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Creating Book Clubs

Book clubs are a powerful way to build community around your bookstore and engage readers with shared reading experiences. As a store owner with a Premium subscription, you can create and host book clubs for your community.

Requirements​

To create book clubs, you need:

  • Premium Subscription: Club creation is a Premium feature
  • Store Setup: Your bookstore must be set up and active
Premium Feature

Book clubs are available to Premium subscribers. This feature allows you to build community and increase engagement with your bookstore.

Creating a New Club​

From the Read Tab​

  1. Navigate to the Read tab in the BookWish app
  2. Tap the Create button (+ icon)
  3. Select Create Book Club
  4. If you don't have Premium, you'll see an upgrade prompt

Club Creation Form​

When creating a club, you'll provide:

Required Fields:

  • Club Name: A clear, descriptive name (minimum 3 characters)
    • Examples: "Mystery Lovers Book Club", "Classic Literature Circle", "YA Fantasy Fans"

Optional Fields:

  • Description: What the club is about, reading preferences, meeting schedule
    • Example: "A monthly book club focused on contemporary fiction, meeting on the first Tuesday of each month"

Privacy Settings:

  • Public: Anyone can find and join your club
    • Best for: Growing your community, attracting new customers
    • Members can discover through search and browse
  • Private: Only people you invite can join
    • Best for: Curated groups, special programs, exclusive events
    • Members join by invitation only

Club Settings​

After creating your club, you can configure additional settings:

Schedule​

Set when your club meets:

  • Meeting frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
  • Day and time
  • Duration
  • Virtual or in-person location

Current Book​

Select the book your club is currently reading:

  1. Go to your club's page
  2. Tap Books tab
  3. Tap Add Book
  4. Search and select the book
  5. Optionally mark it as the Current Read

You can add multiple books to your club's reading list and indicate which one is currently active.

Discussion Prompts​

Create discussion topics for your members:

  • Add prompts in the club's discussion area
  • Pin important announcements
  • Schedule prompts to appear on specific dates
  • Use prompts to guide conversation and engagement

Cover Image​

Customize your club with a cover image:

  • Upload from the club settings
  • Recommended size: 1200x400 pixels
  • Use your store branding or book-themed imagery

Managing Your Club​

Adding Books​

Build your club's reading list:

  1. Navigate to your club
  2. Select the Books tab
  3. Tap Add Book
  4. Search for the book by title or ISBN
  5. Add additional details:
    • Reading start date
    • Reading end date
    • Mark as current read
    • Add discussion questions

Member Management​

Control who's in your club:

  • View Members: See all club members and their roles
  • Assign Moderators: Promote active members to help manage discussions
  • Remove Members: Remove members who violate guidelines (owner only)

See Managing Members for detailed member management guidance.

Discussion Moderation​

Keep conversations on track:

  • Monitor the discussion feed
  • Delete inappropriate posts
  • Pin important announcements
  • Respond to member questions
  • Encourage participation

Best Practices​

Growing Your Club​

Make it discoverable:

  • Use a clear, searchable club name
  • Write a compelling description
  • Make it public (unless exclusivity is the goal)
  • Share your club on social media

Engage members:

  • Post regularly
  • Ask discussion questions
  • Highlight member contributions
  • Schedule regular meetings

Promote in-store:

  • Display club information in your store
  • Offer member discounts on club books
  • Host in-person meetups
  • Create club-exclusive events

Running Effective Clubs​

Set expectations:

  • Establish a reading schedule
  • Communicate meeting times clearly
  • Set guidelines for respectful discussion
  • Define the club's focus and genre preferences

Keep it active:

  • Post weekly discussion prompts
  • Share related content (author interviews, reviews)
  • Celebrate reading milestones
  • Recognize active members

Connect to your store:

  • Stock club selections prominently
  • Offer member-only events
  • Provide reading guides or bookmarks
  • Create bundles for club members

Club Ideas for Bookstores​

Genre-Specific Clubs​

  • Mystery & Thriller Book Club
  • Science Fiction & Fantasy Readers
  • Romance Book Club
  • Literary Fiction Discussion Group
  • Young Adult Book Club

Format-Based Clubs​

  • Audiobook Listeners Circle
  • Graphic Novel & Comics Club
  • Classic Literature Society
  • New Release Preview Club

Community-Focused Clubs​

  • Kids' Book Club (with parent participation)
  • Teen Reading Group
  • Senior Citizens Book Club
  • ESL Reading Practice Group

Special Interest Clubs​

  • Local Authors Spotlight
  • Book-to-Movie Adaptation Club
  • Banned Books Discussion Group
  • Environmental Literature Circle
  • Business & Self-Help Book Club

Troubleshooting​

Can't Create a Club?​

If you're unable to create a club:

  • Check your subscription: Club creation requires Premium
  • Verify store status: Your store must be active
  • Contact support: If you're Premium and still can't create clubs

Low Engagement?​

If members aren't participating:

  • Post regular discussion prompts
  • Ask open-ended questions
  • Vary book selections to appeal to different tastes
  • Host special events or author Q&As
  • Send reminders before meetings
  • Create a welcoming atmosphere for new members

Managing Difficult Members?​

If you have disruptive members:

  • Set clear community guidelines
  • Address issues privately first
  • Assign moderators to help
  • Use the remove member feature if necessary
  • Document serious violations

Next Steps​

Community Building

Book clubs are one of the most effective ways to build lasting relationships with customers. Members often become your most loyal customers and advocates.