From Remedial English to Revolutionizing Reading: My Journey with Author Advantage

Still life with books in a niche

Discovering the Power of Reading

Hello, fellow book lovers! My name is Griffin Daly, and I am excited to share my journey as the founder of Author Advantage. My life has been shaped by reading, and I firmly believe that every book has the power to change lives. Today, I want to take you through my story, from my early challenges with reading to my passion for supporting authors and transforming how we connect with literature.

Early Struggles with Reading

As a child, I struggled in English classes and found myself in remedial courses. I felt overwhelmed and lagged behind my peers. During this challenging time, I stumbled upon a game that changed everything for me: the "dictionary game." I would flip the dictionary open to a random page, select a word, and write down its definition in a notebook. This small exercise sparked my interest in words, making me appreciate the beauty of language.

As I moved up to regular classes, my love for reading flourished. I recall many nights lying in bed with a flashlight, lost in the pages of captivating stories while my brother tried to sleep nearby. Those moments were special, allowing me to escape to different worlds and experience lives beyond my own.

A Lifelong Reading Habit

As I transitioned into adulthood, my passion for reading deepened. I developed a habit of reading consistently, averaging about one book a week. This routine brought great joy and enriched my perspective on life. Reading became a source of comfort, and my overflowing bookshelf stood as a testament to my love for literature.

Like many readers, I discovered a unique preference: I mainly bought my books second-hand. This decision was driven by financial constraints and a love for the character that used books and used bookstores posses. In fact, nearly all of my purchases over the years have been pre-owned, each with its own story waiting to be rediscovered.

A Realization About Supporting Authors

One day, while staring at my ever-growing bookshelf, it hit me. Although I was a devoted reader, I had not considered the impact of my second-hand purchases on the authors whose work I cherished. It was clear that while I enjoyed their stories daily, I was not supporting their success. Only new book sales result in financial support and feedback for writers. This realization felt like a missed opportunity, and it motivated me to take action.

Volunteering at Books4Life Amsterdam

To further understand the book industry and find a way to support authors, I started volunteering at a used bookstore and nonprofit organization called Books4Life Amsterdam. My responsibilities included sorting donations and helping list our collection on bol.com. It was here that I realized the immense challenges faced by independent bookstores, even with a charitable mission.

Despite our noble cause of donating profits to charity, we struggled to compete on price against major retailers. The reality was that we could not match the low-cost options they offered. I began to understand that there needed to be a better way to support both readers and writers while helping independent booksellers thrive.

The Birth of Author Advantage

This realization led me to create Author Advantage to tackle pressing issues in the book industry. My vision was straightforward: empower readers to support the writers they love regardless if a book is new or not. Simultaneously, I aimed to provide independent booksellers with the necessary tools to compete against market giants with a direct and clear social mission.

Author Advantage is not merely about selling books; it's about building a community where readers can connect with authors and uplift their work. By purchasing used books through our partners, readers can support the successes of the writers they admire while enjoying the excitement of discovering literary gems.

Embracing the Journey

My path from struggling with reading to founding Author Advantage has been transformative. Reading has shaped my identity and has enabled me to develop a passion for helping readers connect with the authors they love.

With Author Advantage, I aim to revolutionize how we engage with literature. It is possible for readers to enjoy their favorite stories while also giving back to the writers who create them. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant community that celebrates the magic of books and the power of storytelling.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more insights and stories with you in the future!