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Recognizing Dedication in Bookselling

Jessica Sognier, owner of E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia, has nominated Abby Fennewald, a field sales representative for Norton, for her exceptional dedication and support in the book industry.

In her nomination, Sognier highlighted Fennewald’s unwavering kindness and assistance, stating, “She is always helpful, kind, and a champion of our store. She not only excels at her job but is also an amazing person.” With over 120 accounts spanning the Southeastern United States—including states such as Alabama, the Carolinas, and Florida—Sognier believes that Fennewald is a significant asset to the literary community.

Fennewald shares this sentiment, having spent the last six years representing Norton. She proudly claims that her territory is “the most fun,” allowing her the opportunity to work with some of the finest independent bookstores across the country, establishments that truly embody the spirit of indie bookselling.

Fennewald’s journey into bookselling began with her role as a bookseller after completing her degree in communications from American University in Washington, D.C., in 2013. She began her career in the events department at the well-known bookstore Politics & Prose, and after three years, moved to Austin, Texas, to work at BookPeople as their director of marketing and publicity. Upon returning to D.C. in 2019, she joined Norton, mere months before the pandemic brought widespread disruptions. Reflecting on her initial year in this role, Fennewald expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting, “I feel lucky to have had that first year; how else could I have gotten to know all of these accounts, or for them to have gotten to know me?”

Today, her bookstore visits extend beyond mere business discussions; Fennewald prioritizes building relationships with frontline booksellers. “A lot of bookselling involves those in-person connections between seller and customer,” she emphasizes. This commitment to personal interaction has driven her to assist her accounts during literary festivals, where she finds joy in discussing books at length. “I love them—you get to talk there about the books at length,” Fennewald remarked. “It makes it even more fun to sell books.”

The work of representatives like Fennewald underscores the vital role of personal relationships in the bookselling industry, fostering connections that enrich both sellers and readers alike.

Source
www.publishersweekly.com