Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 22, 2026
Featured Launches Find Bookstores: AI Tool for Author Book Tours
TLDR
- Featured's Find Bookstores gives authors a first-mover edge by instantly matching them to 1,093 independent bookstores that host events.
- Featured's chat tool searches 1,093 independent U.S. bookstores by place or genre and returns event links, descriptions, and emails for pitching.
- Featured's Find Bookstores helps authors connect with local independent bookstores, strengthening community ties and expanding access to live literary events.
- Featured's new search covers 1,093 independent bookstores across all 50 states, and 36.6 percent describe author events in their own words.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it addresses a critical pain point for authors and publicists: finding and contacting independent bookstores that host author events. With the resurgence of independent bookstores—openings up 87% from 2024 and membership at its highest since the late 1990s—there are more opportunities than ever for authors to connect with readers. However, the process of identifying stores, finding contact information, and crafting pitches can be daunting, especially for first-time authors. Featured's Find Bookstores streamlines this by providing a comprehensive, searchable database with key details and the ability to draft pitches instantly. This not only saves time but also democratizes access to book tours, enabling authors to reach more audiences and increase book sales. For publicists, it's a powerful tool to plan multi-city tours efficiently. Ultimately, it supports the growing ecosystem of independent bookstores and helps authors build meaningful connections with readers across the country.
Summary
Featured, the AI co-pilot for PR, has launched Find Bookstores, a searchable database of 1,093 independent U.S. bookstores designed for authors and book publicists planning signings and book tours. Users can simply name a place or genre in Featured's chat—such as asking for Bookstores in Texas that host author signings or Mystery bookstores in California—and receive matching stores that host author events. Each result includes the store's name and location, a short description of its programming, a link to its website or events page, and an email address when available. Users can then ask Featured to draft the pitch in the same chat, streamlining the outreach process.
The tool is available on every Featured plan, including Free, and integrates seamlessly with other Featured capabilities like finding speaking opportunities and podcasts. This launch comes as independent bookstores are experiencing a resurgence: the American Booksellers Association's 2025 annual report counted 605 new bookstore businesses opened in 2025, including 399 storefronts, against 65 closures, with openings up 87% from 2024. ABA membership reached 3,417 members operating 3,783 locations, nearly double the 1,775 members the association counted in 2016 and, according to the Associated Press, the highest since the late 1990s. Featured's database spans all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 796 cities, with 59.9% of stores linking to a public events page and 37.6% publishing an email address. Brett Farmiloe, Founder and CEO of Featured, shared his personal struggle as a first-time author, noting that Featured simplifies the path and connects authors with stores that host events and can move product. Find Bookstores is live now at featured.com, free to start with no credit card required.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by Newsworthy.ai. Read the original source here, Featured Launches Find Bookstores: AI Tool for Author Book Tours
