Meet Your Board Candidate: Robin O'Bryant
ROBIN O'BRYANT
Robin O’Bryant began her career as an author before becoming a bookseller and Events Manager at Auburn Oil Booksellers in Auburn, Alabama. Her first book, Ketchup Is a Vegetable & Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves, a collection of humorous essays about motherhood, was self-published after being rejected by traditional publishers. Through grassroots promotion and hard work, it became a New York Times bestseller and was subsequently acquired and republished by St. Martin’s Press. Robin also created the self-syndicated humor column Robin’s Chicks, which ran in dozens of newspapers and magazines across the Southeast. She has additional experience writing copy and creative content for brands, marketing, and advertising campaigns. Robin’s experience as both an independent and traditionally published author, combined with her background as an event coordinator and bookseller, gives her a unique and valuable perspective on the needs of booksellers, authors, and readers.
Interview:
Why do you want to serve on the SIBA Board?
I'm fascinated by every aspect of the book business, and participating in SIBA events over the last year has been an amazing experience. March Madness and NVNR were both fantastic, but what really stood out was the opportunity to connect with other booksellers and see the broader picture of independent bookstores. Those conversations gave me a broader perspective on how booksellers can work together, share ideas, and support one another. I realized this kind of collaboration is exactly what SIBA is already doing. I'd love the opportunity to be a part of it and contribute to our community.
What do you think are the most important challenges facing independent bookstores in the SIBA region?
I felt this way before NVNR, and I left even more convinced there's a disconnect between authors and independent bookstores. Authors want to be in indie bookstores, and booksellers want to welcome authors into our stores, but the systems currently in place to connect the two aren't quite getting the job done. I see an opportunity for SIBA to help strengthen that connection and create more meaningful ways for authors and booksellers to find and work with one another.
What do you think are the most important priorities for the SIBA organization?
Continuing to build community—which SIBA is already doing really well. I'd love the opportunity to help raise awareness among publishers about the incredible independent bookstores that not only exist but thrive throughout the South. I'd also love to see SIBA bookstores begin pitching author events as mini-tours, creating opportunities for authors to connect with multiple independent bookstores and reach more readers across the region.