Bookmiser Used and New Books

Annell Gerson—"Mrs. "—reveals her love of books and running a small business as she discusses Bookmiser, which she opened with her husband 13 years ago.

Q. What's the hardest thing about being a small-business owner in Northeast Cobb?

A: It's not particular to this area, but small-business owners wear all the hats: cleaning toilets, buying books and scheduling author visits.  You wear all the hats and juggle all the responsibilities.

Q. What's the best thing about your job?

A: You get to talk books for the whole day with other people who love books. It's spontaneous book club conversations every day.

Q. What is the best thing about Northeast Cobb?

A: You have a population of people who are very interested in reading, education and broadening their knowledge. You meet very interesting people, and you can learn from them, too. It's a mutually enlightening experience.

Q. Why did you choose to open your business in Northeast Cobb?

A: Primarily because we live here and all our children went to school in the district. I taught here in the schools, and I saw a need for an independent bookstore. People appreciate the personal relationships; we know many of our customers on a first-name basis. There was a need for a mutually beneficial place to recycle your books as well.

Q. Why did you pick this particular kind of business?

A: Very simple: My husband and I both love books—reading, sharing and talking about books.

Q. What are some of the services you offer that people don't know about?

A: We special-order just about anything. We keep tabs of all required reading books from local schools. Local book clubs tell us what they're reading, and we keep those books on tab. We take in books for trade credit: People bring in books in good shape, and we give you a store credit for that, and you can use that credit to pay for half of a used book. We keep track of everything you've read by a certain author on a database. If you are wanting a book, we can put it on a wish list and contact you when it comes in. We have author signings, mostly local authors. We also have an online discount store.

Q. What advice can you offer to someone thinking about starting a small business?

A: Just research and do your homework well. Know the particular quirks of the industry you are looking into. Talk to people, and find out the forecasts, and be passionate. 

Q. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

A: We're getting ready to celebrate our 13th anniversary for the store, and we're just always looking to make new book friends.

Bookmiser has two locations, at 4651 Sandy Plains Rd. in Northeast Cobb (770-993-1555) and at 3822 Roswell Rd. in East Cobb (770-509-5611).