Hi, I'm Tom Rowley. In March, I quit my job as a reporter at The Economist to follow my dream of opening my own independent bookshop.
I've finally found premises, in the centre of the lovely community of Balham in south-west London. I want the shop to be a social space as much as a bookshop, a place where people come together to discover new books and meet their neighbours. I can't wait to open the doors and get started and have already got an exciting line-up planned of author events and book clubs.
But I need your help to build the shop.
As soon as I quit my job, I was eager to get started. So every corner of my house is now covered in boxes of books, which I've been sending out to online customers. And I've been running a pop-up bookshop on Saturdays in Balham, meeting locals and hearing their enthusiasm for the new venture.
I've also been busy running a bookshop-without-a-shop, selling books at various launch parties and events across London, getting used to carting heavy boxes around town.
I have finally found a premises in the heart of Balham. Work is starting on site and, all being well, I hope to open the doors by the end of September. I hope Backstory is going to be a home for book lovers from Balham and beyond... a place for to recline in an armchair with a coffee or glass of wine or swap recommendations with friends or neighbours.
I have big plans for Backstory, including:
- Author readings and Q&As
- Book launches
- Authors in conversation with experts
- Join our book clubs - or host your own
- Music nights and bookish socials
The shop is an empty shell at the moment. So we need to put down a floor and then fill the place with bookshelves, comfy spots to linger a while, a long counter for the till and drinks...and, of course, books.
The costs are a little bit daunting, so we are hoping to raise £20,000 so that the bookshop doesn't open saddled with lots of debt. This will go towards:
- 16 bookcases
- Armchairs, tables and bar stools
- The long bar counter
- The coffee machine (very expensive!)
- A 'mini kitchen' with fridge and sink
So if you are able to chip in a little, I will be very grateful. As a small thank you, everyone who gives more than £20 will have their names above the bookcases. Those who give more than £30 can also pick up a free Backstory tote and a free drink on their first visit to the shop.
Whether you can support the campaign or not, I really look forward to welcoming you to Backstory very soon.
Thank you so much,
Tom