Behind the Shelves at The Well-Read Moose

The art and science of curating great reads

by Melissa Demotte - Proprietrix

At The Well-Read Moose, we’re more than just a bookstore; we’re book matchmakers. Every title on our shelves has earned its spot, chosen with care, curiosity, and a bit of magic. Whether it’s the perfect summer thriller or a beautifully illustrated picture book, we make sure each book we stock has a reason to be here.

So, how do we decide what makes the cut? It’s part science, part instinct, and 100% a labor of love.

Let’s start with the science. Behind the scenes, we tap into a powerful book industry database that syncs with our inventory system. This lets us track how each book is performing compared to other indie bookstores across the Pacific Northwest. We can see which authors have a strong following, what categories are trending, and which hidden gems are flying off the shelves. It’s data-driven decision-making at its finest, and we use it every single day.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. The rest? That’s where the art comes in.

Our team of passionate booksellers—who are readers first and foremost—play a huge role in shaping our collection. When someone on the team falls in love with a new release, we bring it in so they can share it with customers. We also pay close attention to what you, our readers, are asking for. A customer’s special request often sparks a storewide favorite.

Then there’s the ever-whirling world of BookTok and Bookstagram, where we scout out buzzworthy titles and rising stars. Publisher reps flood our inboxes with recommendations, hoping to capture our attention (and our shelf space). It’s a lot to sift through, but every tip, trend, and hunch helps us build a one-of-a-kind selection.

Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to get early copies of upcoming titles, and yes, we read them! When a story makes us laugh, cry, or gasp out loud, we know it’s something worth sharing. Our favorite children’s books often come from previewing digital editions, and we still get giddy over gorgeous illustrations and laugh-out-loud storytelling.

In the end, curating our shelves is more than a job—it’s a privilege. Each book we choose is a chance to connect someone with a story they’ll remember. And nothing makes us happier than helping a customer discover their next great read.

The Well-Read Moose

Located in Riverstone

2048 N. Main St.

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

208.215.2265

WellReadMoose.com

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