Our New England sales rep, Dani McGrath, poses with Hilary Emerson Lay (Manager/Bibliophile/Fearless Seller of Literature/Enthusiastic Changer of Hair Color) at The Spirit of 76 Bookstore on Feb 9th.
Soon we’ll bid a fond farewell to one of our favorite booksellers: Hilary Emerson Lay. Hilary is leaving the Spirit of ’76 Bookstore in Marblehead, Massachusetts on February 29. We’ve been fortunate enough to work with Hilary for several years, and we’ve found her to be a tireless proponent of good books and a “Fearless Seller of Literature” at every turn. She also understands and supports local-interest books as well as anyone in the business, and as a result she’s been an invaluable resource for our sales reps, publicists and acquisitions editors. And while we’re at it, she happens to be funny, fiercely intelligent, and kind to animals. (If you don’t believe it, ask a hedgehog.)
For Hilary—always an Enthusiastic Changer of Hair Color—we’re proud to offer this photo salute.
Many thanks, Hilary! -The History Press
Drat! I thought you were referring to Hilary Clinton. I can dream and hope that will happen in November 2012.
This is the best thing I have EVER seen!!! You guys are absolutely amazing. This picture made me simultaneously laugh and cry.
It’s true that I have been a doggedly loyal proponent of your books for years, but the flip side is that HP has helped keep my little indie bookstore afloat due to the quantity—and *quality*—of the books you produce. You take such great care in printing top-notch local interest books; our past two signings with you–”Marblehead’s Pygmalion” and “Marblehead’s First Harbor”—literally tied with the last Harry Potter in terms of the most number of books sold in under two hours. True story. And I didn’t have to dress up like a wizard and entertain 50 children with trivia and magic tricks!
I think that I speak for all of Hugobooks when I say that we cannot every fully express to you how much your books, and your staff, have done for us over the years. Katie has always been my rockstar go-to girl for last-minute event needs, and Dani…..what would I ever do without Dani?! Dani drives up from CT to check our stock, give us copies of awesome forthcoming titles, and give us big, appreciative hugs. (*The fact that her visits always HAPPEN to coincide with the day before all of my Harbor Sweets chocolates expire is entirely coincidental).
History Press, you are an amazing group of individuals. Your devotion to hitherto-unknown local interest subjects has help keep stores like us afloat. There are no words to properly thank you for what you do. The entire town of Marblehead loves you unconditionally.
Keep doing what you do.
Dani, I’ll mail you all of the about-to-expire chocolates before I leave.
xoxo
Hilary
Hi Hilary,
Thanks so much for your kind words! We love Marblehead too, as well as those “previously unknown local interest stories” you’re talking about. To us, there can never be enough of those kinds of histories–they truly provide keystones for communities. Thanks for partnering with us in that important mission of connecting Marblehead folks to their unique past.
We’re so glad that you liked our tribute. We know that you have great things ahead. So once again, thanks for everything, and good luck!
PS: I really love the pink wig in the middle….very close to my own hair….and I salute the guy wearing a (sock?) on his hand and reading “Marblehead’s Pygmalion” upside down. It’s cool if some of your staff can’t read; your secret’s safe with me.
ALL DE BEST GF!