The site helps readers connect with their favourite authors by listing book related events for as many different authors and genres as possible. Since launch, BookGig has featured thousands of events across the UK including talks, signings, readings and other book-related activities from all major chain booksellers and over five-hundred independent retailers, plus literary festivals and publishing houses. A strong social media presence supported by authors, bookshops and readers has helped drive ticket sales for all types of events, says HarperCollins.
In addition to comprehensive listings of book-events across that UK that can be filtered by postcode, author or keyword, user-profile features allow users to create their own profile and receive personalised recommendations tailored to their favourite authors, genres, event types or preferred location, with events showcased on homepage carousels based on user activity and choices.
Jo Surman, Digital Director at HarperCollins said: “We’re really pleased with what we have achieved with BookGig. The website benefits everyone with an interest in book-related events, from publishers and booksellers through to literary festivals and of course readers, and The Bookseller is the perfect place for it to continue. We look forward to seeing it thrive in its new home.”
Nigel Roby, Chief Executive at The Bookseller said: “HarperCollins have done sterling work in creating BookGig. The Bookseller could not be more delighted to acquire it and take it to its next phase. Underpinning everything that The Bookseller does is a drive to get more books in the hands of more readers. Supporting live book events via BookGig is a perfect example of how we want to do that. It is the ideal complement to our reviews aggregation service, Books in the Media, which we launched at the end of last year.”
