The Last Word to the Next Level

It has been an amazing first eight months for The Last Word Bookstore, with the most gratifying part being the way in which readers and book lovers from around the area have embraced us as their local literary spot. We have hosted numerous author signings, book clubs, and other events. There have also been many glowing articles and reviews from publications like the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Texas Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly (Best Bookstore 2016!) and even a mention in the most recent issue of Texas Monthly.

As we enter 2017, the goal here at TLW is to do an even better job of bringing you the most diverse array of books possible, many of which you just don’t find anywhere else. This will require increasing the variety of fiction offerings as well as significant expansion of our non-fiction area (history, travel, art, and business were three areas frequently mentioned during the Christmas season). There are also some improvements to store itself that need to made, including making the back room more usable for book clubs and other groups. Finally, while we have done well making our presence known on social media platforms, a large segment of the population can still only be reached through print and/or radio marketing, and we have lagged in this area.

All the areas mentioned above require a financial outlay beyond the reach of most new businesses, and we are no exception. If The Last Word had been open for a few years, the normal solution would be a bank loan or line of credit. However, as I learned during the start-up process (and any of you entrepreneurs already knew) banks want nothing to do with small businesses until you have a few years’ worth of financial statements to show them. While I can understand this position, we simply cannot wait a year or more to move TLW to the next level, and with your partnership we won’t have to.

Please consider supporting us with a contribution toward our goal of $20,000. Any amount will be greatly appreciated, but there are some suggested levels listed below that come with rewards that have been specially designed for this project. Feel free to message me, e-mail, call, or come by the store with any questions you may have. Together we can make 2017 the year Fort Worth really gets Lit.

Thanks.

Paul

$25.00 - The Faulkner Level
A limited edition private investor T-shirt.

$50.00 - The Turgenev Level
TLW Swag Bag (it's a surprise...trust us, just do it).

$100.00 - The Atwood Level
Set of 50 private investor bookplates.

$250.00 - The Maugham Level
All of the above.

$500.00 - The Zafon Level
Private investor reception for you and 25 of your favorite book-loving friends after hours (beer and wine included).

$1000.00 - The Hemingway Level
All of the above, and I will name a character after you in the next book in The Last Word series.

If you have the means and desire to support us at higher than the $1000.00 level, we can have a private conversation about a suitable incentive (bear in mind, my children already have names).