a James Patterson Holiday Bonus, which were announced on Wednesday, Dec. 13. 

Liz Welter of Novel Bay Books in Sturgeon Bay, Margaret Magle of Other Worlds Books & More of Sturgeon Bay, and Heidi Raak of Yardstick Books in Algoma will each receive a $500 check from the bestselling author.

Patterson, a prolific, bestselling author noted for his Alex Cross series of thrillers, has awarded “Holiday bonuses” since 2105 from his own funds to independent booksellers in all 50 states. Booksellers can nominate themselves or be nominated by an employer, co-worker, or customer. The nomination form consists of a single question: “In 250 words or less, why does this bookseller deserve a holiday bonus?”

In announcing the awards, Patterson posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): “”I’ve said this before, but I can’t say it enough – booksellers save lives. What they do is crucial, especially right now. I’m happy to be able to acknowledge them and their hard work this holiday season.”

Recipients often invest the funds back into their stores. Welter at Novel Bay Booksellers indicated that she may use the money to expand her selection of bilingual children’s books. Raak, at Yardstick Books said she will probably use the funds for general store improvements. Magle, at Other World Books & More, was undecided, as of this writing, since the award announcement was so new.