THE GILDED PROSE

Welcome to The Gilded Prose, romance & fantasy bookstore. Nestled in the heart of the Poconos, PA our independent, women-owned bookstore will be a haven for dreamers, adventurers, and lovers of all things romance & fantasy!

At The Gilded Prose, we celebrate stories that ignite passion, whisk readers away to magical realms, and empower hearts to beat stronger. Whether you're seeking tales of timeless love, thrilling quests, or a mix of both, our curated with love shelves are overflowing with new stories just waiting to be discovered.

More than just a bookstore, we aim to be a community hub for book enthusiasts seeking a welcoming place to mingle with other book besties. Join us for author signings, themed book clubs, book release parties, and cozy gatherings that bring stories to life. Every title we carry is chosen with love, reflecting our mission to champion diverse voices.

As a small business owner, I know how challenging it can be. I would also love to feature local business and local authors in our place. Collaborating with all the people I've met since I started this endeavor has been a blast, and continuing that momentum is hugely important to me.

Join us on this journey to make The Gilded Prose a reality for the community.

THE OWNER

Hello darlings! I'm Nicole and my goal is to open this bookstore for all of you. As a young child, I often found comfort in the library surrounded by books and that comfort remains. I'd love to share my passion with my community and give everyone a fun space to share their love of all things romance & fantasy! Operating as a popup has been the highlight of the past year, meeting so many romance enthusiasts and gushing together has been wonderful! Lets chase that and make this happen.

MARKET & DEMOGRAPHICS

My goal is to open in the heart of the Poconos where I have called home for 23 years. There are so many quaint little towns in the region and I aim to be able to open in the Stroudsburg area. There are no new bookstores in this area and that feels like a huge oversight! With a surge in reading and romance in particular, I'd like to provide a space for us to come together and be ourselves. Romance novels alone generated 1.44 billion in 2023, making it the highest selling fiction genre! 

Romance thrives because it shares themes of love, connection, and emotional growth, being in tune with readers across generations. The genre's dedicated fan base plays a huge role in shaping its evolution. Romance continually redefines itself to reflect the diversity and complexities of today's relationships.

The insurgence of younger readers, fueled by social media such as BookTok and Bookstagram, has added fresh eyes into the genre. These readers are promoting stories that champion inclusivity, representation, and innovative storytelling.

The blending of romance with other genres such as fantasy, science fiction, and mystery has broadened its massive appeal opening it to a wider range of readers. Whether through slow burn love stories set in magical realms or fast paced romantic comedies that address real world issues, romance remains a powerful force.

This combination of a loyal readership, adaptability, and cultural relevance ensures that romance will continue to flourish, proving that love is always a story worth telling.

FUNDING NEEDS

The cost of opening a business is immense. In addition to our own funds, we have broken down our costs to open to around $70,000.

Operating Expenses

• Rent, Utilities: $15,000 (We have estimated about $5000/mo in operating expenses and would like to have 3 months to open with)
• Furniture, Displays: $10,000 (We need bookcases, tables, chairs, checkout counter, displays, etc,. to make the space inviting!)
• Inventory: $25,000 (Estimated $20,000 in book inventory and $5000 in sideline merchandise such as stickers, bookmarks, tote bags, etc.)
• Operational Necessities: $10000 (Point of sale system, camera/alarm system, insurance, etc.)
• Food & Beverage: $5000 (We would like to serve small snacks and coffee/tea/beverages for your pleasure.)
• Miscellaneous Supplies: $5000 (Bags, Decor, Stationary, Music License, etc.)

WE CANT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU.

This venture is a big effort. I am hoping to cultivate a "third place" for the community I hold so dear. By that I mean a place outside of home and work where people can come together to build relationships, exchange ideas, socialize, and have fun! Your contribution will make this happen and you're the reason it will thrive! I cannot thank you enough for your contribution and I hope we can make this happen for not just me but all of you.