To celebrate the publication of My Bookstore (Nov.), a collection of more than 80 essays by writers about their favorite indie bookstores, edited by Ronald Rice, Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers is launching a contest on "Why My Bookstore Matters." Six booksellers—two from each of three stores—will win tickets to attend the ABA Winter Institute 8 in Kansas City, Mo., in February. A major portion of the prize money of $2,500 per bookstore was provided by the writers who contributed to the book, which has an introduction by Richard Russo and illustrations by Leif Parsons.

To enter the contest, booksellers have to write a 1,000-word essay or create a two-minute video or audio on “Why My Bookstore Matters.” The contest, which is being held by Black Dog & Leventhal in cooperation with the American Booksellers Association is intended to give booksellers an opportunity to share creative and practical ideas with other indies. It extends many of the ideas expressed in the ABA’s video campaign on “Why Indies Matter,” launched at BEA last summer.

All entries must be received by 5pm EST on Monday October 15th at MyBookstoreContest@blackddogandleventhal.com, with a copy to ABA senior program officer Joy Dallanegra-Sanger at joy@bookweb.org. For video submissions, booksellers should upload their submission to YouTube and send a link to both the contest and Dallanegra-Sanger’s e-mail addresses; written and audio-only submissions can be emailed directly.

Winners will be announced the week of November 12; My Bookstore pubs on November 13.