Skip to main content

Book Clubs

Host and manage book clubs for your bookstore community.

Overview​

Book clubs in BookWish let you:

  • Create reading communities around your store
  • Facilitate discussions
  • Drive book sales
  • Build customer relationships

Creating a Book Club​

Setup Process​

  1. Go to Shop > Programs > Book Clubs
  2. Tap Create Club
  3. Fill in details:
    • Club name
    • Description
    • Cover image
    • Start/end dates (optional)

Club Settings​

SettingDescription
Public/PrivateWho can see and join
Max MembersLimit club size (optional)
Store-HostedDisplays your store as host

Adding Books​

Add books to the club's reading list:

  1. Open club settings
  2. Tap Add Book
  3. Search and select book
  4. Set reading order
  5. Set discussion start date (optional)

Managing Members​

Member Roles​

RolePermissions
HostFull control, manage members
ModeratorManage discussions, assist host
MemberParticipate in discussions

Accepting Members​

For private clubs:

  • Review join requests
  • Accept or decline
  • Send welcome message

Member Limits​

Set maximum members to:

  • Keep discussions manageable
  • Create exclusivity
  • Match in-person capacity

Discussions​

How Discussions Work​

Club discussions happen through "Lines":

  • Members post thoughts about current book
  • Others reply and engage
  • Discussions are club-only

Facilitating Discussion​

As host, encourage engagement:

  • Post discussion questions
  • Respond to member posts
  • Highlight interesting perspectives
  • Share relevant content

Discussion Guidelines​

Set expectations:

  • Spoiler policies
  • Respectful discourse
  • Staying on topic
  • Reporting issues

In-Store Meetings​

Hybrid Approach​

Many clubs combine:

  • Online discussions (BookWish app)
  • In-person meetings (your store)

Scheduling Meetings​

Announce meetups:

  1. Post in club discussion
  2. Include date, time, location
  3. Note if reservation needed

Meeting Space​

Prepare your store:

  • Arrange seating
  • Have books available
  • Refreshments (optional)
  • Discussion materials

Promoting Your Club​

In BookWish​

Your clubs appear:

  • On your store profile
  • In club discovery
  • To your store followers

External Promotion​

Share your club:

  • Store newsletter
  • Social media
  • In-store signage
  • Local event listings

Driving Sales​

Club Books​

Encourage members to buy from you:

  • Stock club selections
  • Offer member discounts
  • Bundle deals

Pre-Orders​

For upcoming selections:

  • Allow pre-orders
  • Reserve copies for members
  • Notify when available

Analytics​

Club Metrics​

Track club performance:

  • Member count
  • Engagement rate
  • Books discussed
  • Sales attributed

Member Engagement​

Monitor participation:

  • Active vs. inactive members
  • Discussion frequency
  • Meeting attendance

Best Practices​

Successful Clubs​

Elements of thriving book clubs:

  • Clear purpose/theme
  • Regular cadence
  • Active moderation
  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Diverse book selections

Avoiding Pitfalls​

Common issues to prevent:

  • Dominating personalities
  • Spoilers
  • Off-topic discussions
  • Inactive hosts
  • Too many books too fast

Growing Your Club​

Scale thoughtfully:

  • Start small, build community
  • Add members gradually
  • Split into multiple clubs if needed
  • Train additional moderators