All She Wrote Books is a pop-up bookstore that elevates female, queer and non-binary authored books to readers.
Project Description
Mission & Vision
All She Wrote Books is a bookstore that elevates female, queer and non-binary authored books to readers. Currently, we are a pop-up with the eventual goal of becoming a brick-and-mortar storefront, where we can showcase these authors and books and have space to create a community of writers and readers.
The Problem
Here's the problem: Research from the VIDA, a non-profit feminist organization committed to amplifying historically-marginalized voices in the literary landscape found that leading literary publications like the New York Times Book Review and Harper’s still do not feature as many women and non-binary reviewers as male reviewers. For women, fewer than 40% of reviews were written by women. Non-binary writers only amount to 1% or less of each publication’s overall output.
Here's some more for you: all book pricing for publications in the U.S. are set by these 5 major publishers - Penguin Books, Harper Collins, Macmillan Books, Simon and Schuster, and Hachette Books - making it impossible for bookstores to do anything about the pay gap.
Bottom line: there are amazing books written by these authors who identify as female/queer/non-binary. These stories are not getting shelf space nor the recognition they rightfully deserve, so many of their stories go untold.
Solution: Accessibility to the Underrepresented
All She Wrote Books solves this problem by providing access to these authors and the stories they tell, allowing the consumer to choose. Our customers are avid readers, bibliophiles who seek out new perspectives, genres, and authors. They are also people who seek a safe space for them to be themselves and know that they will always be loved and respected, no matter who they are. They are free to share their stories.
Why We Are Crowdfunding
All She Wrote Books is raising money on iFundWomen to open a brick-and-mortar storefront, where we can showcase these authors and books and have space to create a community of writers and readers.
The physical space will be located in Boston, but our catalog will be available online for anyone to take advantage. For those who make it into our store, you will not only have access to 100s of titles and authors you can’t find anywhere else, but you will also be able to join numerous bookstore events, including author readings, book clubs, etc.
For the underrepresented authors and readers out there, All She Wrote is looking to provide space for you to tell your story and connect with others who can relate to your unique experience.
About Christina
Christina Pascucci Ciampa is the founder/owner of All She Wrote Books. As a survivor of domestic abuse, she went digging for stories that she could relate to, and found that they were out there—but they tended to get less shelf space and be shortchanged by publishers and book reviewers. Being an avid reader, she often felt unrepresented by bookshelves and online recommendations showcasing what was already popular.
Christina started All She Wrote Books by partnering with local businesses in Somerville such as the Canopy Room at Bow Market and Winter Hill Brewing Company, asking them if she could bring her 3-shelf, beige Ikea cart of new and used books written by these authors and set herself up in a small section of their stores.
When Christina is not running a pop-up, she is spending time with her partner, Chris, as well as family and friends. She also belongs to an amazing book club, hosted by The Cauldron. You can also find her taking yoga at her favorite local studio (Some.Yoga.Studio) or at her community garden plot harvesting some really good tomatoes and eggplants this year.
A Big Thank You!
We are so grateful for the love and support All She Wrote Books has gotten since it started, and we are excited to start this new journey and create a space where we continue to raise more new voices and stories from female/queer/non-binary authors.
We have some really cool, fun rewards for you to take part in on our campaign page below, including totes with our logo on it and signed copies of books!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me christina@allshewrotebooks.com
Thank you so much for your support in helping All She Wrote Books!
Updates
The Project FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where will this money go immediately?
- To cover our growing book inventory needs and the architectural plans for the future brick-and-mortar space.
- What will this money go towards long-term?
- To pay for securing our permanent space, any permits from the city we need and purchasing furniture/fixtures/additional inventory for the bookstore.
- Where will your bookstore be located?
- Our goal is to find a retail space within Somerville, MA. We are in talks now with a few potential locations. More details to come!
- Can I buy All She Wrote Books merchandise now?
- Currently, you can only get our t-shirts, tote bags, bookmarks, and community memberships through our iFundWomen Campaign. We hope to make this merchandise available on our website in time for the holidays.
- Will there be other sideline retail items?
- Yes, absolutely! We are truly looking forward to bringing you a curated offering of gifts, cards, artwork, and more!
- How can I connect IRL?
- We pop-up at various locations throughout the Greater Boston area each month. All She Wrote Books has started two residencies - one at Winter Hill Brewing Company (every 3rd Sunday of the month) and Juliet (once a month). We also pop-up at E-Som Market at La Brasa, Boston Women's Markets, the Canopy Room at Bow Market, and so many more! For more information, check out www.allshewrotebooks.com.
- What are other ways I can help?
- If you don’t already, follow our Facebook, Instagram and mailing list for community updates!
- Spread the word about All She Wrote Books — encourage others to follow us and to join our mailing list.
- Purchase books through All She Wrote Books — we can make special orders! Email christina@allshewrotebooks.com
Receive an All She Wrote Books swag bag featuring one of our tote bags, t-shirts, bookmark, and an additional surprise gift!
Make a contribution in the amount of your choosing because you want to help create a space where we continue to raise more new voices and stories from female, queer and non-binary authors.
Receive an All She Wrote Books Bookmark to save your place in that book you're reading.
Receive a super cute All She Wrote Books tote bag to carry all your books around with you.
Receive an All She Wrote vintage-style t-shirt. It's super soft and very wearable. We'll message you to get your size.
Get your appetite for reading ready because we have some delicious books we want you to try! All She Wrote Books has plenty of books authored by female, queer and non-binary authors from a range of genres available for you to sample. You secure the location - we will bring everything else for you and your guests, including drinks, food and most importantly - the books!
A signed copy of "She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History" written by Chelsea Clinton. Your signed book will also come with an All She Wrote Books tote bag.
For 3 months, we will hand select a title for you and your book club from our collection of female, queer or non-binary authors delivered to your door. Each month, you'll receive 5 copies of new titles for you and your friends to read, discuss and enjoy! Plus, we might throw in a little surprise or two in your package!
Officially become a part of the All She Wrote Books community by donating to get one-year access to monthly member-only events and discounts, including our opening party! You'll also get your very own community membership card.
Please note: community memberships are non-transferable.
Rewards
Receive an All She Wrote Books swag bag featuring one of our tote bags, t-shirts, bookmark, and an additional surprise gift!
Make a contribution in the amount of your choosing because you want to help create a space where we continue to raise more new voices and stories from female, queer and non-binary authors.
Receive an All She Wrote Books Bookmark to save your place in that book you're reading.
Receive a super cute All She Wrote Books tote bag to carry all your books around with you.
Receive an All She Wrote vintage-style t-shirt. It's super soft and very wearable. We'll message you to get your size.
Get your appetite for reading ready because we have some delicious books we want you to try! All She Wrote Books has plenty of books authored by female, queer and non-binary authors from a range of genres available for you to sample. You secure the location - we will bring everything else for you and your guests, including drinks, food and most importantly - the books!
A signed copy of "She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History" written by Chelsea Clinton. Your signed book will also come with an All She Wrote Books tote bag.
For 3 months, we will hand select a title for you and your book club from our collection of female, queer or non-binary authors delivered to your door. Each month, you'll receive 5 copies of new titles for you and your friends to read, discuss and enjoy! Plus, we might throw in a little surprise or two in your package!
Officially become a part of the All She Wrote Books community by donating to get one-year access to monthly member-only events and discounts, including our opening party! You'll also get your very own community membership card.
Please note: community memberships are non-transferable.