Hello everyone! I do not typically publish posts on the weekend…you know, family time! But for this, I had to. I had to thank the person who started all of it and those who have participated thus far. I needed to take the time to discuss this amazing event taking place in the twitter book world! So, here it is.

I have seen #Bookishwish going around the twitter book world for a while now. Many people are asking what it is. Well, I am here to help with that. I first want to thank everyone who has gifted books to those who live internationally. We all know the struggles of having access to books in other countries. This is good for everyone, including people such as me who live in the United States. Just because I live here does not mean I have access to all of these books either. As a full-time mom who recently graduated from college for the second time, with over $70,000 in college loans, I do not have money to purchase books I would like to own.

The Founder

That being said, I would like to first introduce you to the founder of this amazing event. She created the first snowfall of this avalanche of generosity.

I’m in a fortunate enough position that often if I want a book, I can get it. But I’m curious – what’s a book you’re dying to get your hands on? An ARC or a special edition or whatever. Maybe somebody can help.

— Love, Julie (@DailyJulianne) July 26, 2018

Julie (Julianne Day) wanted to give to some who could not afford books but she had no idea how far her selfless act would go. It cascaded into this amazing hashtag of kindness. Only three days later, she tweeted again. This time, announcing the official hashtag #Bookishwish.

With @allyabe22’s help, we have a hash tag! Twitter can make going through the replies to this thread a hassle and sometimes people quote-tweet, so you really can’t see it. SO, if you’re looking for a book, use the hash tag #bookishwish!

— Love, Julie (@DailyJulianne) July 31, 2018

I want to thank her for being the turning stone, the person to fearlessly start something huge.

I contacted Julie and asked for an interview. Of course, she accepted. She  Find the interview below.

Thank you again to Julie for participating in this interview! I appreciate all of her advice and responses. I love the Libby/Overdrive apps. I will be doing a Book Blogging 101 post about it in the future, be sure to look for it. Now, here is some more information on #Bookishwish.

Here is a final tweet from Julie!

-I encourage you to send books/goodies because you want to. If you want to work out a trade/purchase, that’s fine, but this is really about giving back where we can
-Even if you can’t help, RTing other people’s wishlists is ALWAYS great. #bookishwish

— Love, Julie (@DailyJulianne) July 31, 2018

How can you join #Bookishwish?

It might seem daunting, looking at all of these wish lists posted, but it is really simple. Below I have broken it down into requesting books and gifting them.

Requesting Books

It is really easy to participate, either requesting books or gifting them. I will note this is not a trade event. This is meant to give books with nothing in return, except maybe help to pay postage depending on where that individual resides. If you would like to set up a trade that is fine as well, but remember the purpose of the tag.

It is easy to get started. First, make your #Bookishwish list. Many have used notes on their phones, made google documents, or handwritten lists. They have even gone as far as making Amazon or Book Depository wishlists and simply posting the links. That is a great idea, but try to remember to limit your wishlist length. As Julie suggested, pick about 6 titles and post them. Once you get one or more, wait a week and post an updated list. Allow time for everyone to be gifted something.

If you are not accepting e-books for whatever reason, make that clear. Be sure to specify if you would like an ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy) or a finished copy of the book(s) you are requesting. If you are looking for a special edition or a specific print, for example, a UK edition, be sure to mention it. Nothing is too crazy to look for. So, if you have a hidden gem you have been searching forever for, give it a shot. Someone might just be your magic fairy. Be sure to include #Bookishwish in your tweet and where you are located.

For those of you international readers, here are a few variations of the tag for different regions. Here are the main three that I have come across: #bookishwishph (for Filipino readers), #bookishwishnl (for Dutch readers ), and #ukbookishwish (for UK readers)

Gifting Books

All you have to do is search #Bookishwish in the twitter search bar. From here you can scroll through and see what everyone is wishing for. You can even giveaway a gift card by posting that you will pick one or two names from those who comment. Almost like a giveaway. Another way to grant wishes is to post pictures of the books you are willing to gift. When someone responds saying one of your novels is on their wishlist, you then contact them and set up your delivery of their special gift.

If you would like to buy someone a book, especially internationally, here are some suggestions for places to purchase them that ship to a wide range of countries.

Book Depository

 Wordery

Amazon

Better World Books

If you do not have books to give away, you can offer swag as well. Readers love book swag. You can offer to custom make bookmarks, give away buttons or other things that came in subscription boxes, make book sleeves (I would love one!), etc. This is not limited to books.

Even if you cannot participate by giving things, you can boost others’ wish lists by retweeting. This is such a great help to get the word out.

One thing to keep in mind is allergies, pet or smoke, that recipients might have! We are here to spread joy not antihistamines.

Additional Advice

The most important thing to remember is that this is about kindness and giving. Do not make this into an argument about people not willing to ship internationally. It is expensive and not all of us have the funds to do so. Respect others and their wishes. If they specify the UK only, you may message and ask to pay postage, but do not ask if they will ship it elsewhere for free. That is rude, they specifically mentioned where they were willing to ship it. Above all, be respectful and have fun.

Do not hesitate to ask for books. I know, I am one to talk…I have yet to put a #Bookishwish list up. I am hesitant because mine is long, but everyone says not to worry about it.  I will be narrowing my list to a handful and swtiching them throughout the weeks. I will also be looking at everyone’s lists to see if I have books I can gift. I would love to help make someone’s day. I hope that #Bookishwish never ends. It can help so many people! I will be hosting an international Book Depository giveaway later on this month or early next month. Be sure to keep your eye out for that. I will also, possibly, be unloading some books at the end of the month or beginning of next month, I am unsure yet.

Do not be upset or discouraged if your wishes are not granted right away. Keep refreshing and give it time. Many people are wishing for the same book or books that are incredibly rare and it may take a while for someone who has it to come along. I know it can be upsetting seeing others get books while you get none, but do not become bitter. Be grateful people are willing to be so generous and help those who are less fortunate.

Thank you for reading and I hope you now know all about #Bookishwish and have fun participating. I hope this event is not a temporary thing. I think it is important and helps a lot of people. I would like to continue this…always. Go now, spread joy and be that one person who makes another’s day. Be a book fairy and spread your magic dust!