I have a confession to make — I love used bookstores.

I know, I know. Used bookstores are the devil. They’re downright evil, according to some published authors. You see, authors don’t get any royalties on sales at used bookstores. Even if a certain book is bought and sold 10 times at the same store, the author will never see a dime of that money. Not a penny.

Authors would much rather you buy their book brand-spanking new at Barnes & Noble so they can get their $1 in royalties and have the sale register with their publishers. I’ll probably feel the same way when my books come out next year. Gotta keep those sales numbers up and make the bean counters happy. 😉

If I ever see someone selling (gasp!) one of my beloved books or see it on the shelf in a used bookstore, I’ll probably sit down in the middle of the floor, have a good cry, beat my breasts, and wail why didn’t they like me???

But for now, I’m totally digging used bookstores. In fact, I went to one of my favorite ones today — Mr. K’s — and picked up some stuff to read. I got five books for $15 — a steal at twice the price.

But it’s not just the cheap prices I like at used bookstores — it’s the atmosphere. The slightly musty odor in the air, the tinkle of the bell over the front door, the low murmur of conversation, finding a hidden treasure among the towering stacks.

It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

What about you? Which do you prefer — new or used? Inquiring minds want to know …