When Hailey Dickert founded Scribbles Book Shop, she set out to create something special—a place where readers could easily access signed copies of their favorite romance novels, all while supporting the hardworking authors behind them. As a romance author herself, Hailey knew the challenges of getting signed books into readers’ hands, and her personal experience inspired her to bridge that gap. Scribbles has grown into a hub for book lovers and authors alike, fueled by Hailey’s passion, dedication, and belief in creating a seamless experience for everyone involved. Her journey is a testament to the power of following your passions and lifting others up along the way.
- What inspired you to start Scribbles Book Shop and focus on signed books for readers?
As a romance author myself, I knew the pain and difficulties of getting signed copies to readers. The time, effort, and cost is often overwhelming to authors who are working hard on their next book. Not to mention the high cost for readers of buying signed copies separately, and paying multiple postage fees.
Because of this, I decided to create something unique. A one-stop-shop where readers can easily get signed copies from multiple authors along with other goodies. Our goal is to make it easy, simple, and seamless for all bookish parties involved. We currently specialize in romance, but have plans to expand to other genres in the future. At the moment we have over 70 authors and it increases every week.
- How does your experience as a romance author influence the way you manage and operate Scribbles Book Shop?
Having been a romance author first, it certainly allows me to have a better consciousness of working with authors and ensuring it’s beneficial for both parties. Many times I have had authors give me their print cost instead of the wholesale cost for their book, and I remind them that they need to make money as well. It’s important to me that authors are compensated for their hard work. I also feel I can connect better with the customers and other authors, because this is my industry. A place that I love and am passionate about.
- Can you share the story behind the creation of your three books, The Sister Between Us, Return Policy, and Merry Mischief List?
The Sister Between Us was written after a dark time in my life. I was grieving after losing more loved ones in a year than any normal person should ever have to. Writing these stories was my escape for grief, and I wanted to write something to show other people that even if it doesn’t feel like it, you will make it through the dark times.
Merry Mischief List was a fun holiday novella I wrote that is entirely unserious and romcom vibes. It’s nothing like my first two books, and I think it will change the way I write and the types of stories I enjoy writing forever.
- What has been the most rewarding part of running an online bookstore dedicated to signed books?
The best part is getting to work directly with other authors, and helping to support their dreams. Every time I purchase signed copies, or inform them a customer has bought their book, I see them light up. I think that light helps motivate them to keep writing, and I love that.
- What were the biggest challenges you faced in getting Scribbles Book Shop off the ground, and how did you overcome them?
As I was getting Scribbles off the ground there were multiple challenges. One being I was in the middle of a transatlantic move from Germany to America. I was able to still get things moving by setting up a preorder with 30 different authors. By the time we officially opened we had over 100 pre-orders to fulfill for our customers.
Another difficulty was figuring out how to get signed books by traditionally published authors, but I have now figured out an easy process for this.
- How do you manage the time and coordination involved in working with multiple authors to get their books signed and ready for your shop?
Now that I am up and running, reordering from authors we already stock is easier. We both know the process, and the books are already on our website. Adding new authors certainly takes more time, but it’s a cost of doing business. I make sure I set aside time every day for coordinating with our current and new authors, and do my best that no one is forgotten. As we grow, we are definitely going to have to find a more efficient process for re-ordering stock, but at our current size, I enjoy the personal interactions for getting stock. Additionally, I do have to shout out my personal assistant Katherine who helps get the listings up on the site for new books I have coming in.
- Can you describe any personal struggles you encountered while building your business and how you navigated them?
As mentioned, my family just moved back to Florida this year from Germany, where we had lived for 7 years. So getting our house organized, while also preparing to open Scribbles was a challenge. Additionally, I have a 3.5 year old son, and a 6 month old, so balancing work and family life is not always easy. I spend a lot of nights working after the kids go to bed, and most of all, my husband works with me supporting both my business and our children. I don’t think I could be half as successful if it wasn’t for his support.
- How do you maintain your mental health and well-being while juggling the demands of running a business and writing as an author?
I think by setting boundaries, and knowing when you’ve hit your limit is very important. I’m definitely a workaholic, but I do try to recognize when my body needs a break, and to prioritize taking time off. (At least as much as possible for a new business owner)
- What advice would you give to other women who are looking to start their own business or creative project?
You’ll always regret the chances you didn’t take. Starting a business or creative project is scary, and honestly, most people in your life probably won’t support you or understand your passion. But you have to push on anyway, and believe in yourself. The only person who has to believe in yourself is you–you can do great things.
- What strategies have you found most effective in dealing with the financial costs and logistical challenges of running Scribbles Book Shop?
I pay all of my authors up front. I don’t do consignment, but that’s a whole other conversation. But by ensuring my authors are compensated, I rarely have issues with logistics of books not coming for weeks longer than expected. The authors are happy they’ve been compensated, and in turn they send me the books packed well in a timely manner. If you take care of your suppliers, they take care of you.
Additionally, one way to assist in the financial burden is by offering pre-orders for upcoming book boxes or releases. Then that money can be utilized to buy that stock, along with some other expenses. But as people say, you have to spend money to make money. When you open a business, you have to be willing to take financial risk. If not, you might not grow as quickly, or at all.
- How do you balance your roles as an author and a bookstore owner? What strategies help you manage your time effectively?
When I figure this out, I’ll let you know. Right now, the book store comes first. I have over 70 authors who I’m supporting by selling signed copies and they’re my priority. I have started writing again, and am trying to prioritize my time better so that I can focus on that as well. Doing writing sprints where I’m not allowed to check on / work on anything else helps a lot with that.
- What future plans do you have for expanding Scribbles Book Shop beyond romance and romantasy?
If you notice, our website doesn’t mention that we are a ‘romance’ signed copy bookstore, and this is on purpose. While we have started with a focus on romance / romantasy, due to my own foothold in the genre, I have plans to expand into all genres. It was important to begin with one so we had a large enough selection for our first customers, but as budget and space expand, so will the genres we sell.
- How do you handle the challenges of working with traditional publishers to obtain signed books for your shop?
This was a huge difficulty in starting, but after a few months I ‘think’ we’ve cracked the code. At the root of it all, the authors have to be willing to sign copies for us. Because after all, they are not getting any additional compensation for doing this. We’re so grateful for the traditional authors that take extra effort and time to help get signed copies to their readers. As we are a bookstore, we have access to purchase traditional titles directly from the publishers. After I communicate with an author and get them on board, I send them the books directly from the publisher, and then the books are shipped to myself. A few authors we are currently working with are Sierra Simone, Lucia Franco, Micalea Smeltzer, Dahlia Adler, and Celestine Martin. We are so grateful for them!
- What message would you like to share with readers and aspiring authors about pursuing their passions and dreams?
Don’t ever give up. Your voice deserves to be heard. Your dreams are of value. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are not capable, or you are not enough. You are enough. You will always be enough. Tell your story, share your passion, start that business, but do not, whatever you do, do not give up.
IG: @scribblesbookshop
W: https://scribblesbookshop.com/
