Townsville’s much-loved independent bookshop, Mary Who? Bookshop, is set to launch an exciting and unique book subscription service next month aimed at poetry-lovers throughout Australia.
The initiative, called Restless Verses, will see subscribers receive a recently released poetry title delivered to their door every month, hand-selected by the poetry-loving staff at Mary Who?
Mary Who? Bookshop co-owner, Sue Cole, says the launch of the subscription service comes after a steady influx in poetry sales.
“There has been a marked increase in interest in, and sales of poetry in the last few years, and it is very exciting to be able to help foster that interest,” explains Sue.
“Restless Verses is perfect for both long-term poetry readers who would like to be kept up to date with the latest releases, and readers who are new to poetry and want to explore new authors and voices.
“A subscription would also make a wonderful gift for the poetry-lover in your life.”
With three, six-and twelve-month subscriptions on offer, Mary Who? Bookshop co-owner, Kerry Mcllroy, says the initiative will play a crucial role in maintaining their personalised service within the Townsville community.
“As a locally owned, independent business, we value personalised customer service and are always looking for initiatives that respond to the needs and interests of our customers,” says Kerry.
“Readers’ enthusiasm for poetry has grown and publisher’s poetry lists have strengthened to match, and we have seen a niche that we are uniquely placed to fill on not just a local but a national level – and if there is a demand for it, the potential to expand into other genres.”
The first month’s title, The Jaguar by Sarah Holland-Batt (UQP), will be dispatched to subscribers on June 15, with the first twenty subscribers also receiving a bonus book thanks to University of Queensland Press.
